The Perth Festival 2024 is almost here and before the rest of the festival starts, the Perth Festival Lotterywest Films portion does. This time, it’s bringing a selection of seven French and Francophone films to the big screen. From the Palme d’Or-winning Anatomy of a Fall to the visually inventive EO, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival.

Read on to discover the seven French and Francophone films to see at Perth Festival 2024. 

Copa 71 (UK)

20-26 November

FRENCH LINK: French is one of the languages in this multi-lingual film. 

With a relentless pace and plenty of kick, Copa 71 makes it easy to get swept up in the excitement. Told by the pioneering women who participated in it and built from archives unseen for 50 years, Copa 71 is the extraordinary story of the 1971 Women’s Soccer World Cup, a tournament witnessed by record crowds that has been written out of sporting history, until now.

EO (Poland/Italy)

27 November – 3 December

FRENCH LINK: French is one of the languages in this multi-lingual film. It also stars French vedette Isabelle Huppert. 

Liberated from the circus after protests by animal activists, a grey donkey with melancholic eyes embarks on a journey through Europe that’s variously wondrous, mystifying and sometimes scary. Directed by legendary Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski, this visually inventive film highlights mankind in all its madness.

Rosalie (France)

11 – 17 December

NOTE: This film hasn’t even been released in France yet! So we don’t have a trailer to share with you. 

The story of a rebellious spirit in a conformist society. Set in 1870s rural France, Rosalie tells the story of a young woman who is about to marry a man she doesn’t love. She hides a secret, a difference that she no longer wants to hide. Will Abel be able to love her when he discovers the truth? 

Starring Nadia Tereszkiewicz (seen recently in The Crime is Mine, and in Only the Animals at AFFFF 20202) and Benoît Magimel (he was in Jack Mimoun and the Secrets of Val Verde, Incredible but true and Paris Memories at this year’s AFFFF and also stars in The Taste of Things at Perth Festival Lotterywest Films).

Robot Dreams (Spain and France)

18 – 24 December

FRENCH LINK: A Spanish-French co-production with a French team of co-producers: Jérôme Vidal, Sylvie Pialat, Benoît Quainon.

A hand-drawn animated film set in an alternate-reality 1980s New York City tells the heart-warming story of a lonely Dog who decides to build a companion, Robot, through a mail order. Dog and Robot quickly become inseparable, exploring Manhattan and rollerblading in Central Park. 

However, a sudden incident leaves Robot rusted and abandoned on a beach. The film follows their journey to reunite, emphasising the value of cherished friendships, even if they are fleeting. Directed by Spanish filmmaker Pablo Berger, this delightful and dialogue-free animation, based on a graphic novel by Sara Varon, is a colourful gem suitable for the whole family.

Anatomy of a Fall (France)

1 – 7 January 2024

The winner of this year’s Palme d’Or, Anatomy of a Fall is a riveting portrait of a German writer on trial for her husband’s murder in the idyllic French Alps, with her vision-impaired son as the only potential witness. Featuring an electrifying lead performance from Sandra Hüller, this gripping courtroom drama puts a microscope on the complexities of relationships and the legal process.

This is Justine Triet’s fourth feature film, and follows the less-acclaimed Sibyl and Victoria both starring Virginie Efira.

The Taste of Things (France)

22 – 28 January 2024

NOTE: This film was only released in France this week!

A sumptuous and exceptionally well-crafted film that tells the story of two food enthusiasts who fall in love. Set in late 19th century France, the film combines mouth-watering dishes with a tale of midlife romance.

Directed by Trân Anh Hùng, it stars Juliette Binoche (who needs no introduction) and Benoît Magimel (who also stars in Rosalie at this year’s Perth Festival Lotterywest film festival). 

Banel & Adama (Senegal)

12 – 18 February 2024

FRENCH LINK: French is one of the languages in this multi-lingual film.

A breathtaking debut feature from Senegalese writer-director Ramata-Toulaye Sy, tells of the romance and struggles of young lovers against traditional expectations. Their relationship faces suspicion as Adama refuses to assume her deceased brother’s role as chief. When a drought hits the region, villagers fear the couple has brought a curse. 

Premiering at Cannes, the film is a lyrical exploration of folklore, fate, and obsession, set against a vivid backdrop.

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These are just a few of the many great films on offer at this year’s Perth Festival Lotterywest Films. Which are you going to see? 

KEY INFO FOR PERTH FESTIVAL LOTTERYWEST FILMS

WHAT: Perth Festival Lotterywest Films

WHEN: 20 November 2023 – 31 March 2024 

WHERE: Lotterywest Films, UWA Somerville Auditorium, UWA, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009 / Godroo

HOW: Purchase your tickets online via the links above

HOW MUCH: Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adult: $20
• Festival Club: $18
• Concession: $17

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For more events with links to France and the Francophonie happening in Australia this month, check out our What’s on in November.