PRESS RELEASE
Today the Alliance Française French Film Festival (AF FFF) in collaboration with the French Embassy, unveiled its complete 2024 programme of ground-breaking French cinema. Presented by MSC Cruises, the emblematic 35th edition of the largest celebration of French film outside of France, arrives across Australia from 5th March – 21st April. The 2024 edition spotlights contemporary creation, focusing on the emerging talents and innovative voices shaping the French cinematic landscape.
The whirlwind programme of 41 films features some of the greatest directors (Catherine Breillat, Michel Gondry, Albert Dupontel...) and biggest stars (Juliette Binoche, Catherine Deneuve, Daniel Auteuil, Laure Calamy, Camille Cottin…) of the French silver screen. Established by the Alliance Française, the French culture and language institution offering online and in-person language courses and events nationwide, the AF FFF is a celebration of cultural exchange, fostering deeper connections and understanding between France and Australia.
This year’s Opening Night choice is a unique adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’s thrilling and beloved classic novel The Three Musketeers. In a double blockbuster film production nominated for six César awards, from director Martin Bourboulon, the opening instalment, D’Artagnan, will open the festival. Double feature screenings of D’Artagnan and its sequel Milady, are also set to occur in a number of locations so audiences can enjoy the expansive cinematic journey in full. Closing the festival, from director Albert Dupontel, a renowned troublemaker in French cinema, comes Second Round – an audacious and at times hilariously savage portrayal of modern politics and media.
Avid fans of the festival were this year invited to vote to screen a film they felt most encapsulated the joy and wonder of French cinema. Topping the poll was The Intouchables, a film that stole hearts worldwide and remains an unparalleled box office sensation in France.
Discussing the upcoming festival, and notable 35th anniversary, Karine Mauris, Festival Artistic Director and Cultural Attachée to the French Embassy in Australia, said: “For over three decades, we’ve showcased the finest in French cinema, known for its profound simplicity and relatable humanity. Our stories reflect struggles, triumphs, passion, and possess an extraordinary ability to touch hearts.”
“Embracing The Three Musketeers’ motto, “All for one and one for all,” our festival dives into a diverse array of 41 movies from heart-warming comedies to gripping dramas, each offering its unique charm and allure.”
Palace Cinemas CEO, Benjamin Zeccola echoes Mauris’ sentiment regarding the monumental anniversary, which also signifies a three-decade long relationship as Exhibition Partner.
“Our journey together has been très extraordinaire, and we’ve enjoyed the privilege of contributing to the festival’s remarkable evolution to where it is now; a cornerstone of the cinema calendar. We look forward to celebrating with the Alliance Française and festival goers. Vive le cinéma!” he says.
Packed with Cannes highlights, unexpected tales of love, uplifting true stories, family fun and swashbuckling adventures, the AF FFF24 offers opportunities for all to experience the magic of French language and cinema.
For more information and to purchase tickets from 7th February, please visit affrenchfilmfestival.org
THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL FULL LINEUP:
OPENING NIGHT
The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan (Les Trois Mousquetaires – D’Artagnan) – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
France’s biggest box-office success of 2023, D’Artagnan follows a spirited young swordsman, Charles D’Artagnan (François Civil), on his journey to join the King’s elite Musketeers of the Guard. But his quest will lead him into the heart of a conspiracy where the future of the nation itself is at stake…
Directed by Martin Bourboulon, the all-star cast boasts Vincent Cassel, Pio Marmaï, Romain Duris, Eva Green and Lyna Khoudri.
Festivalgoers can experience the two-part blockbuster, with the sequel The Three Musketeers: Milady (trailer) screening throughout the festival.
CLOSING NIGHT
Second Round (Second Tour) – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
A perfect farewell to the 35th edition, Second Round is an audacious and at times hilarious savaging of modern politics and media from the multi-talented actor, writer, and director Albert Dupontel and starring the superb Cécile de France.
35th ANNIVERSARY AUDIENCE VOTE
The Intouchables
Watch trailer here
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Alliance Française French Film Festival by reliving the tears and joy from one of the most beloved French films of the 21st century. The Intouchables unfolds the story of wealthy Philippe hiring ex-convict Driss as his caregiver, resulting in an unexpected and comical friendship.
HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Blake at Your Service! (Complètement cramé !) – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
Starring the dynamic duo of John Malkovich and Fanny Ardant, this sweet and humorous romantic comedy explores culture clashes, unexpected friendships, and second chances at happiness.
The film marks Gilles Legardinier’s debut, directing and adapting from his own novel. The book has taken the literary world by storm, being translated into 17 languages and selling over a million copies across 22 countries.
The President’s Wife (Bernadette) – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
Legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve plays Bernadette Chirac in this uproarious comedy based on actual events.
In her debut film which has earned her a César nomination for Best First Feature Film, documentarian Léa Domenach skilfully blurs the lines between fact and fiction, presenting a captivating portrait of an unexpected feminist icon. A delightful tapestry of satire, whimsical musical numbers, and vibrant visuals, offering a heart-warming celebration of Bernadette Chirac’s resilience and wit.
Jeanne du Barry – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
The lavish new drama from and starring Maïwenn is freely inspired by the life of the rags-to-riches social climber who became the mistress of King Louis XV, played with taciturn command by Johnny Depp in his first French-language speaking role.
Shot on location at Versailles and featuring majestic costumes and production design, that earned the film two César nominations, Jeanne Du Barry is a visual feast for the senses.
The Taste of Things (La passion de Dodin Bouffant)
Watch trailer here
The year is 1885 and since premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, The Taste of Things has whetted appetites and tugged at heartstrings all over the world, including the César judges, receiving three nominations at this year’s awards. This deliciously sensual adaptation of Marcel Rouff’s classic 1924 novel The Life and Passion of Dodin-Bouffant, Gourmet, blends cooking with romantic love, and won director Tran Anh Hung the Best Director prize at Cannes 2023.
Juliette Binoche plays Eugénie, a renowned cook with no equal. Benoît Magimel is Dodin, a brilliant epicure whose ideas for recipes when combined with Eugénie’s talents, create culinary magic. The talented duo forms a partnership that extends beyond the kitchen.
Iris and the Men (Iris et les hommes) – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
Caroline Vignal and the fabulous Laure Calamy reunite for an hilarious and provocative comedy about reignited desire in the modern age.
Destined to be one of the biggest hits of this year’s Festival, so be sure to grab tickets early.
A Difficult Year (Une année difficile) – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
The wildly entertaining new comedy from irrepressible filmmaking duo Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, stars Pio Marmaï and Jonathan Cohen as two compulsive spenders who get much more than they bargained for when they scam their way out of trouble.
Bonnard, Pierre & Marthe – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
Vincent Macaigne and a radiant Cécile de France enrapture the beautiful new historical drama from multi award-winning director Martin Provost about the turbulent love story between the famous post-Impressionist painter and his lesser-known – but highly influential – wife.
A Great Friend (Les Choses simples) – Australian premiere
Watch trailer here
Director Éric Besnard, the creative force behind Delicious, whips up another tantalising blend of culinary delights and human bonds in this unexpected bromance.
Grab a glass of French wine at the bar and prepare to lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the French Alps, where laughter, friendship, and unexpected connections come together and leave you yearning for more.
UNVEILING SHADOWS
The 2024 lineup is rich with compelling drama. Don’t miss some of France’s biggest stars in these films certain to resonate long after they finish:
- The electrifying Isabelle Huppert takes on the role of real-life whistle-blower Maureen Kearney, a trade unionist who dared to challenge the powerful nuclear industry in The Sitting Duck (trailer);
- A huge French box office success and six time César nominee, All Your Faces (trailer), starring Adèle Exarchopoulos and Gilles Lellouche, is a compelling drama about France’s Restorative Justice program, first introduced in Australia in 2001 and later in France in 2014;
- The remarkable Emmanuelle Devos and Daniel Auteuil are at the top of their game in the gripping A Silence (trailer) – a film inspired by true events that shocked Europe;
- Boundary-pushing provocateur, filmmaker Catherine Breillat returns with the fearless erotic drama, Last Summer (trailer). Receiving four César nominations and starring Léa Drucker, the taboo-breaking film follows the relationship between a woman and her teenage stepson;
- Travel back to Paris 1894 on an emotional journey with Party of Fools as it draws back the curtain on the imprisonment and mistreatment of women deemed unfit for respectable society.
L’AMOUR, L’AMOUR
Films guaranteed to have festivalgoers giddy with, often unexpected, tales of love and lust:
- Prepare to be mesmerised by Isabelle Huppert in Sidonie in Japan (trailer). The gentle, bittersweet and occasionally whimsical film explores a most unlikely love triangle between a grieving widow, a potential new romantic partner, and the ghost of a dead husband;
- Wickedly sharp and funny The Nature of Love (trailer)from Monia Chokri gives a nod to 70s romance films, while questioning the nature of monogamy;
- Guillaume Canet and Alba Rohrwacher are electric together in award-winning writer/director Stéphane Brizé’s Out of Season about two former lovers who unexpectedly cross paths;
- Premiering at Cannes 2023, the sweeping romantic drama Along Came Love (trailer)is the latest film by acclaimed Katell Quillévéré;
- See above: Iris and the Men
OPTIMISME, ALWAYS
Revel in the uplifting films oozing with optimism:
- Rising star Ella Rumpf is Marguerite, a brilliant young mathematician, in Cannes contender Marguerite’s Theorem (trailer). The film has earned Rumpf and her co-star Julien Frison nominations at this year’s César awards for Most Promising Actress and Actor respectively;
- Adventure to the Pyrénées with Pio Marmaï in Wilderness Therapy(trailer), a film brimming with humanity, heart, and many, many laughs;
- Call My Agent! favourite Camille Cottin impresses with her versatility in the lead role of Toni (trailer), portraying a single mother-of-five who contemplates reclaiming control of her life;
- Beloved French pop singer Louane Emera and Michel Blanc form an unexpected friendship in Take a Chance on Me (trailer);
- New comedy A Chance to Win centres around two villages who have long been rivals. Particularly when it comes to rugby. In this warm and endearing comedy, the long-running and merciless rivalry between two villages comes to a head in a rugby match. A feel-good movie about how teamwork can bring even the most unlikely people together.
CLASSIC MASTERPIECE
- A must for cinema lovers. Children of Paradise (trailer) continues to mesmerise, transporting us back to the Parisian theatre scene of the mid-1800s. Created under incredibly restrictive conditions in Nice and Paris during the dark days of the Nazi occupation, the film emerged as a cinematic miracle.
THRILL SEEKERS
Action-packed adventures sure to keep festivalgoers on the edge of their seats:
- Suddenly (trailer) sees Gilles Lellouche and Mélanie Thierry embark on an epic dream sailing journey of romance and survival after they become stranded on an island.
- Romain Duris stars in The Animal Kingdom (trailer), one of the most talked about films at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Recently receiving twelve César nominations, the wild and inventive genre mash-up combines the warmth of a family drama with the disturbing visuals of a Cronenbergian body horror;
- Prepare yourself for The Edge of the Blade (trailer), directed by Vincent Perez. The impressive cast, including Roschdy Zem and Doria Tillier take you back to 1887 Paris – where every sword clash heralds change;
- See above: The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan & Milady
EXTRAORDINARY LIVES
A collection of astounding true stories and personal pursuits:
- Divertimento (trailer) follows the incredible true story of 17-year-old twin sisters Zahia and Fettouma Ziouani, who, driven by determination, passion, and courage, create their own orchestra;
- In a revelatory lead performance that earned him a best actor César nomination, Benjamin Lavernhe starsin Frédéric Tellier’s sweeping and deeply affecting historical drama, Abbé Pierre: A Century of Devotion (trailer). The film charters the extraordinary life of the titular priest and humanist (1912-2007) who advocated for those most in need whilst frequently placing himself in peril and risk of ostracisation;
- See above: Jeanne du Barry and Bonnard, Pierre & Marthe
CANNES SPOTLIGHT
- Hot off the heels of its 2023 Cannes debut and from the brilliant and chaotic mind of visionary filmmaker Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) comes The Book of Solutions (trailer). The semi-autobiographical comedy stars Pierre Niney as a filmmaker struggling to complete his new film;
- Celebrated as one of the major discoveries of the Cannes Film Festival, Àma Gloria (trailer) is a vibrant drama exploring the precious bond between a six-year old French girl and her nanny;
- Set in 1870s France and inspired by a real historical figure, born with a face and body covered in hair, Rosalie is a beautifully-crafted parable about intolerance and attitudes towards body diversity;
- See above: The Taste of Things and The Animal Kingdom
COMÉDIE CHÉRIE
There’s nothing quite like the sound of communal laughter, and the AF FFF24 offers many opportunities for comic relief:
- King of My Castle will have its World Premiere at AF FFF24. Hailing from the writers of the huge French box office hit comedy Welcome to the Sticks, offering an outrageous mashup of The Truman Show, Barry Lyndon and Apocalypse Now that you never realised you needed;
- See above: Second Round, A Great Friend, The President’s Wife, Mr. Blake at Your Service! and Iris and the Men
FAMILY TIES
Not just for adults, the festival boasts several though-provoking films to be enjoyed by all the family:
- Neneh Superstar (trailer) is set within one of France’s most prestigious cultural institutions – the Paris Opera Ballet School – where a 12-year-old ballet dancer Neneh discovers that her extraordinary natural talent and focused discipline may not be enough to win the approval of the school’s harsh and discriminatory headmistress;
- Princes of the Desert (trailer) follows Zodi, a Berber boy, who finds an orphaned camel. Together they plan to cross the Sahara to take part in the race of the century;
- A fable of love and survival that confronts us with our impact on nature, narrated by Virginie Efira, Kina & Yuk follows two Arctic foxes on a heartening adventure, defying global warming to reunite before their cubs arrive;
- The Snow Must Go On (trailer) takes place in a Mont Blanc foothill school. Students facing academic challenges, inspired by teacher Alain (Clovis Cornillac), embark on a daring mission into a glacier’s depths to witness its beauty and confront the threat of climate change;
- From the director of Cat’s Life, an exquisite new adventure, Nina and the Secret of the Hedgehog (trailer) tells the story of a young girl with a wild curiosity and love for her family, featuring the voice talents of beloved French cinema icons Audrey Tautou and Guillaume Canet.
