Regular readers know that the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is one of my favourite events of the year. She Society recently attended this year’s media launch where Francophiles gathered to sup, sip and see a wonderful new film from this year’s line up.
Heading to Palace Centro Cinema in James Street, lovers of all things French were treated to some delectable canapés from Le Bon Choix and a gorgeous selection of french wines before hearing from Frederic Alliod – Audiovisual Attaché of the French Embassy and the CEO of the Alliance French Film Festival. Frederic shared some of the highlights of this year’s festival from biopics to family drama. We then viewed the Cannes hit film, ‘The Story of Souleymane.’
This gritty drama tells the story of an undocumented migrant, Souleymane, who pedals through the streets of Paris to deliver meals. Many in the community know and love him. As he cruises around the streets he repeats and practises his story. But, in two days, he must go through an asylum-seeking interview which could change his life. Souleymane is not ready.
We enter the world of Parisian food delivery drivers with their frenetic pace and reliance on a good rating. Souleymane works using the borrowed account of Emmanuel, who takes a huge chunk of Souleymane’s wages.
These wages are used to pay a broker, Barry who will get his papers in order and advise him on the process. He thinks that Souleymane’s story need tweaking and as Souleymane tries to memorise Barry’s script, he wonders about stretching the truth. His mother has always encouraged honesty.
Boris Lojkine’s film shares this timely story with empathy and intelligence. It shifts effortlessly from a work of fiction to documentary, so the viewer becomes a part of this dramatic story.
Debut actor Abou Sangare is amazing as Souleymane. He has lived this story, being denied citizenship by the French authorities. Three times! He uses his own experiences to drive the narrative and manages to convey so much with his nuanced performance. Even more remarkable is the fact that he is constantly on screen so his every expression counts. An amazing new talent and a worthy winner of Best Actor at The European Film Awards!
This drama tells the lived story of many migrants in Paris right now and is a moving tale of life in this big and sprawling city which is both thrilling and emotional. This is the ‘ City of Lights’ that most tourists never see. Your heart beats along as Souleymane races through the streets with his deliveries or to find a bed for the night. His anxiety is palpable. The absolute empathetic silence at the end of our screening said it all.
This and so many more biopics, comedies, romances and timeless masterpieces are to be found in the line up of the 36th Alliance Francaise French Film Festival. The festival can be found in cinemas around Australia and will run in Brisbane from March 6th to 8th at Palace Cinemas.
It’s a great year to celebrate the legacy, diversity and creative force that is French cinema and to learn more about French culture.
Michelle’s Highlights and Special Events at Alliance French Film Festival 2025
This year there are 42 films showing as part of the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival and the festival is poised to break new records once again. Australians love French films and this is still the biggest festival of its kind outside of France. With the success of the Paris Olympics there has been a spotlight on France and this festival provides a gateway to France and her rich culture.
The special events offered by the Alliance French Film Festival are always something to become excited about and 2025 is no exception. On Opening Night guests can enjoy the biopic, ‘Monsieur Aznavour’ which explores the true story behind the Armenian immigrant who became the face of French music. It has been one of the biggest hits at the French box office.
Closing Night features ‘ In the Sub for Love’. It’s an hilarious romantic comedy which shares a mismatched love story set in the confines of a submarine. This heartfelt film is one not to miss.
My husband is keen on seeing the historical action epic ‘ The Count of Monte Cristo’, which shares the famous Dumas story for the first time in 50 years. This special centrepiece premiere is big screen entertainment at its finest which has sold a whopping 10 million tickets to the box office in France.
For me ‘ The Divine Sarah Bernhardt’ looks like a winner. My Mum always called me this as a dramatic teenager and I love visiting the Sarah Bernhardt bistro whenever I am in Paris. This sumptuous historical biopic is full of drama and shines the spotlight on one of the first celebrities. The eccentric and visionary Sarah Bernhardt is to this day a legend of the cinema and this film brings her story to life.
Other events on offer are A Taste of France with the film ‘ All Stirred Up’. Share a drink on arrival and food box while you enjoy this charming Canadian comedy filled with family, community connections and laughs. This deliciously charming story contains a down on his luck New York Chef, a Mini Chefs competition and community tension all set in the beautiful Canadian countryside. It’s positive, funny and refreshing.
Ladies’ Night brings the Australian Premiere of ‘ Riviera Revenge’. Retired French general Francois and his wife have been married for five decades. Enjoying the perks of retirement Francois decides to clear out the attic. Here he finds a stack of letters detailing his wife’s affair forty years ago. Francois is determined to exact revenge in the craziest way possible. This film will make you laugh and cry and show us all that there is no expiry date on love.
Other films on my list include the comedy ‘ Meet the Leroys’ which is the story of a family in crisis and the comedy/romance ‘ Jane Austen Wrecked my Life’ which tells the story of an unpublished author who works in a Paris bookshop – Shakespeare and Co – need I say more? It’s one for all the literature and rom com fans.
The comedy / drama on a midlife crisis ‘ This Life of Mine’ looks like one for me and my midlife friends and ‘ Juliette in Spring’ is an interesting dramedy about a family reconnecting.
Do you remember the stir around the film ‘ Emmanuelle’? It has been remade with Australia’s own Naomi Watts in one of the lead roles. It’s a classy and sensual remake of the soft core cult classic.
For thriller fans there is the engrossing legal thriller ‘ The Thread’ based on the memoirs of lawyer turned bestselling author, Jean – Yves Moyart. Checked out the programme for so many more great movies.
Festival goers are invited to embark on a unique cultural journey, featuring captivating stories of passion, compelling biopics that delve into the lives of France’s most iconic artists, and thought – provoking debuts from a bold new generation of French filmmakers. Running across Australia from 4 March – 27 April 2025 this feast of French film will transport you to France without the expensive airfare. Bon festival!
Click through to the program HERE
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