by Amari Leiva-Urzua
Calling all movie lovers and francophones. The French Film Festival, celebrating its 35th anniversary, has arrived in Sydney.
There will be 41 iconic French films shown across the city’s cinemas until April 9.
Celine Martinat, French teacher at Alliance Française, the host organisation for the festival, encourages everyone to go, saying it is a “unique experience to discover new movies, understand cultural differences, or learn a new language”.
Featuring films from every genre, with English subtitles, here is a guide to the must-see films.
The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan (2023)
This French classic featured on opening night. Transformed into a two-part sequel, viewers will follow the tale of a young D’Artagnan in Paris, trying to find the attackers who left him for dead. Instead, he finds himself amid a civil war and joins the King’s three musketeers.
Reviewed by Sydney’s popular entertainment guide TimeOut as the “best take on the classic in 50 years”, make sure not to miss out.
For an extra treat, March 17 will host a double feature of the film and its sequel The Three Musketeers: Milady.
It will show until April 1st.
Sessions here.
Ladies’ Night
On March 14th, the festival will feature an International Women’s Day special, showcasing 2023 Lumiere Awards Best Actress winner The President’s Wife.
The film follows the true story of French First Lady Bernadette Chirac. It explores how she led her own campaign, alongside her husband’s presidential one, to overcome her public label as old-fashioned, cold, and iron-fisted.
As an iconic French comedy, The President’s Wife is a must-see this year.
More here.
Interested in a feminist drama?
This year’s line-up features the suspenseful film Party of Fools (2024), set in the Bal des Folles, a prestigious ball organised by the notorious Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital for “madwomen”.
This dark satire reveals the imprisonment and mistreatment of women deemed unfit for respectable society, following the narrative of a woman who has interned herself to look for her mother.
Showing until April 6th.
More here.
The Intouchables (2011)
On March 26th the film festival will be showing the French original comedy The Intouchables as its 35th Anniversary special. Many of us know this film through its American adaptation The Upside, featuring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston.
Based on a heartfelt true story, the film explores the friendship between a wealthy paraplegic and his immigrant caregiver as they tackle social issues.
Since its release in 2011, it remains an unparalleled box office sensation in France.
More here.
Jeanne Du Barry (2023)
More of a historical, biopic person? Watch Jeanne Du Barry, starring Hollywood actor Johnny Depp in his first French-speaking role.
Following the rags-to-riches story of working-class woman Jeanne Du Barry, who later becomes known as the mistress of King Louis XV and the competition of Marie Antoinette, immerse yourself in the drama of 18th Century French royalty.
Showing until April 2nd.
More here.
All Your Faces (2023)
For those who enjoy a narrative drama, witness this eye-opening film that explores the practice of restorative justice, introduced into the French criminal justice system in 2014.
Restorative justice, whereby victims and perpetrators of the offences engage in mediated dialogue, is a new policy that has sparked debate around the world.
This film follows three offenders and three victims who undergo this truthful and yet complex process. Told with honesty and empathy, this is a must-see for all.
Shown until April 6th.
More here.
Second Tour (2023)
Last, but not least, is a closing night special for journalism and media students on April 2nd. The Second Tour is an audacious comedy exploring the intersection of modern politics and media.
After the humiliation of being demoted from covering politics to reporting soccer, journalist Nathalie Pove is given one last chance at redemption, tasked with covering the upcoming presidential election. As she starts digging, she begins to unearth conspiracies and hidden secrets that surround the populist candidate.
Blending humour, irony, drama, and cynicism, it is a truthfully honest piece about the heated tensions between politics and media.
More here.
To view all films, session times and book tickets, make sure to visit the French Film Festival website.
Featured image: The Alliance Française French Film Festival celebrates its 35th Anniversary. Photo: FreePik, edited by Amari Leiva-Urzua
