FILM buffs, get ready for a treat. The the crème-de-la-crème of French cinema is heading to cinemas around the country in March and April.
The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival will tour the country from March 1-April 26.
Alliance is the largest French film festival to take place outside of France. This year's program will showcase the next generation of French filmmakers, with films ranging from black comedy, to romance and history.
Artistic director Karine Mauris said this year's festival would present the most exiting program in the event's 33 years.
"The 2022 edition will lift you, inspire you, challenge you, and take you on magical journeys to France," Karine said.
"We will be showcasing some of the best French filmmakers, actors, composers and talent who bring these films to life.
Karine said the program would be "A true celebration of stories that universally allow us to look at ourselves as we share the excitement of French cinema."
This year's program will include the Australian premiere of Xavier Giannoli's Lost Illusions, starring Benjamin Voisin and Cecile de France.
Set in the 19th century, the film tell the story of Lucien de Rubempre, a young, lower-class poet, who is madly in love with the baroness Louise de Bargeton. The couple flees to Paris to avoid scandal, but the would be love story turns to one of cynicism, when he loses the Baroness' support and finds himself alone and penniless. He ends up seeking revenge by writing controversial, but banal articles.
Another highlight of the program will be Carine Tardieu's The Young Lovers, starring Cecile de France, Fanny Ardant and Melvil Poupaud An eagerly anticipated follow-up to Tardieu's Just to Be Sure, the film is a modern and nuanced romantic drama about a woman who embarks on an affair with a younger man.
Other highlights will include Regis Roinsard's Waiting For Bojangles, Samuel Benchetrit's Love Songs For Tough Guys and Yohan Manca's La Traviata, My Brothers and I.
Festival dates:
Sydney: March 1-April 6. Encore screenings: April 7-10. (Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne)
Canberra: March 2-April 6. Encore screenings: April 7-10. (Palace Electric)
Melbourne: March 3-April 6. Encore screenings: April 7-10. (Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Como. Palace Westgarth, Pentridge Cinema, The Kino and The Astor Theatre - Opening Night)
Perth: March 9-April 6. Encore screenings: April 7-10. (Camelot Outdoor Cinema, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX, Palace Raine Square and Windsor Cinema)
Brisbane: March 16-April 13. Encore screenings: April 14-18. (Palace Barracks and Palace James Street)
Adelaide: March 24-April 24. Encore screenings: April 25-26. (Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas and Victa Cinemas)
Byron Bay: March 30- April 14. Encore screenings: April 15-16. (Palace Byron Bay)
Parramatta: April 7-10. (Parramatta Riverside Theatres)
Hobart: March 9-20. (State Cinema)
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