Five Films to See at the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival

The Alliance Française French Film Festival is quickly becoming one of the largest and fastest growing French film festivals. Established in 2012, the festival has become an avenue for film-goers seeking a bit of gallic whimsy.

With almost 50 movies on offer — most of them New Zealand premieres — it’s shaping up to be one of the festival’s most exciting years ever. Of all those titles, we’ve selected five that you absolutely owe it to yourself to see.

La Famille Bélier

Directed by Éric Lartigau, The Belier Family was released in France late 2014 and quickly became a box office hit. The story is based around daughter Paula, father Rodolphe, mother Gigi and younger brother Quentin. Rodolphe, Gigi and Quentin are all deaf, Paula is not. Being the only non-deaf family member her parents have become incredibly dependent on their daughter, using her as an interpreting for almost every situation. Ambitious and wanting to pursue her dream as a singer, Paula must decide whether to leave, or continue to help her family.

Qu'Allah Benisse La France!

French rapper and author Abd Al Malik has debuted his directorial career with an adaptation of his 2004 autobiography also titled May Allah Bless France! (Qu'Allah Benisse La France!). Winning the International Critic's Award at the Toronoto International Film Festival in 2014, the black and white film about a man trying to become a rapper/slam poet has successfully transcended the pages of Malik's book to become a powerful vision of tolerance and remembering who you are.

La Chambre Bleue

Director and actor Mathieu Amalric, who starred in the unforgettable film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, is now performing in the passionate yet haunting film The Blue Room.  The adaption of Georges Simenon's critically acclaimed novel, starts off as a love affair between two people in a blue hotel room, but quickly turns into a who did it crime thriller. Julien, played by Amalric, is thrown right in the middle of the investigation and his two worlds that he tried so desperately to keep apart start caving in on one another.

Amalric was nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 for his role in the film.

Les Combattants

Winner of best feature film, best actress and most promising actor at the 40th Cesar Awards, Les Combattans is one that will surely  not disappoint. The award-winning actress Adele Haenel (who plays Madeleine) is convinced an apocalypse is on the way so focuses to improve her survival skills at an army boot camp. Arnaud who enjoys living in the present moment and taking things as they come decides to join Madeleine knowing that nothing exciting is happening in his life. This debut feature for director Thomas Cailley is a blend of survival and love that will be sure to make you smile.

La Belle Et La Bete

If you didn't know actress Lea Seydoux you will now. Seydoux has become one of the most sought after French actresses after her outstanding performances in films such as Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013) and Sister (2012). This time she has teamed up with Director Christophe Gans and Vincent Cassel who plays Beast in this remake of the classic fairy tale. It is an extraordinary event - extravagant costumes, special effects and set design (which saw it win best Production Design at the Cesar Awards in 2015). Keeping true to French cinema it has a touch of darkness, yet is still stays true to its Disney roots as a story of courage and true love.

For a full list of films showing as well as times and dates, visit the festival's website.