CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Sydney 4 - 23 Mar - The International French School ...
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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Sydney 4 – 23 Mar
NATIONAL SPONSORS Gold Sponsor
Exhibition Partner Festival Partners
Official Airline Partner
National Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Media Partners
Charity Partner
CONTENTS
OPENING NIGHT FILM GIGGLE AND GRIN
6 The Finishers 43 Cycling with Molière
44 On the Other Side of
CLOSING NIGHT CLASSIC
the Tracks
VOTED BY YOU!
45 Quai d’Orsay
7 Vote from a selection of 47 Under the Rainbow
6 movies by film director, 49 Wrestling Queens
Jacques Tati
FAMILY TIES
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
50 A Castle in Italy
8 2 Autumns, 3 Winters 51 Attila Marcel
9 Bright Days Ahead 53 Family Matters
11 Folies Bergère 54 Going Away
12 Friends from France 55 Homeland
13 Grand Central 56 Taking Off
15 It Boy 57 True Friends
16 Just a Sigh
17 Populaire KIDDIES KORNER
19 Venus in Fur 59 Billy and Buddy
60 Kirikou and the Men
LIFE STORIES
and Women
20 Camille Claudel 1915 61 My Mommy is in America and
21 Domestic Life She Met Buffalo Bill
23 Jappeloup
25 Mademoiselle C. LOVE FROM THE FIFO, TAHITI
26 Me, Myself and Mum 62 And Sail to the Australes
27 Michael Kohlhaas 63 Jacques Brel,
28 Suzanne the Home Stretch
29 Violette 63 La Monique,
a Caledonian Wound
VENTURES AND ADVENTURES
31 11.6 66 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
32 Belle and Sebastian
70 SCREENING SCHEDULE
33 Möbius
34 Our Heroes Died Tonight 78 TICKETING INFORMATION
35 Tour de Force & FESTIVAL CONDITIONS
37 Turning Tide
TRIBUTE TO A MASTER:
FRANÇOIS TRUFFAUT
38 Finally, Sunday!
39 Jules and Jim
39 The 400 Blows
BIENVENUE! Stéphane Romatet Ambassador of France to Australia In 1989, the combined teams of the French Embassy, the Alliances Françaises of Australia and Palace Cinemas launched the first exhibition of a “little” festival of French films. Twenty-five years later, the “Alliance Française French Film Festival” has become one of the biggest events in the world for promotion of our cinema. Each year, the Festival spreads French culture throughout Australia and attracts ever growing audiences. It is a real success that is repeated year after year, supported by a viewing public of more than 130,000 moviegoers, to whom I offer my most sincere thanks for their faithful attendance. Therefore, this year we celebrate our 25th anniversary, for which we propose a selection of moving, funny and touching French films that will captivate all attendees. I am sure that Julia Zemiro, who does us the honour of being the Patron of our Festival, would agree whole-heartedly with the great selection. There will be special guests, a tribute to François Truffaut, exclusive films, renewed partnerships plus a seventh participating city, all of which are on the menu for this exceptional Festival year. We hope always that there will be many of you with us to blow out the 25 candles. These past 25 years would not have been possible without the support of our partners and sponsors, without the involvement of Palace Cinemas, without the professionalism of teams from the Alliances Françaises and the French Embassy, and without UniFrance films, Institut Français, the French and Australian cinema professionals and all of the volunteers who give of themselves, each year, with such passion. We wish to celebrate this greatly anticipated occasion with all of you, which is why we wanted you, the audience, to choose the closing night film. I therefore invite as many of you as possible to go to www.affrenchfilmfestival.org to vote for your choice. The Alliance Française French Film Festival carries high the colours of French cinema in Australia. It partners a changing industry, one founded on creativity and quality. The Festival bears witness to our strong points - passion serving excellence and diversity. After all, it embodies the richness and depth of the relationship that unites Australia and France. In this year, in which we will also commemorate the centenary of the First World War with Australia, it heartens me to see that our friendship is vibrant, strong and rooted as much in history as it is in culture. A very happy anniversary and a long life to the Alliance Française French Film Festival!
Julia Zemiro,
Festival Patron
“Born in Aix-en-Provence and raised in
Sydney, I was schooled in a little French
primary school in the heart of Bondi. In
the playground, I was an early translator
between French kids and Aussie kids. I
stopped fights. Didn’t everyone have two languages? It’s been a
vital link to my French dad and my Australian mother’s passion for
teaching it. French films and music have always been in my life in
Australia, often the only way of keeping in touch with ‘over there’,
so I am delighted to be the Patron of the Alliance Française French
Film Festival.
Now…turn your mobiles off, block out that world, sit back and
enter a new one.”
The Alliances Françaises
Promotion of the French Language
Promotion of the French Arts
and Culture
142 Cultural events nationally
9,061 Students
Festival organised by the AF of
Adelaide, Brisbane,
Canberra, Melbourne,
Perth and Sydney.
“A FEEL-GOOD SPORT FILM WHERE THE IMPOSSIBLE HAPPENS ”
The Film Stage
OPENING NIGHT FILM
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
THE FINISHERS
De toutes nos forces
FRANCE DRAMA 95 MINS 2014 PG
DIRECTOR NILS TAVERNIER
CAST JACQUES GAMBLIN, ALEXANDRA LAMY, FABIEN HÉRAUD,
SOPHIE DE FÜRST, PABLO PAULY, XAVIER MATHIEU
Wheelchair-bound teenager Julien (Fabien Héraud) is the apple of his mother’s
eye, but he yearns for the approval of his brooding and bitter father, Paul
(Jacques Gamblin).
With his youth as an Ironman champion behind him, Paul distances himself from
his disabled son. When Julien suggests the seemingly crazy idea that they join
forces to compete in a triathlon in Nice, an incredible journey of persistence and
determination begins.
The characters are inspired by a true story in this emotionally involving film that
will melt the hardest heart. It features moving and fully committed performances
from a terrific cast, including Alexandra Lamy as Julien’s mother, Claire.
With Rocky-esque training montages and nail-biting sequences in the stunning
mountains of Nice (shot at the actual 2012 Ironman competition), director Nils
Tavernier turns the conventions of the sports film on its head. You might even be
inspired to run yourself after seeing this stirring family story!
6 OPENING NIGHT FILM
CLOSING NIGHT CLASSIC
VOTED BY YOU!
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
BE A FESTIVAL PROGRAMMER!
Vote online for one of the following
Jacques Tati classics to be screened
on the closing night!
VOTE BY 12 FEBRUARY MIDNIGHT.
ONE SCREENING ONLY
www.affrenchfilmfestival.org
RESTORED VERSIONS
CLOSING NIGHT CLASSIC - VOTED BY YOU! 7
“A ROM-COM FULL OF CHARM”
Télérama
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
2 AUTUMNS, 3 WINTERS
2 Automnes, 3 Hivers
FRANCE COMEDY, ROMANCE 90 MINS 2013 CTC
DIRECTOR SÉBASTIEN BETBEDER
CAST VINCENT MACAIGNE, MAUD WYLER, BASTIEN BOUILLON,
THOMAS BLANCHARD, JEAN-QUENTIN CHÂTELAIN
Thirty-three year old Aman (Vincent Macaigne) decides to start his new life with
an evening jog – and literally runs into the love of his life, Amélie (Maud Wyler).
Aman’s best friend Benjamin (Bastien Bouillon) suffers from a mild stroke –
which leads him to physical therapist Katia (Audrey Bastien). So begins this fresh
and surprising comedy about love, accidents and memories by exciting young
director Sébastien Betbeder.
2 Autumns, 3 Winters combines cool performances from its good-looking,
hipster cast with an unpredictable freewheeling style that is utterly charming.
Vincent Macaigne is fast becoming one of the most recognisable and sought-
after actors in French cinema. A Gondry-esque talent to watch, director
Sébastien Betbeder loves to make sly and hilarious references to anything from
Robert Bresson to Judd Apatow, but still gives his story a genuinely romantic
heart.
Snappy, poignant and above all entertaining, 2 Autumns, 3 Winters is a
feel-good blast.
8 LOVE IS IN THE AIR
“THOUGHTFUL AND TOUCHING OLD AGE DRAMEDY THAT FEATURES STRONG
PERFORMANCES FROM A SEASONED CAST”
The Hollywood Reporter
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD
Les beaux jours
FRANCE COMEDY, DRAMA, ROMANCE 94 MINS 2013 CTC
DIRECTOR MARION VERNOUX
CAST FANNY ARDANT, LAURENT LAFITTE, PATRICK CHESNAIS,
JEAN-FRANÇOIS STÉVENIN, FANNY COTTENÇON
Bright Days Ahead is a tender and frank romantic comedy about taking control
and enjoying your life at any age – even if it means breaking the rules and
subverting expectations.
When Caroline (Fanny Ardant) retires she finds that her newfound freedom
quickly turns to boredom. Taking the plunge and joining a seniors’ club, she
strikes up a relationship with a young computer science teacher and local
ladies’ man, Julien (Laurent Lafitte), who is half her age. This soon turns into a
passionate amour fou, complicated by their age difference, Caroline’s marriage
and Julien’s string of other lovers.
French cinema favourite Fanny Ardant is radiant as the spirited Caroline
embracing a second chance at life, and Laurent Lafitte, also seen in this year’s
On the Other Side of the Tracks, is both smouldering and smitten as the young
man in love. The superb cast of older actors includes Patrick Chesnais who gives
a heartbreaking and restrained supporting performance as Caroline’s wronged
yet understanding husband.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR 9
7 S E AT S
360° CAMERA VIEW PANORAMIC TOUCH SCREEN INTERNATIONALLY
WINDSCREEN ACLAIMMEDWORLD PREMIÈRE
FOLIES BERGÈRE
Folies Bergère
FRANCE COMEDY 98 MINS 2014 CTC
DIRECTOR MARC FITOUSSI
CAST ISABELLE HUPPERT, JEAN-PIERRE DARROUSSIN, MICHAEL
NYQVIST, PIO MARMAÏ, AUDREY DANA, ANAÏS DEMOUSTIER
A new comedy starring the fabulous Isabelle Huppert is always worth
celebrating, and the Festival is thrilled to present the World Première screenings
of the wonderfully charming and poignant Folies Bergère.
Long married 50-somethings Brigitte (Isabelle Huppert) and Xavier (Jean-Pierre
Darroussin) are prize cattle breeders in regional France. Life is good, but the
departure of their children from home has thrown Brigitte’s world into flux, as
she finds herself locked into routine. She keeps hoping for something else,
something more. A party held by students on the adjoining property accelerates
this latent crisis and Brigitte impulsively sets off for Paris under the guise of a
doctor’s appointment. The city immediately invigorates her, and when she
meets a charming Danish gentleman (Michael Nyqvist, The Girl With the Dragon
Tattoo), she impulsively allows herself to be flattered by his attentions…
Beautifully performed by the central leads but also expertly supported by
Marina Foïs, Audrey Dana, Pio Marmaï and Anaïs Demoustier, Folies Bergère is
a deliciously charming fable about the choices of everyday life, and a reminder
that it’s never too late to change.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR 11“A STORY OF LOVE AND ADVENTURE”
Le Monde
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
FRIENDS FROM FRANCE
Les interdits
FRANCE, GERMANY, RUSSIA, CANADA DRAMA 100 MINS 2013 CTC
DIRECTOR ANNE WEIL, PHILIPPE KOTLARSKI
CAST SOKO, JÉRÉMIE LIPPMANN, VLADIMIR FRIDMAN, ANIA BUKSTEIN,
ALEXANDRE CHACON
Anne Weil moves from editing A Castle in Italy (also showing in this year’s
Festival) to make her directorial debut with the powerful political thriller
Friends from France.
Set in the USSR in 1979, the film follows young engaged couple Carole (singer
turned actress Soko) and Jérôme (Jérémie Lippmann) on a vacation to Odessa.
Or at least that is their cover story. In fact they are Jewish cousins, on a secret
mission to help ‘refuseniks’, Jews persecuted by the Soviet regime for wanting
to leave the country. Together they explore the dangerous world of Breshnev’s
Russia, filled with many dark undercurrents – a place where it’s dangerous
to trust anyone.
More than a glimpse into a troubling and overlooked place and time, Friends
from France also develops into a love story that takes a detour into unexpected
territory. The film’s compelling balancing act between the political and the
personal is reminiscent of works by Jane Campion and Andrea Arnold, and is a
tense examination of risk and obsession.
• Toronto International Film Festival 2013: Contemporary World Cinema
12 LOVE IS IN THE AIR“A LOVE TRIANGLE SO INTENSE IT’S PRACTICALLY RADIOACTIVE”
Variety
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
GRAND CENTRAL
Grand Central
FRANCE DRAMA 94 MINS 2013 MA15+
DIRECTOR REBECCA ZLOTOWSKI
CAST TAHAR RAHIM, LÉA SEYDOUX, OLIVIER GOURMET,
DENIS MÉNOCHET, JOHAN LIBÉREAU
Grand Central is the story of Gary (Tahar Rahim), an aimless and unskilled worker
who lands himself a job at a nuclear reactor. Almost immediately he finds himself
ignoring the warning signs and venturing where he shouldn’t: into the arms of a
co-worker’s fiancée.
This superbly acted tale of fission and frisson is the much anticipated second
feature film from writer-director Rebecca Zlotowski (Belle Epine). At this film’s
core are intense but nuanced performances by its two leads, Tahar Rahim and
Léa Seydoux (Blue is the Warmest Color) as the irresistibly intoxicating Karole.
Working alongside Gary in the most dangerous part of the nuclear plant
is Karole’s fiancé, Toni, an old hand, who shows him the ropes. An unspoken
tension defines the men’s relationship, until Gary puts his life in mortal danger
to rescue Toni.
This deeply affecting film shines a light on the vulnerability of those at the
economic margins engaged in dangerous, low-paid work. Once again Rebecca
Zlotowski has coaxed amazing performances from her ensemble, creating a film
with both nuclear physics and sexual chemistry.
• Cannes International Film Festival 2013: Un Certain Regard
LOVE IS IN THE AIR 13REGISTER ON FESTIVAL WEBSITE
TO WIN AMAZING PRIZES!
1st
PRIZE
A TRIP TO PARIS
• Two Air France return Economy tickets
Sydney-Europe.
• Five nights at the charming 4 star Mayfair Hotel,
a Chateaux & Hotel Collection member,
arrival private transfer Charles de Gaulle airport,
five day metro pass (zones 1 - 3), courtesy of French
Travel Connection.
• Two France Rail Passes 1st class, four days travel
in one month, courtesy of Rail Europe.
2nd FRENCH ESCAPE
PRIZE FOR TWO
AT THE HUNTER VALLEY
• Two nights at the 5 star Chateau Elan at
The Vintage, one of Australia’s finest golf
and spa resorts, located in the heart of
Hunter Valley wine country.
• Dinner voucher at the resorts restaurant.
• A Citroën for the weekend - from Friday
to Sunday.
• Two return domestic flights if winners
are not from Sydney.
Terms and conditions apply.
Visit www.affrenchfilmfestival.org for more details.
Prizes courtesy of:“A PACEY ROMANTIC COMEDY THAT MAKES THE MOST OF THE CHEMISTRY AND STAR
QUALITY OF ACE LEADS VIRGINIE EFIRA AND PIERRE NINEY”
Variety
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
IT BOY
20 ans d’écart
FRANCE COMEDY, ROMANCE 92 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR DAVID MOREAU
CAST VIRGINIE EFIRA, PIERRE NINEY, GILLES COHEN,
CHARLES BERLING, AMÉLIE GLENN
It Boy takes a hilarious look at sex, ambition and age differences in the glamorous
world of Parisian publishing.
Beautiful and talented Alice (Virginie Efira) is in her late thirties, with her sights
set on the top job at the haute couture fashion magazine, Rebelle. Unfortunately
her uptight attitude makes her boss Vincent (Gilles Cohen) doubt she has what
it takes.
However when she meets the 20-year-old Balthazar (Pierre Niney), a chain of
misunderstandings suddenly finds her with a newfound cougar persona that
changes her image, and her career chances, for the better. Can Alice keep up her
new man-eating appearance? And what happens when her sham relationship
with Balthazar becomes something more serious?
There’s real chemistry here between TV presenter turned comedian Virginie
Efira and Pierre Niney, the twice César Award nominated star of the 2012 hit,
Romantics Anonymous. This is a funny and frothy movie that’s sure to appeal to
lovers of fast-paced romantic comedies.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR 15“THE UNEXPECTED AND BEAUTIFUL ENCOUNTER OF EMMANUELLE DEVOS AND
GABRIEL BYRNE. DELICATE AND MELANCHOLIC”
Marianne
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
JUST A SIGH
Le temps de l’aventure
FRANCE, BELGIUM, IRELAND ROMANCE 105 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR JÉRÔME BONNELL
CAST GABRIEL BYRNE, EMMANUELLE DEVOS, GILLES PRIVAT,
AURÉLIA PETIT, LAURENT CAPELLUTO
The always brilliant Emmanuelle Devos stars as Alix, a forty-three year old actress
en route to Paris for an audition. With a broken mobile phone and a maxed-out
credit card, Alix is momentarily loosened from the moorings that anchor her to
modern life and to her boyfriend. A brief train conversation with an enigmatic
stranger, Douglas (Irish star Gabriel Byrne), sets her on a path of spontaneous
decisions with both the promise and the risk of new beginnings.
Just a Sigh shows two charismatic stars in top form as they pursue an attraction
in glances and tentative gestures. Their flirtation unfolds in real-time against a
backdrop of vibrant Paris locations on World Music Day. Director Jérôme Bonnell
masterfully conducts the sparkling repartee between Emmanuelle Devos and
Gabriel Byrne with insight and affection.
Combining the magic of Brief Encounter and Before Sunrise, Just a Sigh is
mature, wryly humorous, and an ode to the ageless thrill of anticipation of a new
and forbidden romance.
• Chicago International Film Festival 2013: Official Competition
16 LOVE IS IN THE AIR“MAD MEN MEETS THE ARTIST IN POPULAIRE, A SUPERBLY CRAFTED, FINELY ACTED
RETRO ROM-COM”
The Hollywood Reporter
POPULAIRE
Populaire
FRANCE, BELGIUM COMEDY, ROMANCE 111 MINS 2012 M
DIRECTOR RÉGIS ROINSARD
CAST ROMAIN DURIS, DÉBORAH FRANÇOIS, BÉRÉNICE BÉJO,
SHAUN BENSON, MÉLANIE BERNIER
This utterly delightful film is a sparkling homage to classic Hollywood romantic
comedies.
Set in the late 1950s, Populaire’s heroine is Rose Pamphyle (César Award winner
Déborah François), a girl who lives with her widowed father but yearns for so
much more than the aimless life her inevitable marriage to the local mechanic’s
son promises. Travelling out of her small town in Normandy in search of a
job, she is interviewed by an insurance agent: the suave, driven Louis Échard
(Heartbreaker, Romain Duris), who discovers she possesses an unworldly ability
to type. Once a gifted boxer and runner, Louis now becomes Rose’s coach
and soon begins preparing her for the world speed typing championships
in New-York.
The charming film features all the wonderful fashions of the era, lending a rich
visual element to the jaunty, romantic tale of a man, a woman and the typewriter
that binds them. Taking its title from a well-known brand of French typewriter,
Populaire is sure to be an audience favourite, scoring highly in words-and
laughs-per minute.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR 17“A TEASING DIALECTIC OF SUBJUGATION AND POWER”
The Hollywood Reporter
VENUS IN FUR
La Vénus à la fourrure
FRANCE, POLAND DRAMA 95 MINS 2013 CTC
DIRECTOR ROMAN POLANSKI
CAST EMMANUELLE SEIGNER, MATHIEU AMALRIC
Fresh from the confronting Carnage, controversial director Roman Polanski now
serves up another delicious provocation with the risqué Venus in Fur. A taut
adaptation of David Ives’ Tony Award winning play, Polanski’s film is a head-
spinning plunge into a world of sex and power, where the line between acting
and reality is dangerously blurred.
Thomas Novachek (Mathieu Amalric) is struggling to cast the lead in his theatrical
production of the notorious Sacher-Masoch novella of the title. As if on cue, the
abrasive and brash Vanda (Polanski’s wife Emmanuelle Seigner) appears at the
auditions. With the play already memorised and an unnerving way of completely
inhabiting the dominatrix role, Vanda casts an intoxicating spell on Thomas that
spirals into a power play beyond the stage.
Both Mathieu Amalric and Emmanuelle Seigner deliver cheeky and daring
performances as Polanski expertly weaves their web of transgressive intrigue. A
wicked psychological study, Venus in Fur is a riveting, entertaining and expertly
made film that is sure to have audience members talking after the credits roll.
• Cannes International Film Festival 2013: Official Competition
LOVE IS IN THE AIR 19“BINOCHE IS EXTRAORDINARY. DUMONT DIRECTS HIS MOST OVERWHELMING AND
DEEPLY TOUCHING FILM”
Les Inrockuptibles
LIFE STORIES
CAMILLE CLAUDEL 1915
Camille Claudel 1915
FRANCE DRAMA 97 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR BRUNO DUMONT
CAST JULIETTE BINOCHE, JEAN-LUC VINCENT, ROBERT LEROY,
EMMANUEL KAUFFMANN, MARION KELLER
The controversial director Bruno Dumont joins forces with the universally lauded
Juliette Binoche to produce a searing and devastating cinematic experience in
the true story of Camille Claudel 1915.
Troubled sculptress Claudel (Juliette Binoche) has been confined to an asylum
for two years following the collapse of her affair with fellow artist, Auguste Rodin.
Isolated from the outside world, she pleads the case for her sanity with doctors.
A visit from her pious brother Paul (Jean-Luc Vincent) seems to hold the hope for
her release, but first he must be persuaded that she isn’t possessed by the devil.
Filmed in intimate close-up, Juliette Binoche delivers the definitive performance
of her already extraordinary career, plummeting to emotional depths with
fearless honesty.
Bruno Dumont’s film continues the tragic story begun in Bruno Nuytten’s 1988
Camille Claudel that starred Isabelle Adjani. A truly major work, Camille Claudel
1915 is a galvanising indictment of a period when society felt dangerously
threatened by an outspoken and unconventional woman.
• International Film Festival of Berlin 2013: Official Competition
20 LIFE STORIES“EMMANUELLE DEVOS IN AN INCISIVE, AMUSING AND CRUEL
CHRONICLE OF FEMINISM”
Le Nouvel Observateur
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
DOMESTIC LIFE
La vie domestique
FRANCE COMEDY, DRAMA 93 MINS 2013 MA15+
DIRECTOR ISABELLE CZAJKA
CAST EMMANUELLE DEVOS, JULIE FERRIER, NATACHA RÉGNIER,
HÉLÉNA NOGUERRA, LAURENT POITRENAUX
How does a modern woman balance the demands of family and career?
Emmanuelle Devos continues her 2013 hot streak with a commanding
performance as a dissatisfied mother in the suburbs in the acidly cynical
Domestic Life.
The film is a critical yet sympathetic depiction of 24 hours in the lives of several
women. Stifled by her unimaginative husband, Juliette (Emmanuelle Devos)
struggles with the demands of home and yearns to work in a publishing house.
Her old school friend Betty (Julie Ferrier) is much more at peace with her home-
maker role. Over the course of the day, the details of their lives are shown in
fascinating detail. At the same time, a tragedy unfolds that puts all their troubles
in stark perspective.
Recalling a smarter French Desperate Housewives, Domestic Life is an immersive
quasi-satire, featuring a brilliant female cast and fascinating characters that are
immensely likeable despite their many flaws. A mesmerising skewering of the
foibles of the middle-class, this is a must-see.
LIFE STORIES 21“A VIBRANT FILM, FILLED WITH PASSION, CONVICTION AND ENERGY. NOT A GREAT FILM
ON HORSE RIDING: JUST A GREAT FILM ITSELF”
Le Figaro
JAPPELOUP
NOT SCREENING IN PERTH
Jappeloup
FRANCE, CANADA BIOPIC 130 MINS 2013 PG
DIRECTOR CHRISTIAN DUGUAY
CAST GUILLAUME CANET, DANIEL AUTEUIL, MARINA HANDS,
LOU DE LAÂGE, TCHÉKY KARYO, JACQUES HIGELIN
Jappeloup is the inspirational true story of one man and his horse, who together
achieved one of France’s greatest Olympic victories. This triumphant tale of
determination will have you cheering the pair on all the way to its rousing climax.
Guillaume Canet gives a brilliant performance as Pierre Durand, a man
who decides to leave a legal career to follow his equestrian dream. He sees
something special in a small and stubborn colt called Jappeloup and decides to
reach for gold in the competitive world of show jumping. Supported by his father
(audience favourite Daniel Auteuil) and fellow rider Nadia (the charming Marina
Hands), Pierre falters as he comes tantalisingly close to ultimate success. Can he
defy the odds to take his beloved horse to success in the Seoul games of 1988?
The charismatic star Guillaume Canet also wrote the stirring script of this
marvellous film, and director Christian Duguay has drawn on his clear love
of the sport by bringing a sense of authenticity to the spectacular show
jumping sequences.
LIFE STORIES 23Proud sponsor of the French Film Festival 2012 Proud Sponsors of the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2014
“A FASCINATING DOCUMENTARY ABOUT A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE”
Paris Match
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
MADEMOISELLE C.
Mademoiselle C.
FRANCE DOCUMENTARY, FASHION 92 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR FABIEN CONSTANT
STARS CARINE ROITFELD, STEPHEN GAN, MICHAELA DOSAMANTES,
VLADIMIR AND JULIA RESTOIN ROITFELD, KARL LAGERFELD...
As one of the most revered doyens of modern fashion, Carine Roitfeld’s tenure
as editor-in-chief at Vogue Paris defined a new age of French fashion. With her
famously daring and sensual approach to styling, she was named one of Time
magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2008. An absolute embodiment of
chic, her close friends include such industry icons as Karl Lagerfeld, Giorgio
Armani and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Following Carine Roitfeld as she embarks on the launch of her new magazine,
the documentary Mademoiselle C. is a delicious immersion in the glamourous
world of the catwalk. In contrast to her NYC counterpart, Anna Wintour (The
September Issue), Carine Roitfeld is revealed as a warm and charming figure
behind her façade as a shrewd and canny entrepreneur.
With no doors closed to director Fabien Constant, this whirlwind documentary
is a trip to the inner realms of haute couture and features a stunning parade
of supermodels, photo shoots and iconic fashion houses all over the world.
Illuminating, candid and cheeky, all fans of fashion must see Mademoiselle C.
LIFE STORIES 25“FRENCH STAGE STAR GUILLAUME GALLIENNE TURNS SEXUAL ANGUISH AND FAMILY
FRICTION INTO CHARMING CONFESSIONAL COMEDY”
The Hollywood Reporter
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
ME, MYSELF AND MUM
Les garçons et Guillaume, à table!
FRANCE COMEDY 85 MINS 2013 MA15+
DIRECTOR GUILLAUME GALLIENNE
CAST GUILLAUME GALLIENNE, DIANE KRUGER, ANDRÉ MARCON,
FRANÇOISE FABIAN, NANOU GARCIA
The award-winning actor-writer-director Guillaume Gallienne is a member of the
Comédie-Française and a rising star in France. Me, Myself and Mum is a clever
adaptation of his hit one-man stage show into a flamboyant, confessional and
hilarious film about sexual anguish.
Guillaume Gallienne plays himself from a child to a teenager to a young man as
he charts his awkward life with a domineering mother who raised him to be gay
before he had a chance to define his own sexuality. In drag, Guillaume Gallienne
also plays his own mother, creating sensational two-handed scenes by himself.
Guillaume Gallienne’s life is presented in a series of fast-paced and funny
vignettes that detail the most embarrassing moments of his life, with a great
supporting cast and a script full of clever misdirection. Ultimately this is a moving
story of a man taking ownership of his complicated life in a totally original
and theatrical way. Me, Myself and Mum earned rapturous applause when it
premiered in Cannes in 2013, and it is sure to have audiences cheering here too.
• Cannes International Film Festival 2013: Director’s Fortnight
26 LIFE STORIES“A HANDSOMELY-MADE AND ADMIRABLY HIGH-MINDED REVENGE MOVIE”
The Guardian
MICHAEL KOHLHAAS
Michael Kohlhaas
FRANCE, GERMANY DRAMA, HISTORY 122 MINS 2013 MA15+
DIRECTOR ARNAUD DES PALLIÈRES
CAST MADS MIKKELSEN, BRUNO GANZ, DENIS LAVANT,
SERGI LÓPEZ, DELPHINE CHUILLOT
The Danish star and Cannes award winner, Mads Mikkelsen, gives a commanding
performance in the title role of Michael Kohlhaas, a bloody epic set in
feudal France.
After repeatedly being cheated, horse trader Kohlhaas dares to confront the
corrupt local Baron (Swann Arlaud) but is frustrated at every step by the equally
corrupt courts. His campaign for his rights is met by escalating violence and
cruelty, until a truly heinous crime sends Michael on a mission for vengeance.
This is a classic story of duty and revenge, adapted from the novella by
Heinrich von Kleist. Director Arnaud des Pallières fills the screen with bleakly
spectacular panoramas of the grim Cevennes mountains and brutal, unflinching
battle sequences.
In depicting the saga of an honourable man driven to extremes, the film takes
its inspiration from Seven Samurai, Andrei Rublev and classic westerns. An
extraordinary evocation of the 16th century, this is big screen filmmaking at
its most ambitious.
• Cannes International Film Festival 2013: Official Competition
LIFE STORIES 27“AN ASTONISHING, SUPERBLY PERSONAL FILM”
Marianne
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
SUZANNE
Suzanne
FRANCE DRAMA 94 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR KATELL QUILLÉVÉRÉ
CAST SARA FORESTIER, ADÈLE HAENEL, FRANÇOIS DAMIENS,
ANNE LE NY, PAUL HAMY
Widely considered one of France’s most exciting young directors, Katell
Quillévéré confirms the promise of her debut Love Like Poison with Suzanne,
a powerful and emotionally-charged drama that explores the impact of one
woman’s unquenchable thirst for life on those around her.
We meet the strong-willed Suzanne - beautifully played by the enthralling Sara
Forestier - during her childhood, spent in a loving but working-class home with
her adoring elder sister Maria (Adèle Haenel) and their widowed father Nicolas
(François Damiens). Barely into her teenage years, Suzanne falls pregnant, and
declares that she will keep the baby; she decides to choose love above all else -
an attitude that will trigger irrevocable consequences for her entire family.
Exceptionally well-performed and directed, Suzanne richly captures a poetry
and fierce intelligence in everyday details, hurtling the viewer through key
moments of life. Constantly surprising, and with a superb score by Electrelane’s
Verity Susman, the film poignantly reminds us that life rarely follows
a predictable path.
• 2013 Cannes Film Festival: Opening Night Gala (Critics’ Week)
28 LIFE STORIES“AN OVERWHELMING FILM THAT BRINGS BACK TO LIFE HISTORY AND ITS CHARACTERS
WITH A RARE SENSIBILITY”
Pariscope
NOT SCREENING IN PERTH
VIOLETTE
Violette
FRANCE, BELGIUM BIOPIC 139 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR MARTIN PROVOST
CAST EMMANUELLE DEVOS, SANDRINE KIBERLAIN, OLIVIER GOURMET,
CATHERINE HIEGEL, OLIVIER PY
Violette follows the compelling story of novelist Violette Leduc (Emmanuelle
Devos) and her struggle to find her voice as a writer. Scarred by both a childhood
trauma and a loveless marriage, Violette finds a complex mentor in Simone de
Beauvoir (Sandrine Kiberlain) and gains entry to a world of literary giants.
A parade of great French writers from Camus to Genet is brought to life by a
magnificent ensemble cast. Director Martin Provost vividly and unsentimentally
recreates the heady intellectual atmosphere of 1940s Paris.
Devos gives one of the most impassioned performances of her lauded career
in the title role, portraying an uncompromising female artist’s journey from
darkness to light, while Sandrine Kiberlain is perfect as the famously severe
Simone de Beauvoir.
With superb sets shot in exquisitely wintry tones, Violette is a stunning and
mature masterwork that casts an enveloping spell. This is an intimate and
powerful true story of the relationship between two extraordinary women in
an extraordinary time.
• Toronto International Film Festival 2013: Special presentations
LIFE STORIES 29ARE YOU
AT RISK?
Do you have a family history
of Macular Degeneration or
cataracts?
Are your childrens’ eyes
checked regularly?
Do you spend much time
in front of a screen?
INTRODUCING CRIZAL PREVENCIA
WHICH FILTERS OUT HARMFUL LIGHT
THAT COULD LEAD TO PREMATURE
EYE-AGING, MACULAR DEGENERATION
OR CATARACTS
LASTING PROTECTION FOR EYE HEALTH
ASK YOUR OPTOMETRIST AND VISIT
www.crizal.com.au“AS INTRIGUING, BEMUSING AND ENIGMATIC AS THE ACTUAL EVENT IT IS BASED ON”
Screen Daily
VENTURES AND ADVENTURES
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
11.6
11.6
FRANCE THRILLER, ACTION 102 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR PHILIPPE GODEAU
CAST FRANÇOIS CLUZET, BOULI LANNERS, CORINNE MASIERO,
JUANA ACOSTA, JOHAN LIBÉREAU
Based on an incredible true story, the title of 11.6 refers to the staggering amount
of millions in Euros stolen in this tense heist thriller like no other.
Security van driver Toni Musulin (François Cluzet of The Intouchables) leads
a structured, normal existence. Or so it appears. Boredom with his partner,
frustration with his routine and resentment towards his employers simmer
beneath the surface. Gradually he sets out to enact an improbable act of
revenge – disappearing with the contents of his own van.
With fascinating and gripping detail, the nerve-wracking plot follows Toni’s
meticulous preparation. Why exactly is he doing this? And why does he not seem
concerned with being caught or spending his loot? Director Philippe Godeau’s
superbly shot film provides no easy answers.
In real life the driver became a kind of folk hero in 2009 for his actions when
the reputations of banks were at their lowest. His story is now this audacious,
thought provoking and thrilling modern film noir.
VENTURES AND ADVENTURES 31“A WELL-CRAFTED OUTDOOR ACTION-ADVENTURE IN THE OLD SCHOOL
DISNEY TRADITION”
The Hollywood Reporter
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN
Belle et Sébastien
FRANCE ADVENTURE, FAMILY 98 MINS 2013 PG
DIRECTOR NICOLAS VANIER
CAST TCHÉKY KARYO, DIMITRI STOROGE, MARGAUX CHATELIER,
FÉLIX BOSSUET, ANDREAS PIETSCHMANN
The 1960s TV series beloved around the world has been remade for a new
generation as a heart-warming family film that deserves to be seen on the
big screen.
Belle and Sebastian is set high in the snowy Alps during the Second World War.
The resourceful Sebastian (an adorable Félix Bossuet) is a lonely boy who tames
and befriends a giant, wild mountain dog, Belle – even though the villagers
believe her to be ‘the beast’ that has been killing their sheep.
At the same time, the Germans have arrived in the peaceful village looking for
resistance members who are helping Jewish refugees escape into Switzerland.
Through danger and adventure, Belle and Sebastian forge an indestructible
friendship.
Set against breathtaking scenery and a dramatic time in history, and co-starring
Tchéky Karyo, one of France’s most popular actors, this moving story will be
enjoyed by the whole family.
32 VENTURES AND ADVENTURES“HIGH TENSION GUARANTEED WITH TWO FLAMBOYANT ACTORS: JEAN DUJARDIN AND
CÉCILE DE FRANCE”
Version Femina
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
MÖBIUS
Möbius
FRANCE, BELGIUM, LUXEMBOURG THRILLER 93 MINS 2013 MA15+
DIRECTOR ÉRIC ROCHANT
CAST JEAN DUJARDIN, CÉCILE DE FRANCE, TIM ROTH,
ÉMILIE DEQUENNE, OLEKSII GORBUNOV
Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning star of the multi-academy-award-winning
silent movie phenomenon The Artist, exudes dark charisma as a Russian secret
agent in Möbius, director Éric Rochant’s sexy new thriller.
Monaco provides the glamorous setting for an undercover sting set up by
Gregory Lioubov (Jean Dujardin) to entrap corrupt tycoon, Ivan Rostrovski (cult
film hero Tim Roth). The brilliant and beautiful financial trader, Alice (Cécile de
France, one of Variety’s 2010 Top Ten Actors to Watch), is enlisted to get close
to Ivan, but first gets even closer to Gregory. Their torrid affair soon becomes
a threat to the smooth unfolding of the operation as secrets and suspicions
accumulate, and no one is exactly who they seem.
Evocative of Hitchcock capers and recent breathless Bourne films, the slick and
stylish Möbius is a twist-laden thriller of corporate espionage and international
intrigue that will keep you guessing all the way to its stunning climax. Fans of
Jean Dujardin’s comic spy in the OSS 117 films will delight in this new direction
for the multi-talented star.
VENTURES AND ADVENTURES 33“A UNIQUE, UNUSUAL AND ENDEARING FILM”
Libération
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
OUR HEROES DIED TONIGHT
Nos héros sont morts ce soir
FRANCE DRAMA 97 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR DAVID PERRAULT
CAST DENIS MÉNOCHET, JEAN-PIERRE MARTINS, CONSTANCE DOLLÉ,
PHILIPPE NAHON, ALICE BARNOLE
Shot in luminous black and white, Our Heroes Died Tonight is a stylish neo-
noir knockout. This ultra hip retro debut for writer-director David Perrault
gives a respectful nod to the work of Jean-Pierre Melville, Martin Scorsese and
Quentin Tarantino.
Set in the criminal milieu surrounding professional wrestling in the 1960s, the
story follows Victor (Denis Ménochet of Inglourious Basterds), a gentle giant who
turns to wrestling as a career after returning from a stint with the Foreign Legion
in Algeria. Victor’s friend Simon (Jean-Pierre Martins), already established as
“The Spectre” in the wrestling world, helps him to create an alter ego, “The
Butcher”, and together they forge a lucrative rivalry. A decision to switch masks,
however, leads to dire consequences as the pair runs afoul of match-riggers and
hit men in a spiral of mortal danger.
Dark, thrilling and atmospheric, Our Heroes Died Tonight is filled with tough guys
and tense set-pieces. Destined to be cult classic, this stunning film demands to
be seen on the big screen.
• Cannes International Critics’ Week 2013: Official Competition
34 VENTURES AND ADVENTURES“TOUR DE FORCE DOES A GREAT JOB CAPTURING THE MAJESTIC LANDSCAPES AND
INTENSE SPORTSMANSHIP OF THE CENTURY-OLD EVENT”
The Hollywood Reporter
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
TOUR DE FORCE
La grande boucle
FRANCE COMEDY 98 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR LAURENT TUEL
CAST CLOVIS CORNILLAC, BOULI LANNERS, ARY ABITTAN,
BRUNO LOCHET, ÉLODIE BOUCHEZ, ANDRÉ MARCON
Family man François Nouel (Clovis Cornillac) is the number one fan of the Tour
de France – an obsession that costs him his wife and his job. At a loose end,
François meets a former sports manager, Rémi (Bouli Lanners) who encourages
him to take the plunge and do the Tour himself.
With nothing to lose, François sets off, always one day ahead of the race,
attracting fellow amateurs, media coverage and cheering crowds. As obstacle
after obstacle is thrown his way, and his family comes back on the scene, François
discovers what is really most important in his life.
Director Laurent Tuel takes full advantage of the spectacular French scenery
around the actual Tour, and the races feature realistic, heart-in-mouth action.
Tour de Force is a funny and thrilling tale of ordinary, everyday heroes and how
life changes when spectators stop watching and start doing. A hilarious group
of eccentric characters make up François’s ragtag entourage, and the generous
humour and terrific performances make for a winning combination in this crowd-
pleasing film.
VENTURES AND ADVENTURES 35“A HUMAN ADVENTURE THAT IS WORTH BEING SHARED ON THE BIG SREEN”
A Nous Paris
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
TURNING TIDE
En solitaire
FRANCE, BELGIUM, SPAIN ADVENTURE 96 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHE OFFENSTEIN
CAST FRANÇOIS CLUZET, GUILLAUME CANET, VIRGINIE EFIRA,
SAMY SEGHIR, KARINE VANASSE
Turning Tide, a thrilling adventure picture set on the open seas, marks the
directorial debut of famed cinematographer, Christophe Offenstein (Blood
Ties). This big budget production stars François Cluzet (The Intouchables and
Art of Love, from the 2012 Festival) as Yann Kermadec, a taciturn Breton. After
his friend Franck (Guillaume Canet) breaks a leg, Yann steps in to skipper a high-
tech yacht for the Vendée Globe, a strictly solo three month round-the-world
yacht race.
Early misfortune sees Yann’s boat briefly laid up in the Canary Islands, but when
he rejoins the race, he discovers he is now carrying a teenage stowaway, Mano
(Samy Seghir). Realising his long cherished dream of winning the Vendée Globe
is now imperiled by the presence of the young Mauritian, a furious Yann refuses
to speak to the boy. However slowly his hostility gives way to empathy and an
understanding of Mano’s predicament.
While this stunning film makes a poignant comment on migration, it is
the breathtaking action sequences that make it a cinematic experience not
to be missed.
• Rome Film Festival 2013: Alice in the City Section
VENTURES AND ADVENTURES 37TRIBUTE TO A MASTER: FRANÇOIS TRUFFAUT
Born in 1932, in Paris, France, François
Truffaut went on to become a leading
figure in the New Wave movement
with acclaimed films like The 400
Blows and Jules and Jim.
His 1973 film Day for Night won an
Oscar for Best Foreign Language
Film, and subsequent works included
Small Change, The Last Metro and The
Woman Next Door. An actor and critic
as well, he died in 1984.
FINALLY, SUNDAY! Vivement dimanche!
When Julien (Jean-Louis Trintignant) is accused of
murdering his wife and his wife’s lover, his secretary,
Barbara (Fanny Ardant) is determined to clear his
name.
Truffaut’s stylish thriller is reminiscent of pulp fiction
murder mysteries from the 1930s and 1940s, with
Fanny Ardant delightful as the sarcastic amateur
detective. Based on Charles Williams’ novel, The
Long Saturday Night, François Truffaut deftly blends
moments of hilarity, romance and intrigue into a
film that was to be the swansong for one of France’s
greatest ever directors.
FRANCE COMEDY, DRAMA,THRILLER 110 MINS 1983 PG
CAST FANNY ARDANT, JEAN-LOUIS TRINTIGNANT, JEAN-PIERRE
KALFON, PHILIPPE LAUDENBACH, PHILIPPE MORIER-GENOUD
38 TRIBUTE TO A MASTER: FRANÇOIS TRUFFAUTJULES AND JIM Jules et Jim
This landmark film tells the story of two friends,
Jules (Oskar Werner) and Jim (Henri Serre) in the
whirlwind era of La Belle Époque. The two men
enjoy a Bohemian life, but when they are both
captivated by the capricious Catherine (Jeanne
Moreau), a complicated struggle between love and
friendship begins.
Director François Truffaut was a bastion of the
French New Wave. Jules and Jim further embraces
this daring new cinematic style, with Moreau’s
performance hailed as one of her best.
FRANCE DRAMA, COMEDY 102 MINS 1962 PG
CAST JEANNE MOREAU, OSKAR WERNER, HENRI SERRE,
MARIE DUBOIS, SERGE REZVANI
THE 400 BLOWS Les 400 coups
Hailed as a masterpiece on its 1959 debut, François
Truffaut’s purportedly autobiographical The 400
Blows follows a 12-year-old boy, Antoine, as he
negotiates his unravelling world, caught between
the hostile indifference of his parents and the
aggressive ignorance of his school teacher.
Nominated for an Academy Award for its writing, and
featuring an unforgettable performance by Jean-
Pierre Léaud as Antoine, this remains Truffaut’s most
commercially successful film and an example of the
French New Wave at its best.
FRANCE DRAMA, COMEDY 93 MINS 1959 PG
CAST JEAN-PIERRE LÉAUD, CLAIRE MAURIER, ALBERT RÉMY,
PATRICK AUFFRAY, ARMAND COPPELLO
TRIBUTE TO A MASTER: FRANÇOIS TRUFFAUT 39LEARN FRENCH
with the
ALLIANCES FRANÇAISES
in Australia
ADELAIDE
BRISBANE
CANBERRA
MELBOURNE
PERTH
SYDNEY
Illustration Kanako – Agence Marie BastilleSILVER MOMENTS
www.christofle.com.au
Christofle flagship store : 11 Bay Street, Double Bay, NSW 2028
David Jones Sydney and selected retailers nationwide. Inquiries : 02 9363-4110.“TREAT YOURSELF TO BE THE PRIVILEGED SPECTATOR OF
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20 minutes
GIGGLE AND GRIN
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
CYCLING WITH MOLIÈRE
Alceste à bicyclette
FRANCE COMEDY 94 MINS 2013 CTC
DIRECTOR PHILIPPE LE GUAY
CAST FABRICE LUCHINI, LAMBERT WILSON, MAYA SANSA,
LAURIE BORDESOULES, CAMILLE JAPY
Serge (Fabrice Luchini) is a retired great actor, living as a recluse amid the
windswept landscape of the Île de Ré. Gauthier (Lambert Wilson), a fellow actor
currently enjoying a career high as a TV heartthrob, visits Serge and tempts
him to make a comeback with a production of Molière’s play, The Misanthrope.
Before agreeing, Serge insists on seven days of rehearsal.
Will Serge finally say yes? Will the pair of ego-centric actors survive their week of
intense readings and occasional bike trips around the picturesque island? The
addition of a mysterious Italian divorcée (Maya Sansa) as a love interest adds
a deliciously romantic frisson to this hilarious and brilliantly acted take on the
classic French comedy of manners.
Philippe Le Guay previously directed The Women on the 6th Floor, and his
latest character based comedy has proven to be another major box office draw
in France. Fabrice Luchini, memorable in last year’s In the House, has created
a modern version of Molière’s misanthropic character that is as inspiring,
fascinating and entertaining as the film itself.
GIGGLE AND GRIN 43“A FUN FRENCH UPDATE OF 80’S COP COMEDIES, WITH OMAR SY STANDING
IN FOR EDDIE MURPHY”
The Hollywood Reporter
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS
De l’autre côté du périph
FRANCE COMEDY 96 MINS 2012 MA15+
DIRECTOR DAVID CHARHON
CAST OMAR SY, LAURENT LAFITTE, ZABOU BREITMAN, LIONEL
ABELANSKI, SABRINA OUAZANI
On the Other Side of the Tracks is a hilarious, high-octane action comedy about
mismatched cops in the grand tradition of Beverly Hills Cop, Lethal Weapon and
48 Hours.
Fresh from his César Award winning performance in The Intouchables, Omar
Sy is brilliant as Ousmane, a risk-taking, rule-breaking plainclothes detective
working in the rough Paris suburbs. When a wealthy woman winds up dead in the
hood, Ousmane has to partner with slick city cop, François (Laurent Lafitte), to
track down the killers. Soon the stakes are raised, and the odd couple partners
discover that both sides have more in common than they realised.
As well as rousing car chases and shootouts, On the Other Side of the Tracks
features rapid-fire banter between the two very funny leads as they work through
their differences in classic 1980s style. From start to finish this is an absolute
crowd-pleaser that gives Hollywood action films a run for their money.
44 GIGGLE AND GRIN“A SPARKLING AND SAVVY COMEDY OF POLITICAL MANNERS FROM THE UNLIKELY
HAND OF VETERAN FRENCH AUTEUR BERTRAND TAVERNIER”
Variety
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
QUAI D’ORSAY
Quai d’Orsay
FRANCE COMEDY 113 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR BERTRAND TAVERNIER
CAST THIERRY LHERMITTE, RAPHAËL PERSONNAZ, NIELS ARESTRUP,
ANAÏS DEMOUSTIER, JULIE GAYET
A new film by master director Bertrand Tavernier is always a major event, and his
scorching political satire, Quai d’Orsay, is no exception. This hilarious adaptation
of Abel Lanzac’s comic book is a madcap take on the French political scene in
the vein of Armando Iannucci’s In The Loop that moves at a blistering pace.
Thierry Lhermitte is a comic force of nature as the foreign minister Alexandre
Taillard de Worms, who hurtles around the titular offices like a talking tornado.
Frantically shielding him from imminent disaster every day are naïve graduate
Arthur Vlaminck (Raphaël Personnaz) and world-weary chief of staff Claude
Maupas (Niels Arestrup). As they manage crisis after crisis on the political front,
the threat of an international war looms, bringing the stakes ever higher – and
the madness more frenzied!
No ego is spared as Bertrand Tavernier fondly pokes fun at French arrogance,
ably supported by a superb cast all having the time of their lives. Witty, intelligent
and bracing, the spirit of screwball comedy lives on in Quai d’Orsay.
• Toronto International Film Festival 2013: Special presentations
GIGGLE AND GRIN 45“AN AMAZING CAST, INCLUDING JEAN-PIERRE BACRI, HILARIOUS”
Télérama
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
UNDER THE RAINBOW
Au bout du conte
FRANCE COMEDY 112 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR AGNÈS JAOUI
CAST AGNÈS JAOUI, JEAN-PIERRE BACRI, ARTHUR DUPONT,
AGATHE BONITZER, VALÉRIE CROUZET, BENJAMIN BIOLAY
Laura (Agathe Bonitzer) has always dreamed of the perfect fairy tale romance.
When she meets an aspiring composer, Sandro (Arthur Dupont), she knows
straight away that he is her prince charming. But what happens in the fairy tale
when prince number two appears? Music impresario, Maxime (Benjamin Biolay)
is even more charming than Sandro, and suddenly Laura’s happily-ever-after
becomes very complicated.
While young love is running its rocky course, Sandro’s father, Pierre (Jean-Pierre
Bacri), and Laura’s aunt, Marianne (Agnès Jaoui) are battling mid-life crises,
neuroses and tragic prophecies. All the while, Sandro and Maxime have hilarious
relationship problems of their own. Of course everything will be tied up neatly
by the end - happily or not.
The multiple award-winning actors & filmmakers, former real-life couple Agnès
Jaoui and Jean-Pierre Bacri, have been hailed as France’s answer to Woody
Allen, with their witty and mature writing of engaging dramadies. This very funny
film shows love in all its colours from the expectations of bright-eyed lovebirds
to the harsh realities of daily life. A delightful modern fairy tale with a twist.
GIGGLE AND GRIN 47We’ve got France covered. Your French specialist
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info@tahititravel.com.au“THE ACTORS HAVE A BALL AND MAKE US LAUGH”
Télérama
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
WRESTLING QUEENS
Les reines du ring
FRANCE COMEDY 98 MINS 2013 M
DIRECTOR JEAN-MARC RUDNICKI
CAST NATHALIE BAYE, AUDREY FLEUROT, ANDRÉ DUSSOLLIER,
ISABELLE NANTY, MARILOU BERRY
Seeking to reconnect with the estranged son she had as a teenager, 30-year-old
Rose (Marilou Berry) decides to capture his attention by appealing to his number
one obsession: wrestling. Enlisting three fellow supermarket check-out clerks,
she forms a troupe and the Wrestling Queens (Les reines du ring) are born.
This outrageous, laugh out loud comedy features multi-César award winners
Nathalie Baye (as seen in 2013’s Festival feature Laurence Anyways) and André
Dussollier (An Ordinary Execution in the 2011 Festival) as their tough coach.
Wrestling Queens also boasts the combined talents of Isabelle Nanty (co-star
of Amelie) and Audrey Fleurot (The Intouchables, and the 2012 Festival feature
Delicacy).
The film marks the big screen directorial debut for Jean-Marc Rudnicki, who also
co-wrote the hilarious, character driven script. With expertly choreographed
wrestling sequences (fought by the actors themselves) and the kind of emotional
quest that audiences love to share, Wrestling Queens is sure to put your funny
bone in a figure-four leglock.
GIGGLE AND GRIN 49“A FILM DIRECTOR TAKES THE RISK OF OPENING THE DOORS OF
HER “CASTLE” TO THE PUBLIC”
The Huffington Post
FAMILY TIES
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
A CASTLE IN ITALY
Un château en Italie
FRANCE DRAMA 104 MINS 2013 MA15+
DIRECTOR VALERIA BRUNI-TEDESCHI
CAST VALERIA BRUNI-TEDESCHI, LOUIS GARREL, CÉLINE SALLETTE,
MARISA BORINI, FILIPPO TIMI
Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi writes, directs and stars in this hypnotic tapestry of
family life. Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi plays Louise, an ex-actress struggling to hold
her once wealthy family together and keep them connected to their beautiful
estate in Piedmonte. Life becomes more complicated when Louise begins a
relationship with smouldering Nathan (Louis Garrel) whose father Louise may
already know too well.
As the film moves along briskly, it deftly and intelligently deals with family
relationships, love, responsibility, commitment and the risks of genuine honesty.
The story is semi-autobiographical, drawing from Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi’s own
experiences.
The film is a wonderful showcase for an incredible ensemble cast with Vincere
star Filippo Tilmi delivering a defiant and scathingly witty performance as
Louise’s sickly brother. Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi has created another memorable
film following the success of Actrices and Easier for a Camel… and further
demonstrates her incredible talent as both actor and director. A visual delight,
A Castle in Italy is stunning viewing with gorgeous locations of both Italy
and Paris to enjoy.
50 FAMILY TIES“A BITTERSWEET COMEDY ABOUT LOST CHILDHOOD”
La Croix
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
ATTILA MARCEL
Attila Marcel
FRANCE COMEDY 106 MINS 2013 CTC
DIRECTOR SYLVAIN CHOMET
CAST GUILLAUME GOUIX, ANNE LE NY, BERNADETTE LAFONT,
HÉLÈNE VINCENT, JEAN-CLAUDE DREYFUS
Until now, Paul’s existence has been sheltered and strange. The thirty-something
man has lived all his life in a drab Paris apartment with two aunts and a daily
routine of constant piano practice. When Paul meets an eccentric neighbour and
tries her herbal brew, he uncovers deeply buried childhood memories – and a
key to unlocking the great mystery of his life.
Attila Marcel is the first live action feature film by writer-director Sylvain Chomet,
the celebrated creator of animated hits The Triplets of Belleville and The
Illusionist. Full of music, dance sequences and colourful production design, this
whimsical tale takes its heightened reality cues from visionary modern directors
such as Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Michel Gondry.
The César nominated Guillaume Gouix (star of Mobile Home of the 2013
Festival) stars as both the man-child Paul and as Paul’s father, the titular Attila,
in flashbacks. Hélène Vincent and Bernadette Lafont play the smothering aunts,
and Anne Le Ny is the odd neighbour, Madame Proust. This charming, feel-good
film about memories and growing up, is sure to delight.
• Toronto International Film Festival 2013: Special presentations
FAMILY TIES 51www.raileurope.hk
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Pariscope
AUSTRALIAN PREMIÈRE
FAMILY MATTERS
La fleur de l’âge
FRANCE COMEDY, DRAMA 83 MINS 2013 MA15+
DIRECTOR NICK QUINN
CAST PIERRE ARDITI, JEAN-PIERRE MARIELLE, JULIE FERRIER,
AUDREY FLEUROT, ARTUS DE PENGUERN
César award-winning actor, Pierre Arditi, fresh from his star turn in two 2013
Festival features, You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet! and Granny’s Funeral, returns to our
screens as Gaspard Dassonville, a 63-year-old lothario television producer who
refuses to grow old gracefully. However, the harsh reality of adult responsibility
and old age catches up with Gaspard, in the form of his feisty but infirm father,
Hubert, who comes to live with him.
The incorrigible duo become a trio when a nurse, Zana (Julie Ferrier) arrives
with dubious references and a wild imagination. A flighty, vivacious, free-
spirited Zana enchants both men, but for different reasons. After the inevitable
showdown over this unconventional woman, Gaspard and Hubert find their
relationship invigorated rather than diminished, and slowly they rediscover one
another.
This entertaining film, about the problems of aging and the illusions of youth,
is directed by Nick Quinn. Family Matters is his first feature length film since
graduating from La Fémis, the prestigious French national film school.
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