The 13th edition of the Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke is set to kick off on April 16th with the screening of the French film Ma frère, directed by Lise Akoka and Romane Guéret. The festival, a celebration of international cinema, will run from April 16th to April 23rd, 2026, and feature over 80 films from around the globe, alongside a diverse program of events including discussions and celebrations.
Ma frère, which translates to “My Brother,” premiered in January 2026 and has already garnered attention for its portrayal of friendship and navigating young adulthood. The film follows Shaï and Djeneba, two lifelong friends who perform as counselors at a summer camp in the Drôme region of France, alongside a group of children from their neighborhood in Paris. As they guide the children, they are also forced to confront choices that will shape their own futures and redefine their bond. According to AlloCiné, the film runs for 1 hour and 52 minutes and stars Fanta Kebe, Shirel Nataf, and Amel Bent.
A Sequel of Sorts for Akoka and Guéret
This marks the second feature-length film from the directing duo of Lise Akoka and Romane Guéret, following their critically acclaimed 2022 film, “Les Pires.” Bulles de Culture describes Ma frère as a “sun-drenched” continuation of their work, building on the energy of their earlier web series, Tu préfères. The film has received a rating of 3.9 out of 5 from critics and 3.6 out of 5 from viewers, as of January 12, 2026, according to reports.
Festival Highlights and Regional Competition
The Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke isn’t solely focused on international features. The festival is currently accepting submissions for its regional short film competition, aiming to showcase the creativity of filmmakers from the Estrie region. The deadline for submissions is open now, with the competition taking place during the festival itself. The festival website details that this competition is designed to highlight the talent of emerging and established Estrie filmmakers.
Expanding Cinematic Experiences
Beyond the main film screenings, the festival offers a variety of events designed to engage audiences with cinema in new ways. The festival’s “OFF FCMS” series includes “Ciné-Moi” events, intimate morning screenings at Café Baobab, followed by discussions on the psychological themes explored in the films. In January, the festival also hosted a free screening of Le dernier repas as part of Black History Month, in partnership with BlackEstrie.
The festival’s diverse programming aims to provide a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers, offering a space for cultural exchange and cinematic discovery. With over 35 events planned alongside the 80 film screenings, the Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke promises a rich and engaging experience for film lovers.
As the festival approaches, film enthusiasts can look forward to a vibrant celebration of global cinema in Sherbrooke. Further details about the full program, including screening times and locations, will be released in the coming weeks on the official festival website.
What films are you most excited to notice at the Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
