Alliance Française French Film Festival 2011
In its 22nd year, the Alliance Française French Film Festival has recently kicked off in Sydney, and is set to tour the country in the coming months. The Artistic Director, Jean-Jacques Garnier, discusses this year’s selection, which includes a variety of films that were released commercially in France in 2010.
How many films were submitted this year?
I watched 112 movies out of the 268 French films (including co-productions) that were produced in France in 2010. Then at the end I selected 46 of them.
What is the selection process based on?
First of all, I try to think about Australian audiences to ascertain whether the subject of the film is universal. As much as I can, I try to not select films that are too Franco-French in style like comedies with jokes that only people who have lived in France would appreciate or understand. And of course the screenplay is very important to me – even for a comedy. Secondly, you have to consider the feel of the movie… the work of the directors, the actors, etc. For example, an actor like Daniel Auteuil is very popular in Australia, so even if the movie that I have selected is not my ‘piece of cake,’ if it’s good, I keep it in the program, as I’m sure that the public will like it. Sometimes I have to watch a film two or three times before I can make a decision.??This process starts in June, just after Cannes Film Festival. Then at the end of September when the line-up is close to completion, I look at all the movies that I have selected to try and find some common themes to create the various sections within the program.
Do you try to include a certain amount of works from emerging filmmakers?
Oh yes… It’s very, very important. Each year I try to present a minimum of 25% of movies by first-time directors. I also try to introduce some new actors and actresses who represent the younger generation to Australian audiences. It’s very important and it’s one of the key factors of the AFFFF. For example, I am very proud this year to introduce the shining and glamorous Clotilde Hesme who stars in Angèle and Tony. I am sure that the Australian audiences are going to love her.
Are there any themes/issues that have been focused on in the films this year?
It’s a difficult question because there is no particular focus on one idea or issue. It would be more accurate to say that there are several ideas, or ways about today’s approach to life represented. Of course if you look at almost all of them, you could say that 80% of the focus is on LOVE! To love one’s neighbour, the love of life, the love of the people who are part of your life… Love and enjoy your life! I think that this year the Festival’s line-up is quite positive and less dark than the two previous years… and more spiritual.
The festival is bound to please audiences of all tastes! Below is just a brief insight into a few of the films that will be screening:
All That Glitters. Directors Géraldine Nakache & Hervé Mimran
From first time writer/directors Hervé Mimran and Géraldine Nakache (who also co-stars in the film), All That Glitters is a coming of age story about two best friends who dream of leaving their mundane lives in the suburbs behind them, and breaking into the glamorous world of the Parisian upper class. But when their little white lies quickly turn into more serious ones, their friendship becomes jeopardized. While the plot is not very original, the film is bound by a fresh energy, which also provides an insight into the lives of Paris’ elite.
Hands Up. Director Romain Goupil
Told from the perspective of the protagonist in the year 2067, Hands Up is a retrospective account of the present day – when Milana, a young Chechen immigrant in Paris, attempts to save herself from deportation with the help of her friends. The film includes a brilliant young cast and manages to explore modern day issues such as film piracy, while also highlighting the continuing immigration problems in France.
Happy Few. Director Antony Cordier
Happy Few follows two married couples who decide to dapple with partner-swinging. At first no one is hurt by this taboo arrangement – as they each enjoy the excitement that comes from their various rendezvous. This is until they each begin to question whether it is possible to be in love with two people at once – which creates a severe strain on their marriages. While the film is a bit slow paced, it explores the supposed benefits, and the consequences of, contemporary swinging in Paris.
For the full program and ticket information visit: www.frenchfilmfestival.org/
