Free documentary screenings in Paris libraries this November

Paris libraries are hosting free documentary screenings throughout November, with films exploring migration, community and the ways people challenge established ideas. For newcomers looking for an affordable cultural outing, two upcoming sessions offer a starting point.

The city’s Mois du doc programme runs from 1 to 30 November 2026 under the theme “À contre-courant”, or against the current. It includes screenings, meetings and exhibitions. The overall listing recommends booking, but the two sessions below specifically advertise free entrance.

7 November: a village shaped by migration

Un village en résistance, directed by Shu Aiello and Catherine Catella, looks at Riace in southern Italy and the conflict surrounding its approach to welcoming migrants.

The screening is on Saturday 7 November, from 15:00 to 16:30, in the auditorium at Bibliothèque Buffon, 15 bis rue Buffon, in the 5th arrondissement. Entry is free. The listing says Shu Aiello may attend, but her presence is not confirmed.

14 November: performance and solidarity

Habibi, Chanson pour mes ami·e·s follows five drag artists and the community around La Flèche d’Or, a Paris venue combining performance with solidarity activities. The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Florent Gouëlou.

It takes place on Saturday 14 November, from 15:00 to 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.

Before you go

Neither session listing confirms English subtitles or interpretation. If that affects your visit, ask the library before travelling: Buffon on 01 55 43 25 25 or Melville on 01 53 82 76 76. Both listings indicate access for people with reduced mobility; check any specific assistance you need directly with the venue.

Free entrance is not a guarantee of a seat. Recheck the individual event page for changes and allow time to find the auditorium. Other screenings in the month may have different booking arrangements.

Programme information checked on 28 October 2026. All times are local.

Illustrative archive photograph of readers in a Paris library: Mathias Reding / Unsplash, published January 2020, used under the Unsplash License. This is not a photograph of either screening or its audience. Cropped and resized.