PAUL ROTHÉ APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF FILMS ON ART PROGRAMMING

FIFA is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Rothé as Director of Films on Art Programming. He will be in charge of the 44^th edition of the festival, which will run from March 12 to 29, 2026.

Paul began his career with FIFA as a member of the selection committee and responsible for the professional days (FIFA Connexions). In this role, he developed innovative programming that attracted a wide audience. Under his responsibility, the FIFA Connexions panels have welcomed leading local and international players, including NOWNESS, the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma (FNC), h264, the Musée du Louvre, Tënk.ca, the Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal (RIDM), Filmin, and Métropole Films Distribution.

Paul’s talents as a programmer were soon put to good use on the online platform ARTS.FILM. He developed a renewed vision of programming, drawing on his in-depth knowledge of distribution networks and collaborating with distributors such as Maison 4:3 and Arte to enrich the catalog. At the same time, he worked on the implementation and deployment of the platform within several Quebec universities.

Paul has been involved in independent cinema since completing a master’s degree at Sciences Po Toulouse, culminating in a dissertation entitled ​“Habiter la ville nouvelle dans Les nuits de la pleine lune et L’ami de mon amie d’Éric Rohmer” (“Living in the new city in Éric Rohmer’s Les nuits de la pleine lune and L’ami de mon amie”). His career path has taken him to the position of programmer for the mk2 Curiosity online platform. He has also worked as a critic and script reader, interviewing local filmmakers such as Kim O’Bomsawin and Pascal Plante. His experience includes evaluating projects such as Anatomie d’une chute (Palme d’or at the Cannes Film Festival 2023), written by Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, as well as being a member of selection committees at Cinéma du Réel (Première Fenêtre section) and a jury member for the feature-length documentary competition at the Montreal International Black Film Black festival.

A word from Paul Rothé:
​“Acknowledgement, pride and ambition are the words that come to mind when I am appointed Director of Programming for the Festival International du Film sur l’Art. Gratitude, first of all, for the precious trust placed in me by the general and artistic management, but also for Jacinthe Brisebois, whom I’m succeeding and whose work and human qualities are an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Proud, then, to have the formidable responsibility of showcasing our artists, welcoming the best of international creation, and being able to create bridges and spaces for reflection for the public and the community. Ambition, finally, as the next edition takes place next March. I believe in cinema, in its universality and in its ability to bring people together around works with strong narratives and singular aesthetics. What a joy it is to be able to defend such a commitment at FIFA!

A word from Philippe U. del Drago, FIFA Executive and Artistic Director:
​“Paul Rothé is a true film enthusiast, whose commitment to FIFA over the years has given him a keen understanding of our ecosystem, as well as the esteem and trust of our partners and the community. I’m convinced that his vision will strengthen the festival’s impact and support the new voices shaping the future of art film.”

This luminous appointment also comes with the announcement of the departure of Jacinthe Brisebois, a FIFA stalwart for many years, whose contribution has been invaluable and will leave a major mark on the festival’s history. Passionate about her work and a seasoned professional, Jacinthe has contributed tirelessly to enriching the cultural landscape, both locally and internationally. This last edition of the festival at her side and her brilliant programming, acclaimed by audiences and the industry alike, will take a special place in the annals of FIFA. We wish her a well-deserved and inspiring retirement!
Thank you Jacinthe!