Overview
There's something unwaveringly, undeniably appealing about French cinema. Whether you're hooked on the industry's characteristically stunning cinematography, rawness of storyline, or you simply prefer watching films in a language other than English, French films continue to prove some of the world's most captivating.
Haven't watched much French cinema? Lucky for you, and hardcore Francophiles, the annual Alliance Française French Film Festival is just around the corner, starting in Sydney on March 7 with a strong 45-film lineup. While you're waiting for the festival to begin, whet your appetite with a few older releases you might have missed from the last year or so. All five of these films capture stories that are often ignored in mainstream media and will make you cry, laugh, and reflect.
BANDE DE FILLES (GIRLHOOD)
Set in the banlieues (suburbs) of Paris, Céline Sciamma's Girlhood follows Marieme (Karidja Touré), a teenager who drops out of school and joins a badass crew of fellow young, black, female dropouts. A beautiful celebration of black femininity and female friendship, this award-winning coming-of-age story screened at Cannes in 2014, then received four nominations at the 40th César Awards, including Best Director for Sciamma and Most Promising Actress for Touré.
Available to stream on Stan, to rent on Dendy Direct, Quickflix, Google Play and Microsoft.
QUAND ON A 17 ANS (BEING 17)
This touching story by André Téchiné and co-writer Céline Sciamma explores the sexual awakening between two French teenagers who, on the surface, couldn't be more different. The relationship between Damien (Kacey Mottet Klein) and Thomas (Corentin Fila) is intimately-observed and full of a raw electricity that you can almost feel through the screen — making its Golden Bear nomination at the Berlin International Film Festival a no-brainer. Pack your Kleenex for this one.
No streaming available now, rent on iTunes, Microsoft, Google Play and Pathe.
DHEEPAN
This timely film by revered director Jacques Audiard tells the story of three Sri Lankan refugees who pose as a family to receive asylum in France. Its title character (played by Antonythasan Jesuthasan) is a former Tamil militant who hopes to build a new life and forget the horrors of his past. Awarded the Cannes Palme d'Or in 2015, the film is a compelling snapshot of the contemporary immigrant experience in Europe.
Available to stream on Stan and Foxtel Play, to rent on Dendy Direct, Quickflix, Google Play, PlayStation and Microsoft.
DIVINES
The winner of the 2016 Cannes Camera d'Or, Houda Benyamina's directorial debut is an exhilarating drama that centres on the intense friendship between two young women, Dounia (Oulaya Amamra) and Maimouna (Déborah Lukumuena). Confronted by their limited prospects in the outskirts of Paris, the pair soon fall into drug dealing, attracted by the opportunity to make a quick buck. Oscillating gracefully between moments of sheer joy and pain, this powerful social commentary is packed with memorable scenes. Prepare yourself for the gut-wrenching, if somewhat over the top, ending.
Available to stream on Netflix.
LA BELLE SAISON (SUMMERTIME)
Set in the 1970s, this stirring love story between farm girl Delphine (Izia Higelin) and radical feminist Carole (Cecile De France) is an ode to self-liberation and discovery. On a whim, 24-year old Delphine decides to leave her rural town and move to Paris, where she meets — and falls in love with — Carole, a Spanish literature professor and feminist activist. Directed by Catherine Corsini, the film skilfully captures the complexities of navigating individual desires with familial and societal expectations.
If you've seen a streaming/renting option let us know, otherwise buy from Palace Cinemas' shop.
Watch them all before the Alliance French Film Festival kicks off. Want to win tickets?