Gérardmer Fantastic Film Festival 2026: an exceptional poster enhanced by ARCHES® Expression paper
The Gérardmer International Fantastic Film Festival in France is once again preparing to delight horror and sci-fi film enthusiasts, from 27 January to 1 February 2026.
In addition to its much-anticipated programme, the 33rd edition its making an impression with its refined artistic approach and its decision to print its official poster on the prestigious ARCHES® Expression paper. This choice highlights the union of cinematic art and the paper-making expertise of the Vosges region, embodied by the Arches paper mill.
A mask showcased on the poster of the 33rd edition as an enduring symbol of the fantasy genre
For the 2026 edition, the Gérardmer Festival has unveiled a striking poster centred on the motif of the mask. Evoking both mystery and emotion, this powerful visual embodies the festival’s promise, which is to explore every facet of the fantastic, from fear to self-revelation. A true emblem of the genre, the mask is utterly fascinating in its ability to conceal, inspire terror and reveal the deepest essence of humanity, while breaking down individuality in favour of the universal. More than a mere image, the poster is an invitation to reflect on the meaning of the mask – on its powers of revelation and concealment, as well as on the strength of artistic emotion elevated by an exceptional medium.
Behind the masked face lie infinite possibilities, blurring the boundaries of reality. The mask has always been closely tied to a fantastic imaginary world, drawing its power from myths, traditions and primal fears. Whether a bearer of fate, an incarnation of the divine or the demonic, or a mediator between the visible and the invisible, the mask is captivating in its profound ambivalence.
The greatest masters of fantasy film-making – from Georges Franju (Eyes Without a Face) to John Carpenter (Halloween), Mario Bava (Black Sunday), Wes Craven (Scream), Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) and Brian De Palma (Phantom of the Paradise) – have elevated the mask to the status of an icon inseparable from the genre.
Festival poster printed on natural 250 gsm ARCHES® Expression Texture paper
A high-end showcase: ARCHES® Expression paper
Over time, the festival poster has become a true collector’s item. To enhance this highly symbolic visual, the festival chose ARCHES® Expression paper – an exceptional medium recognised by artists and art printers around the world.
Why ARCHES® Expression?
Made Arches, in the Vosges region of France, this paper is ideal for high-end offset printing.
- An elegant cold pressed texture: it highlights every detail and the interplay of light and shadow, reinforcing the poster’s mysterious dimension.
- Perfect colour rendering: the surface sizing reveals subtle nuances, contrasts and the full intensity of the graphic piece.
- Consistency and stability: thanks to traditional cylinder-mould production, this 100% cotton paper boasts a natural grain with an incredible tactile feel and exceptional dimensional stability.
- Durability: free of acids and optical brightening agents, ARCHES® Expression paper guarantees perfect preservation, making the poster a true collector’s piece.
When the magic of film-making meets excellence in paper-making
A limited-edition print, the 2026 poster for the Gérardmer Fantastic Film Festival has become a work of art in its own right, prized by festival-goers. The festival’s choice of ARCHES® Expression Texture paper is a celebration of both creative rigour and the excellence of the medium.
For fans of fantasy films and high-quality paper, the 2026 poster is shaping up to be a must-have collector’s item – an homage to art, humanity and the magic of film-making.
