Bonjour! Soon it will be one of my favourite times of the year, The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival. I love all things French and it is pleasing to know that I’m not alone. The French Film Festival here in Australia is the biggest outside of France, so I know many of our readers love French films, too.
She Society were lucky enough to be invited to the launch in Brisbane where we enjoyed a champagne, a sneak peek of this year’s highlights and a special advanced screening of what is sure to become one of the hits of the Festival, romantic comedy – La Belle Époque starring Daniel Auteuil. Thanks to Alliance Francaise and Kath Rose for this excellent invitation to don a beret, break out the polka dots and parlez vous Francais.
The Festival
In its 31st year the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival promises cinema goers an eclectic mix of French film genres.This year’s program contains several Cesar nominated films plus the Academy Award nominated Les Miserables.
From Joyful Escapes like How To Be A Good Wife starring one of my favourite actresses Juliette Binoche, to the delightfully titled My Dog Stupid, which tells the tale of writer, Henri who hasn’t released a successful book in 25 years, until he strikes up an unconventional friendship with a stray and bad mannered dog. One for writers and animal lovers alike!
There are intense dramas like The Mystery of Henry Pick and The Wolf’s Call. Romance abounds in Love at Second Sight and The Perfect Nanny and family fare includes 10 Days Without Mum and Spread Your Wings.
Highlights this year are the breathtaking Opening Night film, The Extraordinary, one of the most gloriously uplifting films to emerge from France in recent years and Bare Necessity which looks at the romantic mayhem that ensues when an enigmatic young woman forces a stagnant family to re-define their boundaries and begin to truly live.
Fashionistas will delight in Cardin, a documentary that provides a rare glimpse into the world of this 20th century icon. With unprecedented access to Cardin’s personal archives, the film follows Cardin from his birth in the Italian countryside to his move to France where he made his name in fashion.
In the wake of the devastating bushfires ravaging Australia, Alliance Francaise and their partners invite patrons to join them in supporting those impacted by this tragedy. 100 percent of proceeds from special preview screenings of How To Be a Good Wife and In the Name of the Land on the 9th and 10th March will go to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal and Rural and Remote Mental Health. A great incentive to enjoy a French Film whilst also helping our fellow Australians.
The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival begins in Sydney on March 10 and the Brisbane Festival will be showing at Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from the 18 March to the 14 April. Spreading its cinematic stardust over 8 cities and 4 satellite locations, the Festival, is set to thrill audiences with a stupendous selection of 49 contemporary and classic French films, many enjoying their Australian premiere. For an extraordinary journey to France, without the expensive airfare, head to the Alliance French Film Festival 2020. Merci beaucoup!
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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