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The 31st Rendez-vous with French Cinema, a celebrated festival, is ready to kick off in New York, co-hosted by Unifrance and Film at Lincoln Center. Slated to begin on March 5, the event will present an impressive collection of 22 films that highlight the talents of both established and emerging French filmmakers. This year’s selection includes works that have made their mark at prestigious film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Locarno, with many making their North American debuts.
Opening night and notable films
The festival will commence with the much-anticipated screening of “The Stranger”, directed by François Ozon. This adaptation of Albert Camus’s classic novel will feature a live appearance from Ozon and actress Rebecca Marder, who plays the role of Marie Cardona. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, this film has already garnered significant acclaim, winning three prestigious awards at the Lumières Awards, including Best Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Actor for Benjamin Voisin.
Exciting films to look forward to
In addition to Ozon’s film, audiences can look forward to several other captivating titles. Among them is Julia Ducournau’s latest project, “Alpha”, which serves as a bold follow-up to her Palme d’Or-winning film “Titane”. This gripping narrative, starring Tahar Rahim, will serve as the festival’s closing film. Another highlight includes Olivier Assayas’s “The Wizard of the Kremlin”, featuring Jude Law in a fictional portrayal of Vladimir Putin, alongside Paul Dano.
Other noteworthy films include Dominik Moll’s “Case 137”, a procedural drama that premiered at Cannes, and Pauline Loquès’s debut feature “Nino”, which also made waves at Cannes Critics’ Week. Furthermore, Valérie Donzelli brings us “At Work”, which tells the story of an aspiring writer, and Stéphane Demoustier presents his historical epic “The Great Arch”, showcasing a compelling tale set in the early 1980s.
New York premieres and unique narratives
This festival is also the stage for several New York premieres, such as Hafsia Herzi’s “The Little Sister”, a César-nominated coming-of-age story featuring Nadia Melliti, who won at Cannes for her performance. Also featured is Robin Campillo’s “Enzo”, a poignant film that marked the late Laurent Cantet’s final project. Another intriguing title is Cédric Klapisch’s “Colors of Time”, exploring family dynamics through the reunion of four distant cousins.
Building cultural bridges
Daniela Elstner, the executive director of Unifrance, expressed her excitement for the festival, stating, “It is an honor to kick off this edition with ‘The Stranger’ alongside François Ozon and Rebecca Marder.” She emphasized the festival’s role in connecting French filmmakers with American audiences, underlining the importance of cultural exchanges, especially in these uncertain times.
Florence Almozini, the VP of programming at Film at Lincoln Center, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the festival as a showcase of France’s artistic ambition. She noted the presence of renowned filmmakers such as François Ozon and Olivier Assayas, alongside promising newcomers like Pauline Loquès.
Engagement and awards
In a bid to engage audiences, the festival will feature a jury comprising students from film and French studies programs across New York City. They will select their favorite film for the Best Emerging Filmmaker Award. Additionally, all attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite film, with results announced shortly after the festival concludes.
Supported by various partners, including Villa Albertine and TV5 Monde, the Rendez-vous with French Cinema will run from March 5 to March 15. This event not only celebrates the richness of French cinema but also serves as a vital cultural conduit between France and the United States.