Alliance Francaise is back with their 28th French Film Festival taking over locations around Australia.
Now the largest film festival in Australia, the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival will present a total of 339 screenings over Brisbane's three-week period alone.
Brisbane's Opening Night Gala will feature 'The Odyssey', a dazzling biopic centered on the life and work of celebrity oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau. Directed by Jerome Salle, this well executed and critically acclaimed movie stars Audrey Tautou and Lambert Wilson.
Speaking at the media launch on Wednesday 22 February, Alliance Francaise Brisbane Director, Jacques Bounin said this year’s line-up of contemporary French cinema was sure to draw record crowds. “Philippe Platel, our festival director, has carefully selected 45 films that highlight the artistry of French cinema. These films include new works by some our most esteemed directors including Emmanuelle Bercot, Nicole Garcia, Benoît Jacquot, Martin Provost, Jérôme Salle, Bertrand Tavernier and Roschdy Zem. Demonstrating the diversity and brilliance of French film and culture, the festival programme features movies for every taste,” Mr Bounin said.
“From historic dramas and romantic comedies to adventure stories and informative biopics – there really is something for everyone.”
For star spotters, this year's programme includes performances from some of France’s best known acting talent including Audrey Tautou, Juliette Binoche, Melanie Laurent, Daniel Auteuil, Gerard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve. Francophile enthusiasts and regular cinema-goers alike will be mesmerised by Stephanie Di Giusto’s, 'The Dancer', an inspiring take on the true story of two rival pioneers of modern dance and theatrical performance in late 19th century Paris.
Starring French singer-actress Soko (Augustine, 2012) and ingénue-of-the-moment Lily-Rose Depp, Di Giusto’s spectacularly shot biopic tells the story of avant-garde French-American dancer, Loie Fuller (Soko) and her rivalry/relationship with Isadora Duncan (Lily-Rose Depp).
As always, the festival offers a dazzling array of contemporary French film and this year the festival is expected to surpass last year's attendance record.
So grab a friend, some popcorn and a programme and settle back for a visual treat only the French could deliver.
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival Tour Dates
7-30 March – Sydney8-30 March – Melbourne
9 March-4 April – Canberra
15 March-5 April – Perth
16 March-9 April – Brisbane
30 March-23 April – Adelaide
30 March-8 April – Hobart
6-9 April – Parramatta
8-9 April – Casula
