It’s no secret that I am a lover of french films. When I was asked if I’d like to choose some films to preview ahead of the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival of course I said, “ Oui, merci.’ I chose those that I felt looked like a fun French escape and they did not disappoint. Here are just three of my favourites.
1. Silver Rockers – Based on a true story, this film gave me all the feels. Aspiring rock singer Alex has failed to reach the heights she hoped for and finds herself with family problems and in debt. She takes a job teaching retired singers in a choir for seniors. When her students revolt at the thought of singing tired children’s songs, Alex caves into their demands to sing her beloved rock music. Despite their success many in the community are not so sure. It’s a feel good film packed to the brim with memorable songs and some loveable, quirky characters. You will laugh, cry and rock along. This lovely film will surely be one of the standouts of the festival.
2. Country Cabaret – Another film based on a true story, Country Cabaret will throw you headlong into the most show stopping circus performance you’ve ever seen. When down on his luck Farmer David’s family owned farm risks going under, he ventures to the city to drown his sorrows at a Cabaret. Here he meets the enigmatic performer, Bonnie Starlight. An awestruck David wonders if this could be the way out of his problems. This big dreamer, with the help of Bonnie, enlists a colourful array of characters to help save the farm by performing a one off cabaret. Along the way are hurdles and problems but with teamwork, tenacity and above all, hope, they just may pull it off. The cabaret might just give David the opportunity to keep the farm and perhaps even… find love. A terrific romp with breathtaking performances from Sabrina Ouazani and Alban Ivanov.
3. Happy 50 – This feel good comedy begins with a group of friends heading off for Yves fiftieth birthday in sunny Greece. When their flight is cancelled, they must carry on with the festivities in his run down holiday home in a very wet Brittany. Bored and with little to do the holiday begins to derail. Friendships and relationships are tested and long buried secrets come out. With the bonds of friendship well and truly tested you begin to wonder if they’ll all make it through the weekend. Watch the chaos unfold in this delightful and hilarious film about turning 50.
To catch some rollicking and irreverent French comedies, the Alliance Francaise Film Festival is on at the Palace Cinemas, Brisbane until the 12 April. Each film on the program is unique and has that essential French ‘je ne sais quoi’. So grab some friends and head along for some laugh out loud fun.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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