The ​​36th annual Alliance Française Film Festival has arrived, inviting us into the subtle but captivating depth of French cinema. This year's program offers a diverse range of films—from monumental biopics to minute explorations of the human experience—featuring established icons and emerging talents alike.

Until April 23, the Alliance is showing 42 French films in six cities throughout Australia. Blue Illusion is proud to sponsor this event, which hosts the largest celebration of contemporary French cinema outside of France.

The festival dates vary by city. Here are a few of the cities and dates:

Sydney, NSW: 4 March to 9 April

Melbourne, VIC: 5 March to 9 April

Brisbane, QLD: 6 March to 8 April

Canberra, ACT: 6 March to 9 April

Perth, WA: 13 March to 16 April

Adelaide, SA: 19 March to 23 April

Nos recommandations

Below are a few films we are highly anticipating. That said, art is subjective. So, we encourage you to also explore the line-up and embrace your personal joie du cinéma.

My Brother's Band

A feel-good comedy/drama, My Brother’s Band follows Thibaut (Benjamin Lavernhe), an internationally renowned orchestra conductor who discovers he is adopted after a health crisis. He finds out that he has a younger brother, Jimmy (Pierre Lottin), who works in a school cafeteria and plays the trombone in a community brass band. Their shared love
of music fosters a bond that seeks to remedy lost time.

The Count of Monte Cristo

This luxurious retelling of a well-known classic is both enduring and electrifyingly new, reminiscent of golden-age Hollywood. Set in 19th-century Marseille, the recently promoted ship captain, Edmond Dantès (Niney), is betrayed by his rivals on the night of his wedding
day.

Denounced as a member of a pro-Napoleon conspiracy, he is incarcerated without trial in an isolated prison. There, Dantès befriends an inmate who reveals the location of a hidden treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. After claiming the treasure, he begins a quest to seek
revenge on the men who wronged him.

Monsieur Aznavour

Mirroring Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose, Tahar Rahim transforms into the iconic French singer-songwriter, Charles Aznavour. This wildly entertaining biopic depicts the man who defeated all odds to become one of France’s most beloved entertainers. Led by Rahim’s brilliant performance and vocal prowess, MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR is a tour de force and moving tribute to the power of music.

Prodigies

Based on a true story, Prodigies is a moving tale depicting twin sisters driven by the same love of piano. While competing to be soloists and training for a concert that will decide their careers, the sisters discover they are both suffering from an illness that will slowly
render them unable to perform. Despite the odds, they fight to change their
fate.

Miss Violet

Set in late 19th-century France, Miss Violet is a historical drama about a Parisian teacher sent to educate children in the countryside. Her mission is to actualise the free and compulsory school of the Republic. However, she must convince the parents to send their kids to school. Despite the challenges she faces along the way, Miss Violet is determined to give these children the opportunity that education provides.

Riviera Revenge

Riviera Revenge is the kind of unconventional comedy that only France can offer. It’s hilarious and heartwarming despite confronting complex family themes. The film is about a retired military man confronted with his wife’s affair from 40 years prior. To save face, he travels to the French Riviera to challenge his wife’s former lover.

No matter which film you choose, there will never be a dull moment at the French Film Festival.