Every autumn, a charming seaside town in Brittany hosts a one-of-a-kind festival that shines a spotlight on low-budget independent films from Britain and Ireland. Could this be the perfect setting for a Poirot mystery?
While Cannes may be the crown jewel of France’s film festivals, the event in Dinard has its own unique allure. For five days each fall, this picturesque coastal town transforms into a hub for celebrating cinema with a special twist: every film screened is a British or Irish production, primarily focusing on indie films. This year’s standout features included “The Outrun,” starring Saoirse Ronan, and Alice Lowe’s “Timestalker.” From the glamorous red-carpet premieres to the extravagant gala dinners and sold-out screenings, you might think these films are poised for blockbuster success or Oscar recognition.
Rebecca O’Brien, renowned for her work with Ken Loach, shared her deep affection for the Dinard festival. “I adore the vibrant, end-of-season atmosphere in this lovely French seaside town—with its picturesque coves, the casino, and charming hotels,” she said. “One of the greatest moments of my life was being invited to be the festival’s godmother. They put me in a beautiful hotel and treated me like royalty. It was unbelievable. I’ve never experienced that kind of treatment anywhere else.”
O’Brien attributes part of this warmth to the French’s genuine love for cinema. Plus, Dinard takes pride in its historical ties to the UK. The festival’s website refers to it as “France’s most British seaside resort,” a title it earned in the 19th century, when wealthy English visitors were drawn to its stunning scenery and began building villas along the cliffs. “The magic still works,” the site observes, as a distinctly British vibe continues to resonate through the town’s streets and beaches.
This unique atmosphere intensifies during the festival, with local creperies and shops showcasing Union Jack bunting and traditional British phone booths set up for photos. I even spotted two police officers dressed in classic British bobby uniforms—real Cornish officers invited over from Dinard’s twin town, Newquay, to enhance the British flair. “It’s wild,” producer Andy Brunskill reflected after showcasing his film “Sweet Sue” at the festival last year. “Every corner feels like you might stumble onto a crime scene, and suddenly Poirot could pop in. But what’s even more astounding is the enthusiasm they have for the Brits and British culture. It’s as if we haven’t spent the last decade making spectacles of ourselves on the global stage.”
Dinard evokes a mix of pride and embarrassment about being British. Standing before the statue of Alfred Hitchcock, watching crowds queue for gritty micro-budget films, and hearing local dignitaries praise their favorite neighbors across the English Channel is undeniably flattering. Yet, it also serves as a reminder of how we approach culture back home. Juliet Stevenson noted at the closing ceremony, “I think you love British films more than the British do.”
This year marked the 35th edition of the festival, which has recently been rebranded as the Dinard British and Irish Film Festival. It began as a friendly golf competition between British and French producers during the “golden age of British-French co-production,” according to current artistic director Dominique Green. Golf balls were hit, deals were brokered, and British films began to carve out their niche in the European market. In the early 2000s, a UK cinema fund even sponsored a group of producers, directors, actors, and journalists to attend, fostering a fun, lively atmosphere throughout the event. Dinard greatly benefited from this, establishing itself as an artistic hub in the region.
Today, the festival has taken on a more low-key vibe. The British independent film scene is facing resource challenges, making hits like “The Full Monty” and “Billy Elliot” feel like distant memories. Adding to this, Ryanair’s withdrawal of flights to the nearest airport in 2021 has meant that British and Irish filmmakers now travel via Eurostar and TGV. As a result, stars like Hugh Grant and Daniel Craig are less likely to attend.
However, this intimacy lends a special charm to the festival. O’Brien noted, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers. You often don’t see them while working in the UK, where competition can keep you apart. But Dinard is small enough that you can relax and share a meal with colleagues you might never meet otherwise. It’s a triumph, and I hope it continues for many more years to come.”
