The festival is run by the Institut Lumière from the Lyon factory where, in 1895, the Lumière brothers filmed workers leaving the gates — the first film. Its subject is cinema history rather than new releases: restorations, retrospectives, silent films with live accompaniment, and screenings in the factory hall itself.
At its centre is the Prix Lumière, a career award given to a major director or actor, whose recipient attends for the week and presents their own choices. It has become one of the more prestigious honours in world cinema precisely because it cannot be campaigned for.
The Institut estimated around 185,000 spectators across the 2025 edition.
Because the award recipient is announced well in advance, demand for that week's screenings is predictable and early. Lyon in October is otherwise an easy city to visit, with the festival spread across cinemas throughout the agglomeration.
PlanningSeasonal window in mid-October; the Prix Lumière recipient is announced months ahead and drives demand.