Last night marked the launch of the 27th annual Alliance Française French Film Festival presented by Peugeot. When guests entered Palace Electric Cinemas they were transported to France with beautifully-themed hors d’oeuvres and delightfully fruity French wine.
As the doors of Cinema Four opened I wasn’t sure what to expect and felt that somehow my Year 11 French skills wouldn’t make the cut. Oh, well… C’est la vie! Soon, we were welcomed by the head of Alliance Française, and settled in for the premiere screening of Microbe & Gasoline.
To my surprise I laughed along to this adorable comedy about the friendship between two 12-year-old boys (thanks largely to the English subtitles!). Microbe and Gasoline is just one of the 48 films on offer at this year’s festival and, if this is anything to go by, we will be treated to another amazing season of French film.
The festival opens on Thursday 3 March with the screening of Rosalie Blum followed by another huge party in the foyer of Nishi Building. Tickets are $55.00 and are disappearing fast. Why? Because anyone who has experienced a Palace Electric party know just how good they are!).
After opening night, the festival runs until Tuesday 29 March, and promises to immerse you in the French culture as you journey across the globe. General admission to the festival for Palace Electric Cinema members is just $15.00, so there’s no reason to miss out!
Here are a few films to look out for this March.
Directed by Michel Gondry, Microbe & Gasoline is a French comedy about two 12-year-old boys who don’t really fit in at school. Their friendship blooms as they unite for a very interesting and unusual summer holiday away from their family in a home-made car/house/garden shed.
Follow the journey of a thirty-something hairdresser who is emotionally numbed by his overbearing mother. He is transfixed by an encounter with a mysterious woman who rejuvenates his outlook on life.
A strange woman shows up on the doorstep at a remote Sicilian villa, claiming to be the girlfriend of the owners long lost son. As the relationship between mother and girlfriend grows it becomes clear that something is amiss about her original story.
Take a journey back in time to France in World War II. See what life was like for local townsfolk as they face the struggle of everyday, living in a German occupied French village.
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From comedy to historic drama, there is something for everyone at this year’s instalment of the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2016. Book your tickets now!
