11th – 26th March 2008

The 16th annual celebration of le cinéma français surveys the full range of French filmmaking, from blockbusters to micro-budget films d'auteur, and for the first time includes both titles without UK distributors, and previews of films on general release later in the year. Watch out for Serge Bozon's highly original WW1 drama La France, and the enjoyable talk-fest Dialogue avec mon jardinier, starring two of the most familiar faces in modern French cinema – Daniel Auteuil and Jean-Pierre Darroussin (on hand, with director Jean Becker, for Q&A after the screening). Also on the line-up, a biting satire on the horrors of office life (the ironically-titled Fair Play), and two new adaptations of best-selling novels Un secret and Ensemble, c'est tout, starring two of  France's busiest young actors Cécile de France and Guillaume Canet.

Programme:


Tuesday 11th March:

- Film: If you love me follow me (15)
6.30pm

- Film: Could this be Love? (15)
8.45pm

Wednesday 12th March:

- Talk: Love, Factually
6.30pm | in English
What does the slushy, fizzy feeling of love mean scientifically? Neurobiologist Lucy Vincent knows all about the synaptic sparks that go off when we fall in love while psychologist Dave Perrett studies attractiveness and mate choice. But does all this scientific talk about love spoil the magic? Come and decide for yourself!
In association with the Royal Institution and the Science and Technology Department of the French Embassy

- French Film Festival UK: Un baiser s'il vous plait  (Shall we kiss?)
8.30pm | cert. 12 | UK Premiere
2007 | France | col | 102 mins | dir. Emmanuel Mouret, with Virginie Ledoyen, Emmanuel Mouret
The film starts and ends in Nantes, where Gabriel gives a lift to Emilie, down from Paris on business. As the two speak in the car, an attraction forms – despite the fact each has a partner – and they end up having a romantic dinner. At the end of the evening Emilie refuses to give Gabriel a farewell kiss. Why? Because a single kiss can change your life, she says, however innocently intended.
Early reservation recommended
Prices: £7, conc. £5 for the talk or the film
Double Bill: £9, conc. £7 for the talk and the film


Thursday 13th March:

- Film: Summer of ‘62 (15)
6.30pm

- Film: Intimate enemies (15)
8.30pm

Friday 14th March:

- Film: Don't Worry I'm Fine (12A)
6.30pm

- French film festival UK: Dialogue avec mon jardinier (Conversation with My Gardener)
8.30pm | cert. 12A | UK Premiere | DB2
France | 2007 | col | 130 mins | dir. Jean Becker, with Daniel Auteuil, Jean-Pierre Daroussin
Paris-based artist Auteuil returns to his family home in the country, and decides to fix up the garden. The gardener he hires turns out to be an old school friend, who had stayed on in the village and followed a more modest career as a railway-man. Re-bonding on the spot, they find themselves sharing a lifetime of experiences and observations.
Followed by a Q&A with dir. Jean Becker & actor Jean-Pierre Daroussin


Saturday 15th March:

- Film: Just About Love (15)
6.30pm

- Film: Those Who Remain (15)
8.30pm

Sunday 16th March:

- French film festival UK: Fair Play
5.00pm | DB1 | UK Premiere
France | 2006 | col | 99 mins | dir. Lionel Bailliu, with Benoît Magimel, Marion Cotillard
When ambition, jealousy and lust are transported out of the workplace, the results can be fatal… Driven by their bitter determination to rise to the top, four executives and their boss face off in a breathtaking psychological and sports-action thriller. Rowing, squash, an adventure trail, golf and canyoning are the settings for the most extreme forms of harassment and emotional blackmail where all the players will use any means, fair or foul, to achieve victory. Followed by a Q&A with dir. Lionel Bailliu

- Film: A Secret (15)
8.45pm

Tuesday 18th March:

- Film: Second Wind (15)
7.00pm

Wednesday 19th March:


- French film festival UK: semaine de la langue française: La France
6.15pm | cert. 15 | UK Premiere
France | 2007 | col | 102 mins | dir. Serge Bozon, with Sylvie Testud, Pascal Greggory
1917. Camille receives a disconcerting letter from her soldier husband François stating, in effect, that she will never see or hear from him again. With quiet resolve, she disguises herself as a man, and sets off to join her spouse at the front. Director Bozon takes a bold, and inspired approach to his subject, weaving four musical numbers into his otherwise bleak portrayal of life on the front.
Followed by Q&A with dir. Serge Bozon


- Semaine de la langue française:  Barbara Carlotti in Concert
9.00pm | concert
With lyrics by turm profound, playful ane erotic, a cool, precise voice backed by elastic basslines and acoustic guitars, Barbara Carlotti has won the hearts of French audiences and looks set to conquer the UK (her latest album was quickly snapped up by the English label 4AD). Hear her at the Institut français as part of the celebrations for la semaine de la langue française; concert introduced by Carlotti's latest music video, directed by Serge Bozon.
Prices : £7, or conc. £5 for the film or the concert
Double Bill : for the concert & film: £9, conc. £7


Thursday 20th March:

- Film: Hunting and Gathering (Ensemble c'est tout) (15)
6.30pm

- Film: Poison Friends (18)
8.45pm



Screenings times for all films are 1pm, 3pm & 7pm

Friday 7th March:
Change of Address (15)
     
Saturday 8th March:
If You Love Me, Follow Me (15) 

Sunday 9th March:
Don't Worry, I'm Fine (12A)

Monday 10th March:
A Lost Man (18)

Tuesday 11th March:
Towards Zero (15)

Wednesday 12th March:
Boxes (15)

Thursday 13th March:
Avril (15)





Sunday 9th March:
Her Name is Sabine (12A)
6.15PM







Wednesday 26th March:
The Story of Richard O (18)
8.40pm + Q & A