Reel Yourself Into Paris at the 25th French Film Festival

Reel Yourself Into Paris at the 25th French Film Festival

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Say “oui” to a French cinematic journey with the 10-day event in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the France-Philippine diplomatic relations.

Art is always part of the culture that places share with one another, and cinema is an opportunity to communicate this message of solidarity between two countries. Certainly, one way of getting to know a nation’s themes, traditions, and tropes is by watching films about and made by the people living there. 

About the festival

Marking its silver celebration, the French Film Festival in the Philippines features 10 French films—A Propos De Joan (About Joan), Eiffel, France; Farewell, Mr. Haffmann; Him; La Panthère Des Neiges (The Velvet Queen); Lost Illusions; Notre Dame on Fire; OSS 117: From Africa with Love; Paris Memories; and The Time of Secrets.

Photo Credit: Embassy of France in Manila


Meanwhile, two Filipino films that captured the French audience—Captive by Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, and Erik Matti’s On The Job: Missing 8—will also be showing during the festival.

Critically-acclaimed actress Isabelle Huppert, who stars in four of the movies showing in the event, graced the opening night of the said film festival.

About Joan, about Isabelle

One of the said four films is A Propos de Joan (About Joan). The story unfolds in the eyes of Joan Vera, which is portrayed by Huppert. As the central theme of the narrative, grief is embedded in moments of sadness, anger, and love. Breaking the fourth wall, Joan inserts reality in escapism and vice-versa. 

After the premiere of A Propos de Joan, Huppert had a special question and answer portion with the media.

With over 50 years of acting experience, Huppert was asked for advice for the younger actors. “I’m not old enough to give advice,” she joked. “But be curious.” 

The idea of the memory of cinema is something you have to still make alive because you can lose it easily in a way

Isabelle Huppert

Ironically, it is not curiosity that drives Huppert as an actress. It cannot get any more French, but according to her, it’s pleasure. She further explained, “On one side, I’m an actress, and on the other side, I’m a spectator. I love going to see films. I’m a part of my life.” 

When asked about the film exhibition’s significance to her as an actress, she said, “Cinema is certainly a window to the world, and it’s always nice when that window gives us news from you, and when you have news from us. It’s wonderful.”

The 25th French Film Festival runs from October 21 to 30, 2022 at the Greenbelt 3 Cinemas. For more information on the films, click here.

Featured Image from EMBASSY OF FRANCE TO THE PHILIPPINES AND MICRONESIA (via Facebook)

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