Salif Cissé, interview with the European Shooting Star 2026 from France

February 17, 2026

At the Berlinale, the European Shooting Star 2026 for France is Salif Cissé

Salif Cissé, interview with the European Shooting Star 2026 from France Chiara Nicoletti

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At the 76th Berlinale, with the European Shooting Stars programme, the European Film Promotion brings ten promising, versatile European acting newcomers to the festival each year. The goal is to help them make a name for themselves with the international press and audience and to build a network in the international film industry.

The actors take part in a tailor-made programme featuring high-profile press activities and curated meetings with international casting directors, talent agents and producers. The European Shooting Stars presentation at the Berlinale introduces the actors to an international audience of leading industry professionals.

The European Shooting Stars 2026 are: Fatlume Bunjaku (Albania), Lucas Englander (Austria), Violet Braeckman (Belgium), Salif Cissé (France), Enno Trebs (Germany), Danielle Galligan (Ireland), Tecla Insolia (Italy), Joes Brauers (The Netherlands), Sofia Tjelta Sydness (Norway) and Cleo Diára (Portugal).

Salif Cissé is the star chosen to represent France in the programme.

Salif Cissé first discovered his passion for acting during a high school workshop when he was 18. Having never considered it a path, it’s one he has since walked down with a swagger. His film debut was in All Hands on Deck (2020), which earnt him a César nomination in the Most Promising Actor category. His aptitude for blending pathos with comedy is displayed in Filmlovers! (2024) and Guess Who Is Calling (2025), as well as a role in Netflix series Lupin (2023). With ambitions to step behind the lens and direct feature films, for now the Frenchman remains a rising star in front of it, captivating viewers in Meteors (2025), after screening in Cannes.

Written by: Chiara Nicoletti

European Shooting Stars