Moviegoers can look forward to a month of French storytelling as the 29th French Film Festival takes over select Metro Manila venues from November 6 to November 30. Featuring 24 films across different genres, this year’s lineup includes everything from literary classics and historical dramas to contemporary feminist stories and animation.
Screenings will take place across six select venues in Metro Manila, with special screenings and discussions scheduled throughout the festival:
- November 6–15: SM Aura BGC and SM City Manila
- November 27: Special screening at SM Aura BGC
- November 7–28: Alliance Francaise de Manille, Makati City
- Special screenings: Heritage films at the Cinémathèque Centre, Intramuros
- November 13–22: QCinema November Gateway Araneta, Trinoma, Quezon City
- November 25–26: Animahenasyon Festival at the Likha Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City
From literary classics to contemporary stories
Literature takes center stage with two new cinematic adaptations of beloved classics: Les Misérables, directed by Fred Cavayé, and Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, directed by Alexandre Castagnetti.
The festival also highlights contemporary French literature through Délicatesse and Jalouse, adaptations of novels by David Foenkinos. The writer-director will be present for a special screening on November 27.
Revisiting French history through cinema
History buffs can look forward to a two-part biopic about General Charles de Gaulle, who led France during the Second World War before becoming President of the Fifth Republic.
De Gaulle: L’âge de Fer (Résistance) and De Gaulle: J’écris ton nom (Liberté) follow his refusal to accept France’s defeat in 1940 and his efforts to rally resistance against Nazi Germany.
Another historical feature, Moulin by Laszlo Nemes, explores the story of Jean Moulin, a leading figure of the French Resistance. A panel discussion with history professors will also take place on November 11 at SM City Manila.
Stories of women and the fight for equality
The festival continues its focus on women’s rights through La Maison des Femmes (A Place for Her) by Mélissa Godet and L’Objet du Délit (Crescendo) by Agnès Jaoui. Both films examine women’s experiences and the institutions that shape their lives. Screenings will be followed by discussions with Filipina film professionals and civil society representatives. A public roundtable is scheduled for November 12 at SM Aura.
Celebrating French-Filipino cinema and animation
The festival also strengthens cultural ties through restored Filipino classics, including Lino Brocka’s Jaguar and Ginauhaw ako Ginagutom Ako, restored in France by the Cité de Mémoire and Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, respectively.
Animation fans can also catch French director Julien Chheng’s film Muyi at SM Cinemas from November 6–15, with two additional films featured at Animahenasyon on November 25–26.
Now in its 29th year, the festival continues to bring French cinema closer to Filipino audiences, with all screenings offered for free.
“Cinema is a language that does not need translation. It has the power to make audiences feel, reflect, and experience new worlds and perspectives,” Ambassador of France to the Philippines Donatienne Hissard said. “With this year’s selection of titles, we hope to bring the best of French cinema for the Filipino audience to enjoy and to continue building bridges between our cultures.”
