Since 1999, on the initiative of Diane Barrière, the Foundation Barrière has been dedicated to promoting excellence in writing for theater and cinema.

In 2025, the Foundation Barrière decided to open a new chapter in its history by refocusing its support on the creation and distribution of cinematographic works.

Now, in addition to its long-standing support for distribution through its annual award, it aims to support film projects from the development stage onwards.

This support is particularly evident in the creation of the Bourse NOUVELLES VAGUES - Fondation Barrière, a program run by the Biarritz Film Festival designed to support producer-director duos in the development of their feature film projects in order to accelerate their financing.

This commitment reflects the Foundation's desire to support artistic projects and/or achievements that leave a lasting impression and inspire a wide audience.

The Foundation Barrière aims to support talented individuals and projects that, through their narrative and artistic power, shed light on contemporary issues, defend causes, or support individuals.

The Foundation Barrière Film Award

For 25 years, the Foundation Barrière has awarded the annual Cinema Prize “From writing... to the screen", which encourages emerging talent and supports the distribution of their work.

To be eligible for this prize, candidates must submit a feature-length film that is either an original work or in post-production.

Recognising talent

Encouraging creativity also involves raising awareness among professionals such as producers and distributors.

The jury is made up of around ten prominent figures from the world of cinema.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Barrière Foundation has increased the total prize money for its Award, which will rise from €31,000 (thirty-one thousand) to €40,000 (forty thousand) in 2025, with a new prize of €10,000 (ten thousand) awarded to the producers of the winning films, in addition to the prizes already awarded to directors and distributors.

This sum of €40,000 (forty thousand) will therefore be distributed as follows:

• €10,000 (ten thousand) net for the director, in support of creation,

• €20,000 (twenty thousand) including tax for the distributor, as a contribution to the promotion of the work

• a new grant of 10,000 (ten thousand) euros including tax dedicated to the producer of the winning film, in recognition of their key role in bringing the work to fruition.

To date, more than 20 films have benefited from the Foundation's support.

Through the Foundation, the Barrière Group confirms its commitment to the world of cinema.

General selection conditions

Applications must be sent to the Barrière Corporate Foundation by the deadlines set out in Article 5 of the General Rules of the Film Prize (available on request) and will be examined by the Barrière Foundation's steering committee, which will select the entries.

The term “candidate” refers to the author themselves or an entity designated by them to represent their interests or those of the work submitted.

It is expressly stated that any work with pornographic connotations, promoting violence or of a racist, blasphemous, sexist or homophobic nature is excluded.

The committee will also reject any application that is missing any of the elements listed in the articles below or that does not meet the general application criteria, namely:

• The work must be predominantly French in origin.

• The applicant must not have had more than two works previously released in cinemas.

• The applicant must be able to provide proof of production and distribution of the work submitted, given that the work must be distributed no later than the calendar year following the Jury's deliberations.

• The selection is subject to the sole discretion of a Jury composed of prominent figures in the field of cinema.

• However, it is specified that the committee or jury reserves the right not to award this distinction if none of the works submitted to it attract its attention.

Finally, it is agreed that although the application is free of charge, the documents constituting the application files will be kept by the steering committee and returned at the applicant's expense.

How to apply for the Cinema Prize

To enter, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Submit a feature-length film that is an original work, either completed or in post-production. Adaptations, arrangements, translations, and adaptations are not eligible. However, adaptations of theatrical or literary works are permitted.

• Submit a work for which the director is the screenwriter or co-screenwriter.

• Submit a work that is no more than the director's third film.

• Submit a work that is predominantly French in production.

• Submit a work scheduled for release before the end of the calendar year.

The application file, submitted by the artist or the work's production company, must contain the following items:

• A duly completed and signed application form, to be obtained from the contact mentioned at the end,

• A master or non-master version, color-corrected or uncolor-corrected, via a secure link, or a copy of the film reel to enable a private screening for the steering committee and the jury,

• A copy of the screenplay,

• A synopsis,

• A list of the main performers,

• A presentation of the main contributors (composer, director of photography, casting director, etc.),

• A presentation of the general characteristics of the production, including the information provided in the application form and the film budget,

• A distribution contract and a broadcast and promotion schedule.

Schedule and practical application details

Applications may be sent to the steering committee throughout the year. The committee will examine each application upon receipt and, depending on its compliance and assessment, submit it to the jury for final decision. Once the steering committee has made its selection, the application period for that year is closed. The term “year” refers to the calendar year. The jury meets at the beginning of year N, and the selection of works is generally closed on December 31 of year N-1.

Applications must be sent to the following address

Fondation d’Entreprise Barrière

33 rue d'Artois

75008 Paris

contact-fondation@fondationbarriere.com

Only complete and duly completed applications will be considered.

The Jury will announce its decision in the first quarter of each year, provided that a work catches its attention, with the Prize being awarded according to the schedule for the distribution and promotion of the winning work.