French Language Films in Vancouver

Posted by Lori Henry Jun 24, 2008

One of my favourite festivals to grace Vancouver is the French Film Festival, only in its second year. Eight films from France will play from now until August 14, 2008 at the Park Theatre on Cambie Street and 18th Avenue (3440 Cambie Street, 604-709-FILM).

This year, win a free trip to France just by attending! Enter your name in the draw box and pray for it to be to chosen on August 15th. Details can be found at the festival link above.

The French Language Films (with subtitles, of course!)

Showing now is Claude Lelouch’s Roman de Gare, which I will see tonight and report back on.

Next up is Flight of the Red Balloon by Hsiao-hsien Hou, opening this Friday June 27. Starring the always-perfect Juliette Binoche and based on Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 classic film of the same name, the story is based on family conflicts woven together with a red balloon. Binoche steals the show as the obvious master of her craft, joined by young Simon Iteanu and Fang Song, who offer average performances.

Opening on July 4th is the popular Priceless, starring the ravishing Audrey Tautou (of Amélie fame) and charming Gad Elmaleh (of Le Valet). A hodgepodge of excellent talent rounds out the fun, including Marie-Christine Adam, Vernon Dobtcheff, Jacques Spiesser, and Annelise Hesme. Hilarious, entertaining and moving are the keys to this French gem that will have you planning your next trip to the French Riviera in search of… well, you’ll have to see the movie.

I’ll report back on the future films being screened: Love Songs (Louis Garrel and Ludivine Sagnier), The Duchess of Langeais set in 1820’s Paris, Catherine Breillat’s The Last Mistress, A Secret (Cécile de France and Patrick Bruel), and Conversations With My Gardener (Daniel Auteuil and Jean-Pierre Darroussin).