The American French Film Festival Opening Night 2026

The American French Film Festival reaches its 30th anniversary this year, and the opening night on Tuesday, November 3 is where the week begins. It is the kind of evening that belongs on any list of things happening in Hollywood this fall: a night of French and American cinema in one of the film industry's own buildings.

When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Where: Directors Guild of America, 7920 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90046 Festival run: November 3 to 8, 2026

What to expect

The festival, often shortened to TAFFF, pairs a celebration with an awards competition. Its 30th edition runs from November 3 to 8 at the Directors Guild of America theater complex on Sunset Boulevard, and opening night is the first of those six days. The listing does not name the opening film, the guests or the full schedule, so check the festival's own program before you plan your evening around a specific screening.

What the festival's own promotion does make clear is how it sells access. Weekend and Deluxe passes are on offer, and individual tickets and day passes go on sale in the weeks before the festival. Pricing for the opening night itself is not published in the listing, so confirm the cost and whether this evening needs its own ticket before you head over.

Getting there

The DGA theater complex sits on Sunset Boulevard near the Hollywood and West Hollywood border, a short drive from most of the Westside and central LA. Sunset traffic is heavy around early evening, so leave extra time for a 5:00 PM start. Street parking nearby is limited, and a rideshare drop-off is often easier than hunting for a spot. The listing also points to Metro options for those who would rather skip the drive.

If you are building a week around film, this is one of the stronger upcoming events in Los Angeles for cinephiles, especially anyone curious about the French side of the industry. Opening nights tend to draw a crowd, so arrive early to settle in before the program starts.

Plan the rest of your week

Because the festival runs through November 8, you can treat opening night as a sampler and come back for later screenings. For more ideas near the venue, browse the West Hollywood neighborhood page or the full arts and culture category for other films, exhibits and shows around town.