French Film Festival

Overview

Each year the French Film Festival arrives in Sydney brimming with cinematic gems and a splash of Parisian chic. This year is no different, with the programme featuring a glittering array of films and quite a few big names.

Opening night honours go to Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie), who is making the trip to Australia to present his new film Micmacs. Bringing his unique brand of quirk and sumptuous visual style, Jeunet once again follows around a group of zany misfits, this time as they track down some dastardly criminals.

Also making the trip is director Philippe Lioret, screening his critically acclaimed feature Welcome. The story of unlikely friendship between a depressive Frenchman and a Kurdish refugee attempting to swim the Channel has resonated with audiences and provoked debate about President Sarkozy's immigration policies.

Less concerned with realistic hardships is OSS 117, Lost in Rio, an irreverent, Austin Powers-esque romp and sequel to the popular OSS 117, Nest of Spies. Lingering on the lighter side of life is LOL, a coming of age comedy with Sophie Marceau (Braveheart) as a single mum with a teenage daughter. And Every Jack has a Jill features the luminous Melanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds) as a Parisian Chloe to Justin Bartha's (The Hangover) American Jack in a crowd-pleasing rom-com.

Similarly filed under 'Love at First Sight' is Jan Kounen's Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky. Yes, the cinematic love affair with Mademoiselle Chanel looks set to continue, though this time it comes with Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royal) as the Russian composer and her fiery lover.

Closing out the festival is another big name, though one that is perhaps less well known to Australians: Serge Gainsbourg. Graphic novelist Joann Sfar's debut feature is an innovative biopic of the iconic singer, poet and general enfant terrible — both a character and a film not to miss.

The festival is screening at the Palace Academy Twin, Verona and Norton Street.