Free documentary screenings in Paris libraries this November

A village welcoming newcomers, the backstage life of Paris drag artists and a choir travelling through Japan: November’s documentary screenings offer a lively way to discover stories beyond your own neighbourhood. Several sessions are free, and some bring the filmmakers into the room for a conversation afterwards.

The Paris libraries’ Mois du doc programme runs from 1 to 30 November 2026. Its theme, “À contre-courant”, invites audiences to look at people and communities who challenge established ideas. Here are three library screenings and two additional evenings at the École des Arts Décoratifs to put in your diary.

7 November: migration and belonging at Buffon

Un village en résistance, by Shu Aiello and Catherine Catella, follows Riace in southern Italy. The village’s approach to welcoming migrants, and the conflict surrounding it, provide the starting point for a story about solidarity and the meaning of community.

The 75-minute documentary screens on Saturday 7 November, with the event running from 15:00 to 16:30 in the auditorium at Bibliothèque Buffon, 15 bis rue Buffon, in the 5th arrondissement. Entry is free. The library lists a possible appearance by co-director Shu Aiello, rather than a confirmed guest.

7 November: three short films in the 18th

For a different Saturday afternoon, Bibliothèque Jacqueline de Romilly hosts three short documentaries: Le grand plongeoir, La reine and À bouts portés. The programme explores how what happens outside the camera’s frame can change our understanding of what we see.

This free session also runs from 15:00 to 16:30 on 7 November, so choose between it and Buffon rather than planning both. The address is 16 avenue de la Porte Montmartre. It is advertised for ages 10 and over, with booking recommended through the event page.

14 November: drag, friendship and filmmaking

Habibi, Chanson pour mes ami·e·s takes viewers behind the performances at La Flèche d’Or. It follows five drag artists, from rehearsals to the show, alongside the solidarity work of the Paris venue. The attraction is both the performance and the relationships that make it possible.

Director Florent Gouëlou is scheduled to discuss the 80-minute film after the screening. The event is on Saturday 14 November, 15:00–17:00, on the second floor of Médiathèque Jean-Pierre Melville, 79 rue Nationale, in the 13th arrondissement. Entry is free, and the advertised minimum age is 16.

• Discover the sounds of French House and Parisian club culture

Two film evenings at Arts Déco

The École des Arts Décoratifs programme welcomes visitors from outside the school to its amphithéâtre Rodin at 31 rue d’Ulm. Both evenings run from 18:30 to 20:30 and are free with a reservation.

On Thursday 5 November, Un chant aveugle follows a choir of sighted and blind singers travelling in Japan. Directors Stefano Canapa and Natacha Muslera will discuss the film afterwards. On Thursday 12 November, Un renard sous une lune rose follows Afghan artist Soraya’s attempts to reach her mother in Austria. Use the school’s page to reserve each screening.

Keep watching with your library

The Melville event page also highlights a benefit for registered Paris library users: their library card gives free access to Les Yeux doc, a documentary video-on-demand service drawn from the Bibliothèque publique d’information catalogue. It is a way to continue exploring the genre between trips to a screening.

Choose a film and make an evening of it

Use the linked venue pages for bookings and practical details. The national organiser says its website will not list individual programmes in 2026, so local listings are the useful starting point this year. If English subtitles matter for your visit, ask the venue when booking.

Pick the story that interests you, invite a friend and leave time for the conversation afterwards. For more ideas for life in France, join Babylon.