What promises to be one of the best line-ups in the history of the festival kicks off this week featuring a host of new films from acclaimed and debut directors alongside beloved and rarely seen classics.
Taking place in over 40 different UK locations, with 62 films – 32 of which are UK premieres, it affords an opportunity to catch some of the finest new French films before their UK release, and also the chance to catch some near-forgotten classics.
At the launch at the Institut Francais d’ecosse in Edinburgh, Festival Director Richard Mowe said: “With this 33rd edition the true diversity of French-language cinema has never been as strong and as vibrant as in this year’s selection. There is an “embarras de richesses” – an overwhelming choice. We are delighted to partner with so many incredible cinemas and cultural institutions across the UK to platform the brilliance of French and francophone cinema.”
And going by the clips and trailers we were shown at the event, he was not in any way guilty of exaggeration. Some of the most eagerly awaited French language films of the year from celebrated directors including Cédric Klapisch, François Ozon, Diane Kurys, Hafsia Herzi, Julia Ducournau and Lionel Baier, will feature in the Festival, and there will be serious star power on screen from the likes of American actress Jodie Foster speaking impeccable French, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Sergi López, Benjamin Voisin, Roschdy Zem, Mélanie Thierry, Cécile de France, Sandrine Kiberlain, Louis Garrel, Franck Dubosc, Laure Calamy, Valérie Lemercier, Camille Cottin and the late Michel Blanc.
For the full programme and details of screening times and locations, see the Festival website https://frenchfilmfestival.org.uk/
Jim Welsh
Radio Summerhall Arts 