01.16.2026

"The Extraordinary Journey of Mister Jack" awarded at the FIPADOC 2026

The program features four feature length documentaries: "Back to Fukushima" by Thomas Licata; "Hair, Paper, Water…" by Nicolas Graux and Trương Minh Quý; "Those Who Watch Over" by Karima Saïdi; and "The Extraordinary Journey of Mister Jack" by Sarah Moon Howe, as well as two short films: "Nothing Sleeps" by Soleysa Taleb and "Buda" by Raphaël Kaddour.

Each year, FIPADOC establishes itself as an essential event for documentary cinema. Held in Biarritz, the festival showcases committed and distinctive works that question reality, explore the upheavals of the contemporary world, and renew the forms of documentary storytelling. Through author-driven perspectives, sensitive investigations, and bold cinematic experiences, FIPADOC confirms its vital place within the international film landscape.

Thomas Licata’s new film, Back to Fukushima, had its world premiere in the festival’s Impact section. The documentary was produced by Les Films de la Passerelle.

After receiving numerous awards, including the prestigious Golden Leopard for Best Film at Locarno, Hair, Paper, Water… (Tóc, Giấy và Nước…)continued its successful festival run. The documentary by Nicolas Graux and Trương Minh Quý was selected in the International Documentary Competition. The film was produced by Dérives and handled internationally by Lights On.

Sarah Moon Howe’s new film, The Extraordinary Journey of Mister Jack, has been awarded with the Ina-Madelen Audience Award! The documentary, produced by Memento, had its world premiere in the festival’s Panorama section.

Following its world premiere at IDFA, Karima Saïdi’s documentary Those Who Watch Over, produced by Dérives, was selected in the European Stories section.

Two graduation short films were featured in the Young Creation section: Nothing Sleeps by Soleysa Taleb, produced by INSAS, and Buda by Raphaël Kaddour, produced by MédIADiffusion.

Also noteworthy was the selection, in the Short Films section, of Air Horse One by Lasse Linder, co-produced by the Belgian company White Boat Pictures with the support of the Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel.

The festival took place in Biarritz from January 23 to 31, 2026.