Adelaide Film Festival 2023 is set to dazzle audiences with over 130 remarkable films from Australia and around the world. Among the international treasures awaiting you at this cinematic extravaganza, is the French cinema line-up, which promises to be an absolute treat. In this article, we’ll highlight 9 must-see films from France, or not from France but in French, showing at Adelaide Film Festival 2023. Read on to discover them.
Director: Justine Triet
2023, France, 150 mins, 18+
French, English, German with English subtitles
Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2023, “Anatomy of a Fall” is a gripping drama directed by Justine Triet.
The story revolves around a successful novelist on trial for her husband’s mysterious death. Did he fall by accident, or was it something more sinister? With their vision-impaired son as the sole witness, the family’s dynamics take centre stage in a high-stakes investigation. The film delves into the complexities of families, justice, and the blurred lines between perception, belief, and truth. The performances, especially by Sandra Hüller, will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Director: Nicolas Philibert
2023, France, Japan, 109 mins, 15+
French with English subtitles
Nicolas Philibert, known for his masterful observational documentaries, takes us on a heartwarming journey in “On The Adamant“. This unique day care centre, located on a floating barge in the middle of the Seine, caters to individuals with mental disabilities. Here, traditional therapeutic methods meet creative self-expression, from music composition to painting and cooking. Philibert’s compassionate storytelling shines as he showcases the transformative power of unconventional thinking.
The film earned the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, making it a must-see for those seeking heartwarming and affirming cinema.
Director: Jérémie Périn
2023, France, 88 mins, 15+
French with English subtitles
Prepare for an exhilarating ride through the 23rd century in this action-packed French sci-fi noir. It will transport you to a Martian colony, where an ex-alcoholic private detective and an artificially intelligent reconstruction of her late partner team up to investigate a girl’s disappearance. Their journey unveils a dark underworld of ‘brain farms,’ corruption, and a looming conflict between humans and cyborgs.
Blending 2D and 3D visuals, the film pays homage to sci-fi classics while delivering a sophisticated story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Director: Michaël Dichter
2023, France, 95 mins, 15+
French with English subtitles
A poignant drama that explores the unbreakable bond of friendship among three twelve-year-olds – Max, Tom, and Viv. Dreaming of funding a camp trip, they embark on a high-stakes cash-making scheme when Max’s older brother returns from jail, bringing chaos with him. Michaël Dichter’s direction and the compelling performances of the young cast make this film a testament to the power of youthful dreams and the enduring strength of friendship.
Director: Pablo Berger
2023, France, Spain, 101 mins, 15+
No dialogue
A dialogue-free, wistful animated gem set in eighties New York which traces the unique arc of friendship. In a city filled with anthropomorphic creatures, Dog seeks companionship by creating a robot friend. Their adventures and separation at the beach unfold in a visually captivating narrative. This touching animated feature explores the intricacies of relationships and the longing for connection, making it a must-see for all ages.
French Short Films at Adelaide Film Festival
In addition to these feature films, the festival also offers a selection of French short films, including “A Kind of Testament” and “The Miracle“, both promising unique and engaging narratives.
Director: Stephen Vuillemin
France, 16 minutes, MA 15+
English
In the style of a gorgeously animated creepy pasta, A Kind of Testament follows a woman who discovers a mysterious online catalogue of animated clips based on her social media photos.
Director: Élodie Dermange
Switzerland, 12 minutes
French
Exploring the intergenerational trauma of the men in her family, Élodie Dermange creates an intricate hand-painted depiction of her sprawling family tree.
Films in French that aren’t from France
In addition to the films in French from France, Adelaide Film Festival 2023 showcases two films in French that aren’t from the Francophonie.
Director: Lea Glob
Denmark, Poland, 116 minutes, MA 15+
English and French
A captivating documentary that spans thirteen years, chronicling the artistic journey of French painter Apolonia Sokol. The film offers an unguarded and courageous look at her life and career as she transitions from the thriving Parisian art scene to the competitive international stage. Directed by Lea Glob, this documentary paints an intimate portrait of Apolonia’s evolution as an artist, touching on themes of self-worth, artistic success, and the personal sacrifices required in the ever-evolving world of contemporary art.
Artist Talk
Sat 28 Oct | 5:30pm | Free admission – East End Cinemas 04
As a part of the Adelaide Film Festival 2023 Reflective Screen program, see the artists talk about their projected works following the mesmerising documentary Apolonia, Apolonia on leading New French Painter, Apolonia Sokol.
Director: Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren
Spain, 125 minutes, MA 15+
French
A tender coming-of-age film set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked Basque summer. Directed by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren, the story follows Ane and her three children, with a particular focus on her youngest, Aitor, who prefers the name Cocó and identifies more as a girl than a boy. Through the outstanding performance of Sofía Otero, who won Berlin’s Silver Bear for her role, the film explores the complexities of family, the wonders of self-discovery, and the acceptance of a child’s unique identity in a heartwarming and moving narrative.
KEY INFO FOR ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL 2023
WHAT: Adelaide Film Festival 2023
WHEN: October 18-29, 2023
WHERE: various cinemas in Adelaide
HOW: Purchase tickets via the Adelaide Film Festival website or app
HOW MUCH: Ticket Prices (exclusive of booking fees):
- Standard sessions: Full Price $25.00, Concession $20.00, Industry $20.00
- Opening Night Gala Screening and After Party: $125 + booking fee
- Other Galas Screening and After Party: $69 + booking fee
- Festival passes starting from a 3-film pass for $60 + booking fee
Join us at the Adelaide Film Festival 2023 for an unforgettable cinematic experience that celebrates the art of storytelling through the lens of French cinema and many other international treasures. Get your tickets now and immerse yourself in the magic of the big screen.
For more events with lnks to France and the Francophonie happening this month, check out our What’s on in October
