Brisbane’s 27th annual Alliance Française French Film Festival was launched on Tuesday (16 February) with the 150-strong audience a mix of film buffs, media types and members of the local French community.
The annual festival has become the most popular national film event in Australia, which should come as no surprise given the consistently rich and diverse quality of French film production.
In true French style, a selection of choux pastries, coffee and croissants were on offer prior to the screening of Michel Gondry’s 2015 comedy Microbe & Gasoline – one of the highlights of this year's programme.
© Jon AdamsJacques Bounin (Director - Alliance Francaise de Brisbane) Lady Jane Edwards (Honorary Consul for France in Queensland) and Melanie Blanquine (Festival Manager) took the opportunity to speak to the audience and announced several important developments for this year's festival:
• George Miller and David Stratton have been appointed as Patrons of the 2016 Festival.
• Julien Rappenau’s enchanting debut 'Rosalie Blum' will have its World Premiere in Brisbane with its opening night screening on 11 March.
• The 2016 AFFF has the most extensive programme to date; with 49 films being screened over the 23-day festival.
• The festival will be hosted across two cinemas: Palace Barracks & Palace Centro.
© Jon Adams Festival attendance numbers passed 21,000 last year and organisers expect this year's programme to attract even larger crowds.
Highlights of the 2016 programme include the Gala Opening Night Party with live entertainment, canapes and drinks included and the ever popular French Film & Wine Night.
The Alliance Française French Film Festival runs 11 March - 3 April at Brisbane Palace cinemas.
