29th French Film Festival in Manila Celebrates Literature, History, Feminism and Animation

The 29th French Film Festival is back, and better than ever as it runs from November 6 to 30. From literary adaptations and historical dramas to feminist stories and animation, this year’s lineup celebrates the bold, diverse, and imaginative side of French cinema.

24 films will be showcased throughout síx select venues across MetroManila, giving varíous audiences the chance to enjoy films with a French twist: 

 

• 6-15 November: SM Aura BGC and SM City Manila
• 27 November -Special screening at SM Aura BGC 
• 7-28 November: AMance Francaise de Manlle, Makati City 
• Special Screenings of Heritage Films at the Cinémathèque Centre, Intramuros
• 13-22 November: QCinema November Gateway Araneta, Trinoma, Quezon City
• 25-26 November: Animahenasyon Festival at the Likha Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City 

Empowering Her Stories 

Feminism remains a key part of the French Film Festival, with this year’s lineup continuing to put women’s rights and the realities women face in the spotlight. As French cinema opens conversations on gender equality, two films explore the experiences of women and the institutions that shape their lives.

“In 2024, we labeled the French Film Festival as feminist, The French government is supportive of Equality and freedom, and (that includes) Gender Equality.” says Sir Martin Macalintal, Cultural Attaché of the French Embassy in Manila, noting that the festival had already begun screening films about women’s rights in 2023. “We want to highlight that issue as it is something that needs to be out in the open so we can hopefully find solutions.”

Some of this year’s featured films in the same topic are Mélissa Godet’s La Maison des Femmes (A Place for Her), and Agnès Jaoui’s L’Objet du Délit (Crescendo). The latter follows a soprano who experiences harassment from a fellow cast member during an opera production, showing how an incident initially dismissed as minor can grow into a much bigger issue when brought to light.

Both screenings will be followed by panel discussions with Filipina film professionals and civil society representatives advocating for women’s rights. A special roundtable on November 12 at SM Aura is also open to the public, inviting audiences to take part in the conversation.

From Literary Classics to Contemporary Stories 

Literature takes the spotlight in the festival with new cinematic interpretations of two enduring classics: Les Misérables, directed by Fred Cavayé, and Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, directed by Alexandre Castagnetti. These titles are expected to draw in movie-goers and Broadway fans to the cinemas. 

While the festival honors the classics, it also showcases newer concepts. Contemporary French novels by David Foenkinos, Délicatesse and Jalouse will aiso be shown in the presence of the writer-director, Special screening is scheduled on 27th November. 

French History on the Big Screen 

A major highlight of the festival will be the cinematic storytelling of France during the 2nd Wortd War. There is a two-part historical biopic about France's biggest character of contemporary History: General Charles de Gaulle who led France through 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) follows the general's refusal to accept France's defeat in 1940 and his determination to rally resistance against Nazi Germany. Together, they trace the struggle to preserve French freedom during one of the defining peniods of moderm European history. 

Following the historic theme, Moulin by Laszlo Nemes provides a counterpoint as it focuses on Jean Moulin who led the Resistance movement. Beyond the movie screenings,there will be a special panef discussion on 11 November in SM City Manila wherein history professors wilf offer a deeper understanding of France's experience during the 2nd World War. 

Strengthening French-Filipino Film Coaperatian 

Beyond showcasing powerful stories from French filmmakers,the 29th French Film Festival ceiebrates the growing partnership between the French and Philippine film industries. The French Film Festival will include screenings af Filipino classics that have been restored in France by the Cité de Mémoire like the Lino Brocka classic, Jaguar, and Ginauhaw ako Ginagutom Ako restored by the CNC. 

Animation Beyond Borders 

Animation is once again one of the híghlights of the festival with the arrival of French Director Jutien Chheng. His film Muyi will be shown at SM Cinemas (6-15 November),while two films will be screened during Animahenasyon (25-26 November). 

  

29th French Film Festival Press Conference Speakers

 

For nearly three decades, the French Film Festival in Manila has held an annual rendez-vous for cinephiles, providing them the opportunity to enjoy the magic of French storytel ling. This year's edition continues the tradition of displaying thought-provoking cinema to cinema goers for free, 

By offering a selection of new French releases and heritage films, the festival provides an avenue for the French Embassy in the Philippines and Micronesia to promote French culture and vafues, as well as defend cultural diversity. For the French Film Festival's full schedule and more information, follow the French Embassy in the Philippines and Micronesia on Facebook (facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH/) and Instagram (instagram.com/frenchembassyph/?hl).