Between eating maroons, sipping champagne and overindulging in some amazing French cheese, the Melbourne French Film Festival has launched their 31st program for 2020. With a focus on human triumph in the face of difficulties along with the wonderful way the French manage to share the story of love, this year’s festival will surely be one to remember.
2020 not only marks Philippe Platel, the Cultural Attaché of the French Embassy and the Artistic Director of the Alliance Française French Film Festival’s fourth year, but also his last. Judging by the program, Platel has put together an amazing line-up that will tantalise all audiences.
The festival is also kindly helping a country in need after the devastating bushfires by donating 100% of ticket sales of How to Be a Good Wife and In the Name of the Land (both screening courtesy of Palace Films). Held in all capital cities on 9th and 10th of March proceeds will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal and Rural and Remote Mental Health.
Opening the festival is The Extraordinary by Directors Oliver Nakache and Eric Toledano who brought the highly successful film The Intouchables and C’est la vie! to the world’s screens. And if it’s anything like the Director’s previous works it will be sure to pull on all of the heartstrings.
The Extraordinary is based on a real-life story where a shelter for autistic youth with no options left is taken-in by Bruno. Struggling for both staff and money, Bruno is the heart and soul of his uncertified shelter, which comes under threat when authorities start investigating it.
Closing the festival is The Bare Necessity from debut Director Erwan Le Duc. The film premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and in true French film style, the film is a whimsical tale of unexpected love. All the while showing the quirks of a family re-assessing with the arrival of a stranger.
La Belle Époque is a wonderful tale about love after the years have worn it away. But with a wonderful and expensive recreation, Victor has his memories of meeting his wife recreated in extensive and extravagant sets. Blurring the line between reality and his recreated memory Victor fast realised he never fell out of love, he just needed reminding why he fell in love to start with.
In between the opening night of March 11 and the closing night April 8, you will manage to find at least one, two or maybe three options to fill your festival. Check its website for city-specific dates and movie times here
