Rendez-vous with French Cinema, French Institute

Explore the artistic heritage of French films with the 5th annual cinema festival ‘Rendez-Vous with French Cinema’. An eclectic selection of the best of art-house cinema from across the channel will be screened at Kensington’s Ciné Lumière and the Curzon Soho.

The highlights include Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s newest family-friendly (and English language) work ‘The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet’, which will be a madcap adventure for all ages. It tells the story of a young eccentric who embarks on a strange and wonderful journey and stars the kooky Helena Bonham Carter. This theme of childhood echoes across the programme of films. For a darker perspective (unsuitable for younger viewers) we recommend ‘My name is Hmmm…’ . As the directional debut from fashion designer Agnes B the aesthetically arresting exploration of an abused young girl has left critics divided.

We also recommend ‘Life of Riley’, the last film directed by the late Alain Resnais. It perfectly captures his joyful, whimsical and thoughtful style.  For the enthusiastic and curious, the Q&A at the French Institute with leading actress Caroline Silhol, will be a un-missable opportunity to learn more about the prolific director’s life and career.

Throughout the season, both London venues will be holding a series of Q&As with directors and actors from the films. Full details of these can be found on the website, but Culture Whisper will be hinting at our favourites just before the festival. We’ll see you when the lights come up!