The Objectif V. Nice association was founded in 2015 by Odile Redolfi and supported by a dedicated and caring board: Martine and François Brody, Ludovic Cardon, François Fauchon, Murielle Mayette-Holtz, Françoise and Jean-Claude Quemin, Mr. Alain Serratrice, and Colette Soardi. The association organizes OVNi – International Video Art Festival, artist residencies (project writing, realization, and production), off-site programming in France and internationally, and is also deeply committed to developing film and media literacy actions.
From 2017 to 2019, OVNi hosted a contemporary video art fair, and in 2022 launched the interactive platform OVNi Online to extend the festival’s offerings (a project supported by the DRAC Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur). OVNi’s mission is to foster encounters—connecting artists with professionals and the public, introducing the general public to artistic creation, and enabling exchanges in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
PROMOTE
Video art and contemporary visual arts
CONTRIBUTE TO
The cultural influence of Nice and its emerging art scene
SUSTAIN
Nice’s position as a cultural avant-garde hub
FACILITATE & DEMOCRATIZE
Access to cultural content and encounters with artists and professionals
After a decade as an annual festival, OVNi has evolved into a Biennial: an autonomous center of gravity, fully aware of forming a constellation. Here, the artwork is a process, collaboration is an act of resistance and creation, and the visitor is an active interpreter shaping their own journey to build a shared world. From cathode-ray images to artificial intelligence, OVNi explores the artistic and technological prospects of moving images, supports emerging artists, and places media literacy at the core of its vision.
A new proposition in the form of an interactive platform inspired by CD-ROM games that frees itself from conventional formats—a standalone new creation showcasing the work of video artists across flexible timeframes. As innovative as it is nostalgic, this interface brings together the work of artists who participated in previous festival editions: short works, video excerpts, 360° images… OVNi Online serves as a database of images, videos, and installations produced specifically for the festival. Given the ephemeral nature of these installations, the platform’s archival, historical, and reference objective is all the more vital. OVNi Online is a project conceptualized by Lili Benente with Kenny Briolotta, thanks to the support of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC).
Since the festival’s inception, numerous solo artists and duos have been hosted in Residency during the winter season, thanks to the sponsorship of the WindsoR Hotel. The initial residency format, developed informally through meetings, catered to artists across interdisciplinary fields. The second format addresses the winners of the two OVNi Festival awards—OVNi Sud-Émergence and OVNi Cosmopolis—as well as co-productions for institutional invitations. Stays ranging from 15 days to 4 weeks cover writing, realization, or production phases.
MEDIA LITERACY
This project aligns with cultural awareness and educational initiatives promoted by the French Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture. The proposed resources meet the core objectives of knowledge, skills, and culture frameworks, aiming to foster understanding of today’s diverse world expressions. Welcoming and providing educational mediation for all audiences is a priority for the Objectif V. Nice association. Since 2022, specific formats within the OVNi Festival enable guided visits and educational booklets for school groups, seniors, and underserved or disabled audiences. Additionally, Objectif V. Nice plans practical and artistic workshops, supported by domain experts.
OFF-SITE PROGRAMMING
Designed as a project of artistic hospitality, OVNi has united local stakeholders and invited French and international art institutions to display video art in hotels, cultural venues, and unconventional spaces. Beyond the French Riviera, OVNi has curated exhibitions and video programs across France (Paris, Chassagne-Montrachet) and internationally (Taipei, Seoul, Turin…).
OVNi is committed!
Conscious of today’s environmental challenges, OVNi is dedicated to eco-responsible practices. To learn more about our commitments: Sustainable Development Charter
Likewise, OVNi strives to ensure the well-being of its team, artists, and audience. We make it a priority for OVNi to be a festival where respect is a core value, actively standing against gender-based and sexual violence. Our team is fully trained and attentive to respond to any situation. To learn more about our commitments: VHSS Charter
OVNi is proud to be committed.
Odile REDOLFI, Founding President
Muriel MAYETTE-HOLTZ, Vice President
Alain SERRATRICE, Treasurer
Eric CASTALDI
Honorary Members:
Muriel MARLAN MILITELLO x Pauline PAYEN (co-founder)
Executive Direction
Odile Redolfi: odile@ovni-festival.com
Artistic Direction & Programming
Nathalie Amae: nathalieamae@gmail.com
Production Direction & Scenography
Lili-Jeanne Benente: liliovnifestival@gmail.com
General Coordination
Anastasiia Shmakova
Communications
Sophie Dloukyss
Project & Production Coordination
Lucie Faloci
Project & Production Coordination
Ziyin Zhang
Project Coordination & Audience Relations
Javier Garcia Barco
Graphic Design
Local Press Relations
Mickael Mugnaini
Florian Gracy
SIRET No. 815 253 067 000 12
Association No. W062009288