Making a welcome return, the Alliance Française French Film Festival is back in Sydney for the 31st time on March 10. It opens in other capital cities a day or two later, and will screen in four other satellite centres as well.
This beloved movie event has become absolutely huge and this year will once again unveil a thrilling selection of contemporary French cinema, guaranteed to captivate and stimulate audiences throughout the country. Presented by Palace Cinemas, the Alliance Française and in association with the Embassy of France and Unifrance Films, the 2020 line-up features 49 features and documentaries, along with 2 new television shows. It wraps up in Sydney more than a month later on April 8. The dates for all other states are noted below* and of course, on the official website.
In Sydney all of the films screen at multiple sessions at all of Palace’s city locations (Norton St, Central, Verona and Chauvel), and selected films will be at Cremorne Orpheum too. Even a brief summary of its impressive line-up is impossible – best just head to the festival’s website for hours of browsing, or pick up one of the printed booklets available in cinemas now.
But we’d be remiss not mention a couple of highlights, particularly the international premiere of director Martin Provost’s How to Be a Good Wife, a deliciously wicked comedy staring the luminous Juliette Binoche (above); the hotly anticipated La Belle Époque, which stars Daniel Auteuil as a disillusioned man given the opportunity to relive the great love-affair of his youth; and the hilarious and heart-warming comedy Sweetheart, featuring Festival favourite Sandrine Kiberlain (below) as a mother struggling to let go of her eldest daughter.
And as a special treat, the festival opener is The Extraordinary, the latest crowd-pleasing charmer from Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, the renowned filmmakers who have already delighted movie-loves the world over with The Intouchables and C’est la vie!
Stepping in as Festival Patron this year is the dynamic local filmmaker, Justin Kurzel (The Snowtown Murders, Macbeth, True History of the Kelly Gang), an artist who has long taken inspiration from French cinema.
Win double festival passes!
Thanks to Palace Cinemas and the festival organisers, we have 10 double in-season passes to give away. To enter simply email us at info@ciaomagazine.com.au with French Film Festival giveaway in the subject line, letting us know the name of one of the festival films that you’d like to see. If you win your pass will be valid for any session or film of your choice (excepting opening night, closing night and special events). Competition closes midday March 5, and do remember to include your name and address – as we’ll mail you the pass.
* Sydney: 10 March – 8 April, Melbourne: 11 March – 8 April, Canberra: 12 March – 8 April, Perth: 11 March – 8 April, Brisbane: 18 March -14 April, Hobart: 19 – 28 March, Adelaide: 17 March -14 April, Avoca Beach: 19 Mar – 1 April, Parramatta: 26 – 29 March, Byron Bay: 31 Mar – 12 April, Bendigo: 17 – 19 April, Ballarat: 17 – 19 April
COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS:
By entering Ciao Magazine’s competitions you grant permission for us to retain your details and contact you from time to time with other awesome offers and giveaways that may be of interest. Ciao Magazine will not disclose any personal information you’ve shared with us with any third party unless necessary to book in your prize. Thanks for your entry!
