Popcorn

Held on the campuses of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA), the Pop’Corn Festival has established itself as a must-attend film event dedicated exclusively to screening and promoting documentary films.

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The Origins of the Festival

Created within the URCA to foster dialogue between the academic world and major contemporary issues, the Pop’Corn Festival is part of an initiative to promote cultural outreach and civic engagement. The event stems from a desire to make the documentary genre accessible to the entire student community and the public in Reims, using visuals and audiovisual investigations as vehicles for reflection, critical thinking, and debate.

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A comprehensive and diverse program

Each edition explores social, environmental, political, and scientific issues through the lens of documentary filmmakers:

• The documentary film selection: a collection of works exploring a variety of human and regional realities, ranging from auteur films to in-depth thematic documentaries.
• Thematic sessions: programs centered on specific issues (the environment, human rights, memory, social struggles).
• Cultural and community partnerships: bridges have been built between URCA’s academic programs, the local nonprofit community, and cultural organizations to integrate film screenings into the campus calendar.

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Time for meetings and discussions

The Pop’Corn Festival’s identity is rooted in the discussion of ideas and direct exchange:

• Post-screening discussions: Screenings are consistently followed by discussions involving the audience, the filmmakers, and academics, researchers, or practitioners specializing in the topics addressed.
• Analysis and Awareness: These discussion sessions provide an opportunity to compare the method of documentary research with the scientific and critical approach taught at the university.