French Film Festival 2020
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https://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/
18/03/2020 until 14/04/2020
written by Barry Hill
This year marks the 31st season (and 50th anniversary) of the celebrated Alliance French Film Festival. A new decade heralds yet another exciting festival of cinema that ranges from comedy through, drama, thriller, adventure, animation, fantasy, horror, documentary, musical to family films.
Held in 8 cities and 4 satellite locations throughout Australia, the festival features 49 contemporary and classic French films proudly presented by Alliance Francaise in association with the Embassy of France in Australia and Unifrance films and screening partner Palace Cinemas.
Esteemed film maker Justin Kurzel who has long has long been associated with French cinema is this year’s patron together with Phillipe Platel as Artistic Director.
With a cast of celebrated French actors including - Fanny Ardant, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, Emmanuelle Bercot, Bérénice Bejo, Jean Dujardin, Fabrice Luchini, Noémie Lvovsky, Eva Green, Jacques Perrin, Gaspard Ulliel, Roshdy Zem, Léa Seydoux, Yolande Moreau, Xavier Dolan, Virginie Efira, Sandrine Kiberlain, François Cluzet, Gilles Lellouche, Laurent Lafitte, Christophe Lambert, Mathieu Kassovitz, Virginie Ledoyen and Ludvine Sagnier, who will feature in films directed by, amongst others, Christophe Honoré, Zabou Breitman, Xavier Dolan, Martin Provost, Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, Guillaume Canet, Erwan Le Duc, Rémi Bezançon, André Téchiné, Cédric Kahn, Dominik Moll, Arnaud Desplechin, Cédric Klapisch, Michel Hazanavicius, and Yvan Attal, it promises to be a feast for the eyes and ears of Australian audiences.
How to be a Good Wife, La Belle Epoque and Notre-Dame are only three of the highlights of this captivating festival.
Starring possibly my favourite French actress Juliette Binoche, Martin Provost’s How to Be a Good Wife is a cheeky comedy featuring emancipation and adversity.
La Belle Epoque is the classic story of disillusioned love and the opportunity to relive a previous love-affair.
Notre Dame shot before the 2019 fire that decimated part of the iconic cathedral tells the story of a competition to redesign the esplanade. Considering the timing of the filming, it is prophetic.
As a celebration of the festival’s 50th anniversary the festival will present a restored version of Donkey Skin. Starring the legendary Catherine Deneuve, it is a fairy tale to delight any film goer.
Do you have to be French to appreciate this amazing festival? The answer is a resounding no! French film is universal yet unique. It has a rare style that is infectious and leaves you wanting more. Whether a novice or a devotee to the festival you will leave being moved, charmed or even challenged by the diversity being offered this year.
Playing from the 10th March to the 19th April (dependant on location) it is a festival, to amuse, enchant, educate and most importantly entertain. It is a must for all lovers of film whether you are a French speaker or not, you are certain to be addicted!