The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival will make its return to cinemas around the country for its 33rd edition, with more than 42 films to choose from.
In 2022 there's a talented and diverse line-up of ambassadors, eager to celebrate the impact of French cinema on their careers. These ambassadors include blockbuster film director Phillip Noyce, renowned actor David Wenham, acclaimed screen and theatre director Shannon Murphy and internationally recognised filmmaker Samantha Lang.
The films in this year's programme will cover a wide spectrum of genres, as well as a handful of Australian and international premieres.
Read about the picks from some of the ambassadors for this year's festival below.
“Growing up the last of seven children in a working-class family, I was fortunate to have a father who introduced me to world cinema from a young age,” David Wenham says. “Every so often he would take me to the cinema without telling me what we would be seeing. It was here that I discovered the magic of Jacques Tati, Les Enfants du Paradis, the French new wave and the richness, inventiveness and power of French cinema.
“The abundance of imagination and skilful storytelling continues in contemporary French cinema inspiring filmmakers worldwide – myself definitely included!”
'Maigret'
“Patrice Leconte’s 'Monsieur Hire', a subtle, unnerving psychological thriller was one of my favourite films the year it was released. I look forward to experiencing his latest film, 'Maigret' with Gerard Depardieu.”
Shannon Murphy is looking forward to an offering from Director Céline Sciamma.
“I am so honoured to be an ambassador this year. I have been fortunate to have lived so close to France over these past two years and experienced the French film scene up close and personal. I was recently left breathless after watching 'Petite Maman' and can’t wait for festival-goers to experience this enchanting masterpiece from one of our greatest female filmmakers, Céline Sciamma (also writer of Jacques Audiard’s 'Paris, 13th District').
“The film I’m most looking forward to is the restoration of Rene Clement’s 'Purple Noon' (1960), starring the great Alain Delon and adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr Ripley,” film director/2022 ambassador Philip Noyce says.
“My good pal and producer Anthony Minghella directed another version of the novel back in 1999 and my writer on two films, Steve Zaillian, is currently in Italy making yet another - I’m told that Clement’s adaptation and Delon’s acting are hard to beat.”
'The Young Lovers'
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival Artistic Director Karine Mauris says the programme will be one for all.
“There’s truly something for everyone in this year’s edition. From several laugh out loud comedies, many beautiful tales of romance and compelling stories. You will travel to France, Lebanon, Mali, Russia, Canada, Tibet, the North Pole and many other places, where you will meet fascinating characters that will take you into the whirlwind of life.”
Five of Karine's stand-outs from the 2022 programme are 'The Young Lovers', 'Peaceful', 'The Braves', 'Farewell Mr Haffman' and 'Mali Twist'.
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival 2022 Tour Dates
1 March-6 April – Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne (Sydney)7-10 April – Parramatta Riverside Theatres
2 March-6 April – Palace Electric (Canberra)
3 March-6 April – Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Como, Palace Westgarth, Pentridge Cinema,The Kino and The Astor Theatre (Melbourne)
9 March-6 April – Camelot Outdoor Cinema, Luna Leederville, Luna On SX, Palace Raine Square, Windsor Cinema (Perth)
16 March-13 April – Palace Barracks, Palace James Street (Brisbane)
24 March-24 April – Palace Nova Eastend, Palace Nova Prospect, Victa Cinemas (Adelaide)
30 March-14 April – Palace Byron Bay
9-20 March – State Cinema (Hobart)
