The Alliance Française French Film Festival is on again and I can’t wait. It’s always tough to decide what to see so here are nine movies that sound interesting.
As usual there’s a plethora of movie genres to choose from, think dramas, comedies, thrillers, family and the classics. This year we get to disappear into stories set in Paris, Cannes, Greece, and beyond.
If you pick your movies based on the actors then we have legends like Gérard Depardieu, Juliette Binoche, Jean Dujardin, Laure Calamy, and beloved Virginie Efira.
To help you make your decision, here are a handful of the movies that look interesting.
DRAMA
Tenor (Ténor) Australian premiere. A movie that will transport you from the gritty, high-rise “banlieues” of outer Paris to the gilded splendour of the Opéra Garnier – in a world where opera meets rap in musical marvel – Tenor. Antoine (Mohammed Belkhir, playing under his rap name MB14) is doing it tough, barely making a living working as a food delivery driver by day, trying to make his way to the big time as a rap artist by night.
Country Cabaret (Les Folies Fermières) Australian premiere. Based on an outrageous true story, Country Cabaret will throw you headfirst into the most uproarious, show-stopping circus performance you’ve ever seen. A testament to the power of teamwork, determination and above all else, hope. Delight in the infectious chemistry as the cast hustle together to transform a tired barn house into a dazzling theatre.
Sugar and Stars (À La Belle Étoile) Australian premiere. Based on champion pastry chef Yazid Ichemrahem’s own autobiography and starring influencer Riadh Belaïche, comes a story of struggle and triumph above all else. A feel-good film that will have you laughing and crying. Ever since childhood, all Yazid ever wanted was to cook delicious desserts and provide for his adoptive family. At night he gazes longingly at the pictures of his favourite pastry chefs on the wall before he drifts off to sleep – propelled forward by his dream of becoming a great chef just like his heroes. Securing an apprenticeship at a prestigious Parisian restaurant, he must suddenly learn to navigate the elitist pastry world under the guidance of the chefs he so idolises.
COMEDY
Final Cut (Coupez !) A standout opening night hit at Cannes Festival 2022, Oscar award-winning director Michel Hazanavicius delivers show-stopping comedy yet again, but be warned, this film isn’t for the squeamish or faint-hearted. Those who push past the first 20 minutes of chaos and gore will welcome an outrageous epiphany, brought about by one totally brilliant, cutting- edge twist!
Silver Rockers (Choeur de Rockers) Based on the real-life story of the Salt and Pepper band, Silver Rockers is a feel-good film, celebrating life at every age. A testament to classic rock music and a reminder that at heart, we are all ‘born to be wild.’
Happy 50 (Plancha) What would you do if your dream holiday went terribly wrong…? Prepare to laugh out loud – venturing on the most outlandish cinematic vacation yet!
The Tasting (La Dégustation) From the mind of award-winning stage director Ivan Calbérac. Delightful and witty, this heartfelt romance is best served with a glass of French wine.
FAMILY:
Belle & Sebastian: Next Generation (Belle Et Sébastien: Nouvelle Génération) The beloved classic, retold with a fresh modern twist. A story where one Parisian street-rat must take on the desolate mountains of the Pyrénées, forming an unbreakable bond with one particularly inquisitive dog.
Ride Above (Tempête) A film that touches the heart and bewitches the senses, Ride Above transports audiences from their seats to the stables and glistening coastlines of Normandy, France. The story follows Zoé (Carmen Kassovitz), who dreams of becoming a great jockey just like her father Philippe.
The festival is running from March 8 to April 5th. For more information go to Alliance Française French Film Festival or Luna Cinemas. Apart from standard tickets Luna Cinemas also offers:
Alliance Française de Perth membership, Palace Movie Club & Luna Palace Cinema Club Card $18.00 Adult $23.00 Concessions* $19.00
Children 12 & under (see classifications) $15.00
*Australian Seniors Card, Pension Card, Health Care Card, Full Time Student Card
MULTIPLE FILM PASSES – Luna Palace cinemas only
(Excluding Opening/Closing Nights, Special Events, Flix & Wine Events)
5 FILM PASS:
Alliance Française de Perth membership & Luna Palace Cinema Club Card $80.00
Non-members $90.00
(Over the counter sales. This is for 5 separate films purchased in one transaction.)