The Alliance Française French Film Festival feels like a cultural institution in Australia. But it might be somewhat surprising to learn this is the largest celebration of French cinema outside of France. And even more impressively, this year marks 35 years of the festival bringing the best in French film Down Under. The 2024 edition, opening in March, spotlights contemporary creation, focusing on the emerging talents and innovative voices shaping the French cinematic landscape.
This year’s line-up boasts 41 films; and features some of the greatest directors (including Catherine Breillat, Michel Gondry, and Albert Dupontel) and biggest stars (like Juliette Binoche, Catherine Deneuve, and Daniel Auteuil) of the French screen.
This year’s Opening Night choice is a unique adaptation of the thrilling and beloved classic novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas (père). Director Martin Bourboulon has created a double-feature blockbuster from the story. The first instalment, D’Artagnan, will open the festival. Double feature screenings of D’Artagnan and its sequel Milady, are will also happen in a number of locations so audiences can enjoy the expansive cinematic journey in full.
At the other end of the event, Second Round from director Albert Dupontel will close the festival. A renowned troublemaker in French cinema, Dupontel presents an audacious and at times hilariously savage portrayal of modern politics and media.
Fans of the festival were invited to vote to screen a film they felt most encapsulated the joy and wonder of French cinema. Topping the poll was The Intouchables (2011), a film that stole hearts worldwide and remains an unparalleled box office sensation in France. The film will have revival screenings at the festival.
The French Film Festival highlights Australian premieres of several notable French films. Mr. Blake at Your Service! (Complètement cramé!) stars the dynamic duo of John Malkovich and Fanny Ardant, in a sweet and humorous romantic comedy exploring culture clashes, unexpected friendships, and second chances at happiness. The President’s Wife (Bernadette) sees legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve play Bernadette Chirac in this uproarious comedy based (rather loosely) on actual events. And Jeanne du Barry is a lavish new drama from and starring Maïwenn. The film is freely inspired by the life of the rags-to-riches social climber who became the mistress of King Louis XV, played with taciturn command by Johnny Depp in his first French-language speaking role.
Since premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, The Taste of Things has whetted appetites and tugged at heartstrings all over the world. This deliciously sensual adaptation of Marcel Rouff’s classic 1924 novel The Life and Passion of Dodin-Bouffant, Gourmet, blends cooking with romantic love, and won director Tran Anh Hung the Best Director prize at Cannes 2023. Juliette Binoche plays Eugénie, a renowned cook with no equal. Benoît Magimel is Dodin, a brilliant epicure whose ideas for recipes when combined with Eugénie’s talents, create culinary magic. The talented duo forms a partnership that extends beyond the kitchen.
In a similar vein, director Éric Besnard, the creative force behind Delicious, is back with A Great Friend (Les Choses simples). Besnard whips up another tantalising blend of culinary delights and human bonds in this unexpected bromance.
Heading beyond the borders of France, the festival includes a Canadian Night featuring The Nature of Love (Simple Comme Sylvain). Love is unexpected, sensual, funny and complicated in this latest film by French-Canadian writer/director Monia Chokri. Before becoming an internationally-renowned filmmaker, Chokri was known for her work as an actress in the films of Xavier Dolan. Intelligently handled and full of warmth and humour, The Nature of Love delves into what happens when a happily-coupled woman falls in love with somebody else.
Art lovers will appreciate Bonnard, Pierre & Marthe; another Australian premiere. Vincent Macaigne and a radiant Cécile de France enrapture this beautiful new historical drama from multi award-winning director Martin Provost about the turbulent love story between the famous post-Impressionist painter and his lesser-known – but highly influential – wife. And Divertimento presents an inspiring narrative based on a true story, centred on renowned conductor Zahia Ziouani and her sister, cellist Fettouma Ziouani. Set in 1995, the film paints a remarkable portrait of these young women defying expectations and overcoming societal barriers. Zahia and Fettouma Ziouani will be visiting Australia for a series of events in conjunction with the festival.
Packed with even Cannes highlights, unexpected tales of love, uplifting true stories, family fun and swashbuckling adventures, the 2024 French Film Festival offers opportunities for all to experience the magic of French language and cinema. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit affrenchfilmfestival.org
2024 Festival dates (check the festival website for local screening times and venues):
SYDNEY, NSW – 5 March to 9 April
BRISBANE, QLD – 5 March to 2 April
MELBOURNE, VIC – 6 March to 2 April
PERTH, WA – 6 March to 2 April
CANBERRA, ACT – 7 March to 2 April
BYRON BAY, NSW – 7 March to 27 March
ADELAIDE, SA – 21 March to 16 April
GOLD COAST, QLD – 3 April to 16 April
Regional Dates:
HOBART, TAS – 4 April to 14 April
VICTOR HARBOUR, SA – 4 April to 10 April
MOUNT GAMBIER, SA – 17 April to 21 April
RENMARK, SA – 22 March to 6 April
PARRAMATTA, NSW – 11 April to 14 April
BUNBURY, WA – 18 April to 21 April
BENDIGO, VIC – 19 April to 21 April
David Edwards
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- French Film Festival 2020 – movie preview
- French Film Festival 2017 – a preview
- The Midwife – movie review
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television