Adelaide Film Festival 2024 starts next week! Among the films, there are 6 either solely or partly in French. A Canadian documentary about a couple’s journey through terminal illness, love and loss. A tale of first love in the Belgian countryside; a man defects from his Colonial Officer pos leading us on a journey across 1917 Asia. An empathy machine allowing us to experience the world of refugees, viscerally trapped between hope and despair. From Africa, a film about the events leading to the 1961 assassination of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, the cultural backdrop and fantastic soundtrack to that time; and a film which addresses cultural restitution of looted objects from an African perspective. Read on to discover the films.
Country: Canada
Language: French
Directors: Pier-Luc Latulippe and Martin Fournier
A couple’s final journey through terminal illness, love, and loss.
Simon and Marianne is an unforgettable exploration of love, mortality, and the human spirit. Directed by Pier-Luc Latulippe and Martin Fournier, this poignant documentary delves into one of life’s most profound challenges: facing terminal illness within a relationship. As Simon grapples with a devastating cancer diagnosis, he and Marianne confront the inevitable with raw honesty, reflecting on their shared past and uncertain future.
The film doesn’t just rely on words to convey the depth of their emotions. In the silences, the tender glances, and the quiet moments, the filmmakers capture a profound intimacy. The exquisite cinematography and evocative soundscape immerse the audience in their world, allowing us to feel every moment of their journey.
Simon and Marianne is an experience that prompts us to reconsider our own lives. We are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring the moments we have. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, challenging you to reflect on what truly matters.
NOTE: We have been unable to find a trailer for the film.
MULTILINGUAL FILMS AT ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL 2024
In addition to the Canadian French-language film above, there are 5 multilingual films at Adelaide Film Festival 2024 where French is one of the languages.
Countries: France, Senegal, Benin
Languages: French, English and Fon
Director: Mati Diop
Dahomey, winner of the prestigious Golden Bear at this year’s Berlinale, is a film that resonates far beyond its frames. Directed by Mati Diop – known for the Cannes-winning Atlantiques – this urgent work addresses the issue of cultural restitution. The film focuses on the former African Kingdom of Dahomey, now in southern Benin, and follows the journey of 26 cultural objects looted by France during colonisation. These artefacts represent just a fraction of thousands stolen, highlighting the ongoing struggle for cultural justice.
Diop’s film traces the journey of these objects and gives them a voice, blending fact and imagination in what she calls a “fantasy documentary”. Diop captures a vibrant debate among students at the University of Abomey-Calavi, providing insight into the perspectives of young Beninese on restitution and cultural heritage.
The film approaches restitution from an African perspective that speaks to the universal. This is a work that demands to be seen, celebrated, and discussed.
Countries: Portugal, Italy, France
Languages: Portuguese, Chinese, Thai, French, Burmese, Vietnamese, Filipino & Japanese
Director: Miguel Gomes
Masterful director Miguel Gomes (Tabu, Arabian Nights) returns with a sweeping journey across Asia. On the eve of his wedding in 1917, colonial officer Edward impulsively flees his station in Rangoon, with his fiancé Molly in hot pursuit. What follows is a kaleidoscopic series of strange encounters, as the film blends fiction and documentary, past and present, and colour and stately monochrome. By turns whimsical, melancholic, and playfully exploratory, Gomes presents us with multiple perspectives, ruminating on the folly of the colonial project, while pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling in this strikingly original film which won the Best Director prize at Cannes this year.
Countries: Poland, France, Czech Republic and Belgium
Languages: Polish, Arabic, English and French
Diector: Agnieszka Holland
In turn gripping and poignant, one of the year’s most successful ensembles, creates an ‘empathy machine’ to experience the world of refugees, viscerally trapped between hope and despair.
Belarussian dictator Alexander Lukashenko cynically engineered the Green Border welcoming airplanes of refugees on their way to Europe Union, only to be pushed back at the Polish Border, endlessly trapped between the two countries, with their only hope young activists and others morally compelled to intervene, including the occasional sympathetic border guard or a local unable to turn a blind eye.
A family of Syrian refugees on their way to meet a family member in Sweden and an older Afghani teacher with ties to Poland find themselves pawns in this cruel battle between a dictator and a cold regime protecting its border, but alternately welcoming fellow European refugees from Ukraine.
30 years after Europa Europa, where she told the story of a young Jewish boy maneuvering to survive, three times nominated Oscar winner Agnieska Holland give us in this doco drama, one of the year’s most powerful films. She returns to the theme of a division in the soul of Europeans – between a culture of law and democracy and one of unspeakable self-interest.
Countries: Belgium, France & Netherlands
Languages: English, French, Russian & Dutch
Director: Johan Grimonprez
One of the most highly acclaimed and original documentaries of the year, delving into the events leading to the 1961 assassination of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat masterfully intertwines political intrigue with the vibrant cultural backdrop of the time. Featuring the music of jazz legends including Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane, the soundtrack underscores the era’s intense emotions and aspirations.
As the Congo gained its independence, this monumental shift faced fierce opposition from Belgian authorities and other global powers, leading to Lumumba’s tragic assassination. Sharp archival footage offers a visceral glimpse into this horrible chapter. Key moments include Malcolm X’s meeting with Fidel Castro, Louis Armstrong’s tour of Congo, and the aftermath of Lumumba’s murder, with Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach’s powerful protest at the UN Security Council. Soundtrack to a Coup d’État exposes the malevolent forces of colonisation and resonates with contemporary relevance, reflecting on the enduring struggles for justice and autonomy.
Country: Belgium and The Netherlands
Language: Dutch and French
Director: Anthony Schatteman
When Alexandre moves in across the road, young Elias realises that he is falling in love for the first time.
In Anthony Schatteman’s impressive feature debut, this tale of first love is deceptively simple. Shot in the beautiful Belgian countryside, young 14-year-old Elias (Lou Goossens) leads a happy life. His father is a rising pop star, he has a good circle of friends, he helps on his grandfather’s farm, and he enjoys the company of his girlfriend. This is, of course, until the new neighbours move in across the street, and he becomes good friends with Alexandre (Marius De Saeger). Soon, Elias must come to terms with the fact that he is falling in love for the first time. Young Hearts is a sweet film for everyone, free from the trauma that often riddles coming out narratives.
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KEY INFO ABOUT ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL 2024
WHAT: Adelaide Film Festival 2024
WHERE: Various cinemas across Adelaide
WHEN: 23 October – 3 November 2024
HOW: Purchase your tickets via the links above of if you’re seeing several films, passes can be purchased via this link
HOW MUCH: Ticket prices are as follows:
Individual tickets to standard sessions:
- Full Price $25
- Concession & Industry $20
- Groups of 10+ $19 per person
There are also passes available if you’re planning to see several films at Adelaide Film Festival 2024
- 3 Film Pass – Full Price $59
- 3 Film Pass – Concession & Industry $49
- 5 Film Pass – Full Price $95
- 5 Film Pass – Concession & Industry $79
- 10 Film Pass – Full Price $175
- 10 Film Pass – Concession & Industry $145
- Gold Pass – Full Price $299 (1 ticket to all standard screenings, standby priority, and an official AFF lanyard)
- Gold Pass – Concession & Industry $255 (1 ticket to all standard screenings, standby priority, and an official AFF lanyard)
- Platinum Pass – Full Price $599 (1 ticket to all standard screenings and galas, select party and event invitations, standby priority, concierge booking service, and an official AFF lanyard.)
- Platinum Pass – Concession & Industry $255 (1 ticket to all standard screenings and galas, select party and event invitations, standby priority, concierge booking service, and an official AFF lanyard.)
