Clear your diary for a feast of 41 French films for four weeks. The 35th Alliance Francaise French Film Festival starts March 6. Here are my tips.
What better way to spend the day after Valentines Day, than in the plush cool Palace cinema learning about the 2024 French film festival? As usual the film festival will include a broad range of films. This year 41 in total, from period dramas, comedies, thrillers and the classics. My tips for this year are:
Rosalie. I saw this film during the Perth Festival and highly recommend it. Inspired by the experiences of actual historical figures, this heartwarming, delicious drama is a beautifully-crafted parable about intolerance and attitudes towards body diversity. Just stunning.
Divertimento. This was chosen as the media night film, and I can recommend this one too. Based on the real-life story of renowned conductor Zahia Ziouani and her sister, cellist Fettouma Ziouani, the film explores the class system, gender stereotypes and the loneliness of being a leader. It is a fine example of how the power music has to change people’s lives. To this day only 6% of conductors are female.
The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan. Who doesn’t love a Three Musketeers movie? Think gripping action performed with style and swagger. Add in Vincent Cassel playing Athos and it’s a no brainer.
Jeanne Du Barry. A lavish period drama inspired by the life of the rags-to-riches social climber, a working-class woman who became the mistress of King Louis XV. The King is played by Johnny Depp in his first French-language speaking role.
Comedies. Some comedies that might be worth a look are Iris And The Men plus A Difficult Year and The Book Of Solutions which is about a filmmaker struggling to complete their film.
Classic films. This year one of the classics is The Intouchables, which explores friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection.
Other films. I believe that The Nature Of Love, and The President’s Wife may also be worth a look.
Regional film festival. This year the film festival is going to Bunbury for four days, so let your regional friends know.
Running from March 6 to April 2, 2024. For more information go to Luna Cinema and Palace Cinema.
