The French Film Festival is back for 2023. Here’s what we’ll be buying tickets to
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Forget a ticket to Paris. The best of France is coming to you this March.
That’s right, as the weather turns cooler next month, there’s one thing we can be sure of—that the annual Alliance Française French Film Festival will arrive to whisk us off to far-flung destinations. And this year’s line-up might just be the festival’s most exciting yet.
Featuring everything from black comedies to action thrillers and romantic comedies, starring huge names—Marion Cotillard! Juliette Binoche! Jean Dujardin! Léa Seyoux! Kristin Scott Thomas!—and set in stunning locations—The Greek Islands! Paris! The Côte d’Azur!—this festival has something for everyone.
Here’s what the HerCanberra team will be getting along to when the festival arrives at Palace Electric from 9 March to 5 April.
Two Tickets to Greece
A film that will feel as good as a holiday, Two Tickets to Greece follows estranged childhood besties Blandine and Magalie as they jaunt off to the Greek Islands following Blandine’s divorce—with hilarious results. Did we mention it’s from the writer/director of acclaimed TV comedy, Call My Agent!, Marc Fitoussi?
Starring the truly terrific Kristin Scott Thomas, Laure Calamy and Olivia Côte, Two Tickets to Greece has been chosen as the film for the festival’s annual HerCanberra Ladies Night (details coming soon!) so needless to say, we’re excited for this one.
November
Of course, there are darker themes at the festival too, none more so than in November, a thriller set in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks of 13 November 2015.
A nail-biting journey into one of the most devastating incidents in modern French memory, November follows the anti-terrorism teams tasked with bringing the perpetrators to justice—and dealing with the enormous burden this entails.
Masquerade
A sparkling gem of a slow-burn thriller set on the glittering Cote D’Azur, Masquerade is described as “sexy and oh-so French”. And if the budget doesn’t allow for a ticket to the French Riviera this year, get yourself a cocktail from the bar and a ticket to this instead.
Starring the fabulous Pierre Niney, Isabelle Adjani and François Cluzet, Masquerade follows the meal tickets and arm candies of France’s upper set as they scheme their way through the summer.
Annie’s Fire
Another empowering and uplifting film starring Laura Calamy, Annie’s Fire has scooped multiple awards since it was released last year. It follows a working-class mother of two as she joins the fight to have abortion legalised in France in 1974 alongside the MLAC (Movement for the Freedom of Abortion and Contraception).
A wonderfully retro story about powerful human rights themes from award-winning actor, writer and director Blandine Lenoir, Annie’s Fire shines a light on a sometimes-forgotten chapter of French history.
The Innocent
A deliciously dark comedy like only the French can do, The Innocent stars the fantastic Louis Garrel as Abel, who is on a mission to unmask the reformed ex-con his mother is dating, before it’s too late.
Soon, Abel finds himself caught up in an elaborate heist along with his best friend and mother featuring caviar, truckers and high-speed chases. We’ll take two tickets, please.
Want more?
These are just five of the many films the festival will showcase across 9 March to 5 April at Palace Electric.
Find the full film line up at affrenchfilmfestival.org.
HerCanberra is a proud sponsor of the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Alliance Française French Film Festival
When: 9 March to 5 April
Where: Palace Electric
Tickets + more information: affrenchfilmfestival.org
