The Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023 revealed its complete crème-de-la-crème programme of contemporary French films. The 34th edition of the largest celebration of French film outside of France, arrives across Australia from 7th March – 23rd April. The culturally curious will once again venture to the cinema and be seduced by a season of electrifying French storytelling. Setting the scene with a heady dose of glamour, lust and manipulation, Nicolas Bedos’ Masquerade opens the festival. An official selection of Cannes Film Festival 2022, the sexy and oh-so-French drama starring Pierre Niney, Isabelle Adjani and Marine Vacth transports cinemagoers to the dreamy shores of Côte d’Azur. Closing the festival on a bittersweet high, is a road trip of sublime joy and tears in Didier Barcelo’s Freestyle, featuring rising star Benjamin Voisin and the enchanting Marina Foïs. Speaking on the festival’s imminent arrival, Karine Mauris, Festival Artistic Director and Cultural Attachée to the French Embassy in Australia, said that the 2023 represents our most dynamic programme to-date.
“The hilarity of a meta-zombie comedy, suspenseful thrillers and historical dramas that will have you clinging to the edge of your seat, family-friendly flicks and of course, l’amour in all its forms! With over 153,000 eager spectators in attendance last year alone, we’re looking forward to reaffirming our emphasis on discovering the latest and greatest French talent and bringing impactful storytelling to new audiences.” Mauris commented.
Joining the Alliance Française on its vision to immerse newcomers in its culture are festival ambassadors, acclaimed chef Guillaume Brahimi, lauded blockbuster film director Phillip Noyce AO, renowned actor David Wenham AM, and internationally recognised filmmaker Samantha Lang.
“Culture is the beating heart of French society. Over the past century, French Cinema has not only captured major and minor events and documented changes in political, social and daily life, it has been a major influence on how the rest of the world approaches making films and telling stories in a continuing journey to understand who we are and what we do. French cinema, for me, is always alive!” Returning ambassador Wenham commented.
“This year’s festival line-up is sure to delight foodies and cinephiles alike. I’m looking forward to Sugar and Stars, a true story about a young man from a difficult upbringing and his journey to become a famed pastry chef, along with Umami, starring Gérard Depardieu on a quest to Japan for exceptional noodles.” Brahimi commented “When I first arrived in Australia 30 years ago and couldn’t speak English, days were quite lonely, so I used to watch on repeat Cyrano de Bergerac with Gérard Depardieu to make me smile… this is the escapism and magic that cinema offers.”
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ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2023 DATES & VENUES
- Sydney, NSW: 7th March to 5th April – Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton St, Chauvel Cinema, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne
- Melbourne, VIC: 8th March to 5th April – Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, The Astor Theatre, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema
- Perth, WA: 8th March to 5th April – Luna Leederville, Luna on SX, Windsor Cinema, Palace Raine Square, Camelot Outdoor Cinema
- Canberra, ACT: 9th March to 5th April – Palace Electric Cinema
- Hobart, TAS: 9th to 19th March – State Cinema
- Brisbane, QLD: 15th March to 12th April – Palace James Street, Palace Barracks
- Byron Bay, NSW: 16th March to 5th April – Palace Byron Bay
- Adelaide, SA: 23rd March to 19th April – Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
- Port Pirie, Renmark, Whyalla, Mount Gambier: 24th March to 26th March – Northern Festival, Chaffey Theatre, Middleback Arts Centre, Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
- Gold Coast, QLD: 29th March to 16th April – Dendy Southport
- Parramatta, NSW: 29th March to 2nd April – Riverside Theatre Parramatta
- Victor Harbour, SA: 3rd and 10th April – Victa Cinema
- Bendigo, VIC: 21st to 23rd April – Star Cinema