The Alliance Française French Film Festival: The C&G Edit

Local Community

One of the Southside’s biggest and most popular annual film festivals is back in 2017. The Alliance Française French Film Festival is a nationwide extravaganza of all things French, and from March 8 until March 30, Melbourne will be getting a full whiz-bang programme of Australian premiers from France’s top filmmaking talent. Whether it’s thrills you seek or simply a little ‘joie de vivre,’ C&G have picked out our top screenings to help you plan your festival.

FOR THE ADVENTURERS

The Odyssey, 2015

Named after Homer’s famous poem from antiquity, ‘The Odyssey’ (L’Odyssée) is proudly presented as the opening night film from director Jérôme Salle. Hailed as a ‘dazzling biopic,’ the story followers the adventurous life of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Set in the 1940s and starring Audrey Tautou (Amelie, The Da Vinci Code), viewers will be taken on a journey like no other.

See it at: The Astor Theatre, Wednesday March 8 (opening night)

FOR THE THRILL-SEEKERS

Planetarium, 2016

Planetarium is the bi-lingual, pre-war drama from acclaimed director Rebecca Zlotowski. Natalie Portman and Lily-Rose Depp lead as two American sisters who travel to a champagne-soaked Paris in order to seek their fortunes. And fame isn’t far off, with Kate (played by Depp) gaining renown for a strange and ethereal performance in which she can connect with the spirit world. It isn’t long before the sisters become involved with an enthralled movie producer wishing to take their séances to the big screen. Planetarium may not be for the faint-of-heart, but guarantees thrills for those who dare!

See it at: Palace Brighton Bay, Sunday March 12

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Adama, 2015

Coming to Australia off the back of numerous international accolades is Adama, a coming-of-age story perfect for anyone that loved Garth Davis’ Lion in cinemas recently. A 12-year-old boy’s world is shaken when his older brother disappears off the coast of their home in a remote African village – and against the advice of his elders, Adama sets off on a brave quest to find him. The G-rated animation is family-friendly.

See it at: Kino Cinemas, Sunday March 26

FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS

A Woman’s Life, 2015

With a storyboard that looks like a series of impressionist paintings, the masterful cinematography in Stéphane Brizé’s historical drama ‘A Woman’s Life’ is sure to impress. Spanning 27 years in the life of a French noblewoman, the film starts of in Normandy in 1819 and follows Jeanne’s story as she seeks to fulfil her dreams of happiness. When drama strikes, the colours will begin to run as audiences cling to their chairs in hope of redemption. 

See it at: Palace Cinema Como, Sunday March 19

FOR THE ART LOVERS

Daguerrotype, 2016

Known in France by the title ‘Le Secret de la Chambre Noire’ (The Secret of the Dark Room), Daguerrotype is a Gothic tale that resurrects the photographic art of daguerreotyping – capturing images using a silver plate. A young Parisian takes an apprenticeship with a famous photographer, who’s obsession with the craft sees them working in isolation within the confines of a vast, dilapidated mansion. Daguerrotype is a work of art by Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and will be shown in French with English subtitles.

See it at: Palace Cinema Como, Friday March 17

You can view the full program here, or find out more about learning ‘the language of love’ with the Alliance Française at their beautiful St Kilda school here.