MANILA, Philippines - The 29th French Film Festival returns from 6 November to 30 November, inviting Filipino audiences the chance to discover the boldness, diversity and richness of French cinema.
In a news release from the Embassy of France in the Philippines, it shared that this year’s edition offers a compelling selection of contemporary releases, literary adaptations, historical dramas, feminist narratives, and animated films.
Twenty-four (24) films will be showcased throughout six select venues across Metro Manila, giving various audiences the chance to enjoy films with a French twist:
- 6 – 15 November: SM Aura BGC and SM City Manila
- 27 November - Special screening at SM Aura BGC
- 7 – 28 November: Alliance Francaise de Manille, Makati City
- Special Screenings of Heritage Films at the Cinémathèque Centre, Intramuros
- 13 – 22 November: QCinema November Gateway Araneta, Trinoma, Quezon City
- 25 – 26 November: Animahenasyon Festival at the Likha Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City
From Literary Classics to Contemporary Stories
Literature takes the spotlight in the festival with new cinematic interpretations of two enduring classics: Les Misérables, directed by Fred Cavayé, and Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, directed by Alexandre Castagnetti. These titles are expected to draw in movie-goers and Broadway fans to the cinemas.
While the festival honors the classics, it also showcases newer concepts. Contemporary French novels by David Foenkinos, Délicatesse and Jalouse will also be shown in the presence of the writer-director. A special screening is scheduled on 27th November.
French History on the Big Screen
A major highlight of the festival will be the cinematic storytelling of France during the 2nd World War. There is a two-part historical biopic about France’s biggest character of contemporary History: General Charles de Gaulle, who led France through the Second World War before becoming President of the Fifth Republic.
De Gaulle: L’âge de Fer (Résistance) and De Gaulle: J’écris ton nom (Liberté) follow the general’s refusal to accept France’s defeat in 1940 and his determination to rally resistance against Nazi Germany. Together, they trace the struggle to preserve French freedom during one of the defining periods of modern European history.
Following the historic theme, Moulin by Laszlo Nemes provides a counterpoint as it focuses on Jean Moulin, who led the Resistance movement. Beyond the movie screenings, there will be a special panel discussion on 11 November in SM City Manila wherein history professors will offer a deeper understanding of France’s experience during the 2nd World War.
Empowering Her Stories
Feminism remains a recurring theme in French cinema and the French Film Festival as the promotion of women’s rights on and off screen continues to be an important challenge. Continuing the festival’s commitment to conversation about women’s movement and gender equality, two films that examine the complexities of women’s experiences and institutions that shape their lives will also be shown.
La Maison des Femmes (A Place for Her) by Mélissa Godet and l’Objet du Délit (Crescendo) by Agnès Jaoui address this topic strongly, with screenings to be followed by panel discussions with Filipina film professionals and representatives of civil society fighting for women’s rights. The special roundtable on 12 November in SM Aura is open to the public and invites the audience to join the conversation.
Strengthening French-Filipino Film Cooperation
Beyond showcasing powerful stories from French filmmakers, the 29th French Film Festival celebrates the growing partnership between the French and Philippine film industries. The French Film Festival will include screenings of Filipino classics that have been restored in France by the Cité de Mémoire, like the Lino Brocka classic, Jaguar, and Ginauhaw ako Ginagutom Ako, restored by the CNC.
Animation Beyond Borders
Animation is once again one of the highlights of the festival with the arrival of French Director Julien Chheng. His film Muyi will be shown at SM Cinemas (6-15 November), while two films will be screened during Animahenasyon (25-26 November).
For nearly three decades, the French Film Festival in Manila has held an annual rendez-vous for cinephiles, providing them the opportunity to enjoy the magic of French storytelling. This year’s edition continues the tradition of displaying thought-provoking cinema to cinema-goers for free.
“Cinema is a language that does not need translation. It has the power to make audiences feel, reflect, and experience new worlds and perspectives,” Ambassador of France to the Philippines Donatienne Hissard said.
“With this year’s selection of titles, we hope to bring the best of French cinema for the Filipino audience to enjoy and to continue building bridges between our cultures,” she added.
By offering a selection of new French releases and heritage films, the festival provides an avenue for the French Embassy in the Philippines and Micronesia to promote French culture and values, as well as defend cultural diversity.
For the French Film Festival’s full schedule and more information, follow the French Embassy in the Philippines and Micronesia on Facebook (facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH/) and Instagram (instagram.com/frenchembassyph/?hl).
