French Film Festival

Gainsbourg: Je t'aime … moi non plus

Now in its 21st edition, the Alliance Française French Film Festival kicks off in Sydney in less than a week. This year there is a grand total of 43 films, including comedies, love stories, thrillers, films that reject the injustice of a system, a way of life, oppression, and films that support human rights, freedom of thought and dignity.

Directed by the very popular Amelie director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and the opening night choice for this year, is the captivating must-see, thrilling comedy Micmacs. If you liked Amelie, chances are you’ll enjoy this too. My favourite of the festival is the closing night’s Gainsbourg: Je t’aime … moi non plus feature, a directorial debut of the graphic novelist Joann Sfar. Of course, the film is about the father of French pop, Serge Gainsbourg. It portrays the life of the infamous iconic singer, poet, writer, actor and general provocateur. I’m really looking forward to seeing the fashions and music scenes of the times on the big screen, as well as finding out more about Gainsbourg’s fabled life. French Film Festival is showing in Sydney from Tuesday 2 March until Sunday 21 March. For more info, check out the Alliance Française French Film Festival website.

White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights

White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights

There are so many excellent movies around at the moment, we’re truly spoilt for choice. However, if you’re a movie- and music-loving creature, add this to your flick list. For three nights only, Hoyts cinema is showing Under Great White Northern Lights, a feature length film about White Stripe’s 2007 Canadian tour. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the band, this visually intense and captivating documentary captures Jack and Meg’s journey across the Great White North, playing to audiences in different-sized towns, and in a number of typical and unusual venues. Showing from Thursday 25 February to Saturday 27 February. Check the Hoyts website for all the info.

Hola Mexico Film Festival

Hola Mexico Film Festival

Fourth annual Hola Mexican Film Festival is kicking off in Sydney tonight. The festival runs until Sunday 29 November in both Circular Quay and Newtown Dendy cinemas. My picks are the opening flick Sin Nombre (also screening on Friday 27 and Saturday 28); The Bastards (showing on Friday 20, Monday 23, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29);  I’m Gonna Explode (screening on Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29); and Those Who Remain (showing on Thursday 19, Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Friday 27 and Sunday 29);