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ApplyScreening of Student Films at the Ancient Theatre of Arles
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the Ancient Theatre of Arles once again hosted MoPA’s traditional end-of-year screening. Students, families, friends, alumni, partners and animation enthusiasts gathered in this iconic venue to discover the films and projects created throughout the year by the school’s different classes.
As night fell, this open-air screening, set against the backdrop of a remarkable historic site, provided students with an unforgettable experience. More than simply showcasing their work, the event marks the culmination of months of creativity, dedication and hard work, before celebrating the graduation films of the Class of 2026.
Contents
Screening of Student Films at the Ancient Theatre of Arles: A Night Under the Stars Celebrating MoPA's Talent
At a glance
- Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
- Venue: Ancient Theatre of Arles
- More than 35 student productions screened, from the Foundation Year to the fifth year
- Six graduation films presented to close the evening
- Highlights: 2025–2026 year in review, tribute to Jean-Marc Serre, and screening of the Class of 2026 graduation films
A Screening That Has Become a Must-Attend Event
From 9:00 p.m., spectators took their seats in the stands of the Ancient Theatre of Arles before the evening officially opened with a speech by Yoni ARENA, Director of MoPA, followed by remarks from Patrick DE CAROLIS, Mayor of Arles.
Faithful to an event he would not miss for the world, Patrick DE CAROLIS emphasized how this screening has become one of the highlights of Arles' cultural calendar. He expressed his delight that this exceptional heritage site continues to showcase the creations of MoPA students and praised the dedication and work of the school's teaching staff.
Describing Arles as a true city of images, where photography, moving images and illustration come together, he congratulated the students on the quality of their work and highlighted MoPA's major contribution to the city's artistic influence.
A Year of Achievements for MoPA
During his speech, Yoni ARENA looked back on the key milestones that marked the 2025–2026 academic year for the school.
He paid particular tribute to the graduation film « Le jour où j'ai léché un caillou », which was selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's student competition and named a finalist at the BAFTA Student Awards as well as the SIGGRAPH Student Competition. These new international recognitions once again demonstrate the outstanding quality of the films created by MoPA students.
He also highlighted an important milestone for the school: its inclusion among the first institutions accredited by the French Animation Film Schools Network (RECA), supported by the French National Centre for Cinema (CNC). This distinction recognizes the excellence of MoPA's teaching and provides a significant advantage for graduates as they begin their professional careers.
Finally, Yoni ARENA celebrated the inspiring achievements of MoPA alumni by mentioning Illogic, a studio founded by former students of the school and notably behind the advertising film Le Loup mal aimé created for Intermarché. It is a great example of the success of MoPA graduates and of the creativity, artistic sensitivity and high standards that define the school.
Fifteen Years of Collaboration Between Image and Music
The evening also featured a particularly moving tribute to Jean-Marc SERRE, Director of the Music Applied to Audiovisual Arts (MAAAV) programme at the University of Lyon.
For the past fifteen years, this partnership has enabled composition students and animation students to collaborate on MoPA's graduation films. This essential artistic collaboration plays a key role in the quality of the short films produced each year. The images come to life through music, while young composers gain valuable experience of creating original scores for animated films.
On the occasion of his retirement, Jean-Marc SERRE was warmly thanked for his commitment to the students and for fifteen years of collaboration. A commemorative award was presented to him in recognition of this remarkable human and artistic journey shared with MoPA.
A Screening That Showcases the Students' Entire Journey
From 10:00 p.m., once night had fallen, the screenings began, transforming the Ancient Theatre into a spectacular open-air cinema dedicated to animation.
The audience enjoyed a comprehensive showcase of the productions created throughout the year, highlighting the students' progression at every stage of their education, from the Foundation Year through to the graduation films.
A Rich and Diverse Programme
The evening opened with a loop of stop-motion experiments created by Foundation Year students, followed by a selection of MoPA's most iconic films.
The first part of the programme then showcased the work of first- and second-year students:
- Five stop-motion films created by first-year students;
- Three short films produced as part of the Espoirs de l'Animation competition, in partnership with M6 Group, Gulli, Tiji and Canal J;
- Four 10-second animation loops exploring the theme "The Intruder".
The second part of the evening focused on productions created by third- and fourth-year students:
- Four animated greeting cards created by third-year students;
- The short film Miss Olympe, produced in partnership with the Arles Departmental Museum of Ancient History;
- Nine original short films showcasing the diversity of artistic worlds developed within the school;
- Three bumpers created by fourth-year students for the Animation First festival.
Key Takeaways
- More than 35 student productions screened throughout the evening.
- Every year group represented, from the Foundation Year to the fifth year.
- A wide variety of projects, including stop-motion films, short films, greeting cards, bumpers and collaborative productions.
- An open-air screening in the exceptional setting of the Ancient Theatre of Arles.
The Six Graduation Films Brought the Evening to a Close
The most eagerly awaited moment of the evening, the final part of the programme was dedicated to the screening of the six graduation films created by the Class of 2026. Presented on the big screen in front of family and friends, these short films represent the culmination of five years of study and mark the beginning of their journey on the international festival circuit.
- Patte Blanche
- Le stagiaire
- Sans contact
- L'issue
- Ça te regarde
- Regarde les danser
A fitting conclusion to this 2026 edition, warmly applauded by the audience in this exceptional venue.
An Evening to Remember
Every year, this screening is one of the highlights of life at MoPA. It celebrates the students' achievements, the artistic collaborations that enrich the school, and the shared passion that drives the next generation of animation professionals.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Ancient Theatre of Arles, the 2026 edition once again offered students a truly unique experience, worthy of the films they imagined, created and brought to life throughout their studies.
The entire MoPA team warmly congratulates the graduates of the Class of 2026. After several years of learning, creating and working together, they are now beginning an exciting new chapter in their careers. We wish them every success as they move forward: may their films enjoy an outstanding journey on the international festival circuit, earn many selections and awards, and may each of them find their place within the world's leading animation studios or the creative projects that inspire them.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Why does MoPA organize a student film screening at the Ancient Theatre of Arles?
Every year, MoPA brings together its students, their families, alumni and partners to showcase projects created by every year group in one of Arles' most iconic venues. The event celebrates the work accomplished throughout the year while highlighting the graduation films.
What films are screened during the event?
The programme features productions from the Foundation Year through to the fifth year, including stop-motion films, classroom projects, short films, collaborative productions and graduation films.
Who can attend the MoPA film screening?
The screening welcomes students, their families, friends, alumni, school partners and invited industry professionals. Depending on the edition, the event may also be open to the general public.
Why is this screening so important for students?
It represents the culmination of several months of work and gives students the opportunity to present their films on the big screen in conditions similar to a film festival screening before entering the professional world.
Would you like to discover MoPA's films or join our animation school? Meet our team at one of our upcoming events!
