The Alliance Française French Film Festival is upon us again, showcasing some of the best films France has to offer. Here are our picks of the festival:
Samba
Fashion darling Charlotte Gainsbourg stars in Samba, a moving dramatic comedy from the directors of The Intouchables. Centered around the unlikely romance between Samba Cisse (Omar Sy), a Senegalese immigrant, and Alice (Gainsbourg), a high-level businesswoman going through a rough patch, Samba is a tale of friendship and finding one’s true identity.
Buy tickets here.
A Chance Encounter
Forbidden love is the theme of A Chance Encounter, a story about how happily married man Pierre (Francois Cluzet) has his life turned upside down when he meets Elsa (Sophie Marceau). This is a L’Oreal Paris charity screening, so every dollar raised go towards Breast Cancer Cure.
Buy tickets here.
Handmade with Love in France
If you’ve ever wondered how pleats are made or how long it takes to make fake flowers for a Chanel dress, this documentary is a must-see. Handmade with Love in France focuses on the Parisian artisans who painstakingly create the most intricate aspects of haute couture.
Buy tickets here.
Breathe
Adapted from the best-selling novel by Anne-Sophie Brasme, Breathe is a highly refined thriller which received critical acclaim at both the Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals. Directed by actress Melanie Laurent, the film is centered around Charlie (Josephine Japy) and Sarah (Lou de Laage) and the deep, dark friendship they share.
Buy tickets here.
French Riviera
Catherine Deneuve stars in this based-on-true-events family drama set in the picturesque city of Nice. The plot is centered around Agnes Le Roux (Adele Haenal), who moves back in with her mother Renee (Deneuve) after the break-up of her marriage. The drama begins when the family-owned casino runs into financial trouble, causing a whirlwind of hurt and betrayal.
Buy tickets here.
We have two double passes to giveaway to screenings at Newmarket (19 February – 8 March) or Takapuna (20 February – 8 March). To enter the draw to win, simply tell us the name of your favourite French actress in the form below. Good luck!
