Featuring in-person and online film screenings, engaging discussions, a Focus program, and a Retrospective session, inviting audiences to experience the beauty of authentic filmmaking

Since its first edition in 1996, the French Cinema Festival has become one of the most anticipated events for film enthusiasts in Indonesia. Organized by the Embassy of France in Indonesia and the Institut Français d'Indonésie (IFI), this festival annually presents high-quality French films to thousands of viewers. Last year alone, it attracted over ten thousand viewers with more than seven thousand online screenings.

Regarde de Femme: Highlighting Female Filmmakers

The festival officially opened on November 22 with an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ iconic novel, Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, featuring actor Pierre Niney as Edmond Dantès. This film captivated audiences with its epic visuals and emotional storyline. It premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2024, and had its Indonesian premiere as part of the FSP opening in seven Cinema XXI theaters across Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Bali, Makassar, and Medan.

This year, the festival embraces the theme Regarde de Femme or Female Gazes, focusing on works by nine French female filmmakers. The theme highlights the struggles and journeys of women in the modern era through the unique perspectives these directors bring.

In his opening remarks, the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of Indonesian audiences toward French cinema. "This festival is an important moment to celebrate cultural diversity through the big screen while strengthening cooperation between the French and Indonesian film industries," he stated.

Film Screenings in 30 Cities

This year’s festival features a total of 32 films screened at 31 locations in 30 cities, including Medan, Ambon, and Makassar. Additionally, ten more films will be available online through the KlikFilm platform from November 30 to December 6. All screenings are accompanied by Indonesian and English subtitles, enabling viewers to fully appreciate each story.

In addition to film screenings, the festival includes interactive discussions with filmmakers, producers, and renowned actresses such as Mira Lesmana, Marissa Anita, and Asmara Abigail. These events provide a unique opportunity for audiences to gain insights into the creative processes behind the scenes.

Support for Young Indonesian Filmmakers

As part of its international collaboration efforts, the French Cinema Festival 2024 also presents the Indonesia-France Film Lab. This program, running from December 1 to February 4, 2024, is designed to support young Indonesian filmmakers in developing high-quality feature films. During the program, French talents such as Louise Bellico and Rashid Ami will share their experiences and expertise, particularly in international co-productions.

The festival will conclude on December 6 with another spectacular adaptation of a Dumas classic, Les Trois Mousquetaires: Milady, directed by Martin Bourboulon. The screening will take place at the Institut Français d'Indonésie in Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.

The close collaboration between the Institut Français d'Indonésie, the French Embassy, Cinema XXI, and KlikFilm makes the French Cinema Festival 2024 a testament to the strong cultural ties between France and Indonesia. Through this festival, cinema becomes a bridge connecting the two nations while fostering appreciation for cultural diversity on the big screen.

photo source : rri.co.id

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