Every November,film fans,passionate Francophiles,and lovers of le cinéma français , make a rendez-vous with the UK ’s leading showcase for French cinema.

Now in its 13th year,the French Film Festival UK can lay claim to an impressive past list of tributes,retrospectives,guests and pioneering initiatives which have helped to uncover the sheer wealth of French cinema which normally would not make it to these shores as part of the year ’s releases.

The 2004 edition,under the patronage in person of Sylvain Chomet who made the animated hit, Les Triplettes de Belleville ,again pushes forward the boundaries to offer a wide selection of films that are entertaining,challenging,stimulating, and truly memorable. There ’s something to suit all tastes,predilections,and ages at affordable prices including ticket deals and special passes to give even better value and access.

On the menu as a dish of the day is a tribute to Alain Delon,an undisputed icon of international cinema over the decades whose handsome exterior belied dangerous undercurrents in his work with such directors as Joseph Losey, Luchino Visconti,Jean-Pierre Melville, Jacques Deray,Henri Verneuil and Betrand Blier among
others. Recent re-releases of such films as Le cercle rouge,Plein soleil and The Leopard have brought him back to prominence.
Our five-film tribute comprises rare titles that have not been seen for a long time.

The Panorama section of films that have established directors attached,ranges over such directors as Benoît Jacquot,Tony Gatlif, Dominique Cabrera,François Dupeyron, Jean-Pierre Améris and Francis Veber. Topics covered include a buddy romp with Gérard Depardieu and Jean Reno; illegal immigration; the insanity of war; a music-fuelled journey of discovery; and a contemporary take on free-wheeling relationships.

In New Waves devoted to first,second and third time directors you will find choral magic in Les choristes which gave debut director Christophe Barratier the year ’s surprise box office hit and an Oscar contender.
There ’s also the astonishing baptism of Eléonore Faucher with Brodeuses ; Gael Morel displaying maturity of purpose in The Clan ,a tale of three brothers; the exuberance of L ’Esquive ; nostalgia for Janis Joplin and John Lennon; ambition on the make in the work place in Work Hard,Play Hard plus the family delights of Malabar Princes and the charming cartoon fable Raining Cats and Frogs.

For the first time this year the French Film Festival UK broadens its horizons to offer a special focus on the resurgence of Québec cinema in the wake of Denys Arcand ’s Le invasions barbares . The quartet of titles comprise a dark crime thriller; an effervescent romantic comedy with shades of Whisky Galore ; adolescent trials and tribulations; and an ensemble road movie. In future editions the FFF will look at
other French-language cinemas around the globe.

To mark the month of the documentary in France,and the continuing revival of interest in real cinema,three examples have been selected: an amazing foray into the mysteries of the universe from the makers of Microcosmos; a Gallic take on George Bush,and a highly amusing look at the incestuous world of the critic.

An array of guests will be in attendance to support their films and talk with audiences while France ’s cultural centres at the Alliance française de Glasgow and Manchester and the Institut Français d ’Ecosse in Edinburgh will host additional events (listed separately in their brochures and leaflets).

Exhibitions with a French twist include Jean-Marc Millière on show at Glasgow Film Theatre,and Celebrity Chien at the Institut in Edinburgh.

Festival director Richard Mowe and deputy director Ilona Morison extend their gratitude to all those involved – from sponsors,,supporters funders,board members,and audiences to venue and industry colleagues,and of course our patron Sylvain Chomet.

Merci et bon festival!