Returning to cinemas from later this month, French Film Festival Aotearoa has something for everyone – comedy, thriller, biopic, drama or family-friendly.
Steadily growing in stature and reach, the French Film Festival Aotearoa is back, and in its eighteenth year is looking better than ever. And, thanks to the inclusion of The Taste of Things, the festival will likely stimulate additional senses…
Starring the great Juliette Binoche, The Taste of Things premiered at Cannes, where it earned Trần Anh Hùng Best Director. Adapted from Marcel Rouff’s 1924 novel The Passionate Epicure (La Vie et la Passion de Dodin-Bouffant, Gourmet), this promises to be a mouthwatering watch on both the gastronomic and romantic fronts as Eugenie (Binoche), an esteemed cook, and fine gourmet Dodin (Benoît Magimel), prepare a meal for a visiting prince—revolving around a pot-au-feu (slow-cooked beef stew).
It’s a dish some of you in Auckland will be fortunate enough to experience for yourselves at gastronomique events. Book now for Auckland on June 5 (June 4 and 10 are already sold out). Prior to screenings of the film, French chefs at Maison Vauron will prepare an aperatif, glass of vin, and the authentic pot-au-fet as seen in the film (I’ve had an advance serving and can confirm from both first and second helpings—it’s delicious).
Elsewhere in the programme, you’ll find plenty to satisfy Francophile filmlovers of all stripes.
The opening night film is The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan, a blockbuster take on Alexandre Dumas’ classic that marks its first French cinema adaptation in over 30 years. From the director of Eiffel, with an all-star French cast including Vincent Cassel and Eva Green, and boasting a lavish budget, this was France’s highest grossing film of 2023—and the first in a two-part adaptation (you won’t be left hanging for long, The Three Musketeers: Milady is also in this year’s French Film Festival programme).
Other Cannes selections include tense academic drama Marguerite’s Theorem, genre mash-up The Animal Kingdom and historical dramas Rosalie, Abbé Pierre: A Century of Devotion, Bonnard, Pierre & Marthe and Jeanne du Barry (the opening night film of Cannes 2023).
There’s plenty more to discover in the French Film Festival Aotearoa programme, including selections from Toronto International Film Festival and Venice International Film Festival, alongside more mainstream fare. Throughout the festival, you’ll find other pics featuring stars such as Isabelle Huppert, Catherine Deneuve, John Malkovich, Daniel Auteil, Noémie Merlant and more. See below for when the festival is in your city or town.
Réservez La Date!
Nelson
Wednesday 29 May – Sunday 16 June
Auckland
Wednesday 29 May – Thursday 19 June
Kerikeri, Matakana, Whitianga, Masterton, Whanganui, Wānaka, and Arrowtown
Thursday 30 May – Wednesday 12 June
Tauranga
Thursday 30 May – Sunday 16 June:
Hamilton and Wellington
Wednesday 5 June – Wednesday 26 June
Christchurch
Thursday 6 June – Wednesday 26 June
Rangiora
Thursday 6 June – Sunday 19 June
Napier, Havelock North, Palmerston North and Dunedin
Wednesday 12 June – Wednesday 26 June
Blenheim
Thursday 13 June – Wednesday 19 June
New Plymouth
Thursday 20 June – Wednesday 3 July
