Europa! Europa 2024 will bring an exciting line-up of European films to Melbourne and Sydney cinemas from this Thursday 15 February 2024. Among the French language films in the line-up, you’ll find films that cover topics such as finding love later in life, going from being a celebrated designer to being completely out of public favour, boys embarking on the treacherous journey from Senegal to Europe, the impossibility of returning home, a woman obsessed with her friend’s the newborn child, a battle to save a neighbourhood, a relationship with a possessive and dangerous man, a film about film-making, and a film about the world of international press coverage, and an AI revisiting of past relationships. The program also features 4K restorations of Contempt and The Conformist.
And The Party Goes On (Et la fête continue ! )
Country: France
Director: Robert Guédiguian
Language: French (English subtitles)
Australian premiere
Set in the working-class neighbourhoods of Marseilles, Robert Guédiguian’s latest film follows Rosa, a nurse and mother figure in her tight-knit community. As she approaches retirement, Rosa feels dissatisfied with the political stagnation around her. But when she meets Henri, Rosa falls in love and realizes it’s never too late to pursue her dreams.
Guédiguian paints a hopeful and generous portrait of Marseilles’ diverse inhabitants, with Rosa at the heart of it all. Her story offers an uplifting message about following one’s passions at any age. Musically, the score incorporates excerpts from Georges Delerue’s iconic music for Godard’s Contempt (also screening at the Europa! Europa 2024), honouring the French cinema legacy.
Australian Premiere – 4K Restoration
Country: France, Italy
Director: Jean Luc Godard
Language: French (English subtitles)
A cinematic masterpiece revered worldwide, Contempt unfolds against the backdrop of the breathtaking Villa Malaparte on Capri, where the doomed romance between Paul and his wife, Camille, takes center stage. Paul, tasked with rewriting a film script, becomes consumed by his work, oblivious to the producer’s advances toward his stunning wife. As tensions simmer and misunderstandings mount, the tragic dissolution of Paul and Camille’s marriage unfolds before our eyes.
Recently restored in glorious 4K as part of the Cannes Classic Selection for its 60th Anniversary, Contempt showcases the incomparable Brigitte Bardot as Camille and the legendary Michel Piccoli as Paul, delivering performances that etch themselves into cinematic history. Jean Luc Godard’s New Wave masterpiece shines brighter than ever, capturing the essence of love, desire, and disillusionment with unparalleled depth.
Enhancing the film’s allure is the unforgettable score by the acclaimed composer Georges Delerue, whose melodies resonate with emotion and intrigue. Delerue’s musical genius also graces And the Party Goes On, a film featured at Europa! Europa 2024, further highlighting his timeless contributions to cinema.
Countries: France, United Kingdom
Director: Kevin MacDonald
Languages: English, French (English subtitles)
From the mid-1980s until 2011, John Galliano, the flamboyant and iconoclastic head designer at Dior, held sway as one of the most significant figures in fashion history. However, in February 2011, a shocking video surfaced, capturing Galliano uttering anti-semitic slurs in a Parisian bar. This revelation led to his dismissal from Dior, condemnation from the Jewish community, and ostracism from the fashion world, resulting in a complete downfall for the once-celebrated designer. Yet, amidst the wreckage, Galliano embarked on a journey of redemption.
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald (“One Day in September,” “Touching the Void“), the documentary offers a candid exploration of Galliano’s tumultuous journey, featuring intimate interviews with the designer himself and notable figures such as Kate Moss, Penelope Cruz, and Charlize Theron. Beyond portraying the narrative of a troubled yet talented individual, the film delves into broader questions concerning contemporary cultural and political landscapes, and the complexities of forgiveness in the face of transgressions.
Content warning: Explicit language, racial slurs
Country: France
Director: Catherine Corsini
Language: French (English subtitles)
Khédidja is employed by a wealthy Parisian family who entrust her with the care of their children for a summer retreat in Corsica. Accompanied by her own teenage daughters, Jessica and Farah, the trip becomes a poignant journey back to the island they departed under mysterious and tragic circumstances fifteen years ago. While Khédidja grapples with her haunting memories, her daughters immerse themselves in the allure of summer: unexpected encounters, playful mischief, and the tender throes of first love. As whispers of their family’s enigmatic past on the island resurface, Jessica and Farah begin to question the narrative their mother has woven about their history.
Director Catherine Corsini, known for her works Summertime and The Divide, skillfully blends seasoned actors with newcomers to weave a narrative deeply rooted in personal experiences from her own upbringing. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Mediterranean, the film captures the essence of longing and displacement, ultimately exploring the inherent challenge of finding solace and belonging in a place haunted by memories of the past.
Nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival
Countries: Belgium, France, Italy
Director: Matteo Garrone
Languages: Wolof, French (English subtitles)
Io Capitano unfolds as the gripping tale of Seydou and Moussa, two daring teenagers from Dakar, Senegal, who clandestinely embark on a perilous journey to Europe. Despite numerous warnings about the daunting challenges ahead, the allure of wealth and fame as musicians in Europe proves irresistible. However, their aspirations quickly collide with harsh realities: navigating the treacherous terrain of the Sahara, enduring the horrors of detention centers in Libya, and facing the deadly risks of the open sea.
Director Matteo Garrone, renowned for his work on Gomorrah, skilfully crafts a contemporary odyssey brimming with suspense, offering a perspective seldom depicted in Western media. At its core lies a captivating performance by newcomer Seydou Sarr, anchoring the film’s emotional depth and resonance. Io Capitano emerges as a potent and compassionate portrayal, stirring audiences with its raw authenticity and offering a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity.
Nominated for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards
Winner of the Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival
Winner of the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor for Seydou Sarr at the Venice Film Festival
Just the two of us (L’amour et les forêts)
Country: France
Director: Valérie Donzelli
Language: French (English subtitles)
When Blanche, portrayed by Virginie Efira (Paris Memories, Bye Bye Morons), encounters the charming and attentive Grégoire, played by Melvil Poupaud (Coup de Chance, The Young Lovers, One Fine Morning), she believes she has found her soulmate. Their connection intensifies rapidly, igniting a passionate affair that leads to a life-changing decision to relocate for Grégoire’s career. However, for Blanche, the move means separation from her family and her beloved twin sister Rose, also played by Virginie Efira. As she settles into their new life, Blanche finds herself increasingly isolated and ensnared by the suffocating grip of a possessive and dangerous man.
Cinematographer Laurent Tangy’s exquisite visuals, characterized by vibrant and heightened colours, mirror the evolving psychological state of the imperilled protagonist. Director Valérie Donzelli, known for “Marguerite & Julien, skilfully crafts a taut and suspenseful domestic thriller reminiscent of Hitchcockian suspense, shedding light on a troublingly familiar narrative experienced by many women.
Official Selection at Cannes Film Festival
Nominated for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score for the César Awards 2024
Countries: Belgium, France
Director: Ladj Ly
Language: French, Bambara, Syrian (English subtitles)
Haby, a young French woman of Malian descent deeply entrenched in her community’s affairs, stumbles upon a redevelopment scheme for her working-class Parisian neighbourhood. Spearheaded by Pierre Forges, a young doctor thrust into the mayoral role, the clandestine plan entails demolishing the very block where Haby spent her formative years. Determined to defend her roots, Haby joins forces with fellow residents to wage a fierce battle against the impending destruction and uncover the corruption lurking behind the scenes.
In his follow-up to the internationally acclaimed Les Misérables, Academy Award nominee Ladj Ly delivers another incendiary and politically charged narrative. Through a deeply personal lens, Ly portrays a community grappling with identity and displacement, underscoring the universal quest for belonging in a rapidly changing world.
Country: France
Director: Cédric Kahn
Language: French (English subtitles)
Simon, a renowned French filmmaker, embarks on the production of his latest project—a compelling narrative centred around workers battling to preserve their factory from relocation. However, the filmmaking journey quickly descends into chaos: his producer Viviane demands a rewrite of the ending and threatens budget cuts, while his own crew stages a strike. Simultaneously, Simon grapples with personal turmoil, compounded by the abrasive behaviour of his lead actor, Alain.
Amidst the turmoil, Joseph, an aspiring filmmaker working as an extra, volunteers to document the behind-the-scenes chaos. What unfolds is a captivating exploration of the filmmaking process, showcasing the intricate dynamics and unexpected moments that often surpass the scripted narrative.
Director Cédric Khan’s comedic ode to life imitating art offers a refreshing take on the filmmaking industry, drawing parallels to cinematic classics like Fellini’s 8 ½ and Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Blurring the lines between truth and fiction, Khan’s film delves into the complexities of creativity and collaboration, providing insight into the unpredictable and exhilarating world of cinema.
Winner of the Cinema & Arts Award at Venice Film Festival
Country: France
Director: Alix Delaporte
Language: French (English subtitles)
Gabrielle finds herself thrust into the fast-paced world of a prestigious news program without any formal training. Tasked with proving herself amidst a seasoned team of special correspondents, she navigates the challenges of earning her place in the midst of intense action. As she immerses herself in the language and culture of her colleagues—passionate, humorous, and often scarred by their profession—Gabrielle finds herself drawn to Vincent, the program’s enigmatic editor-in-chief, whom she cannot resist challenging.
Director Alix Delaporte, drawing from her own experiences as a news cameraperson, infuses the film with an urgent and authentic energy, capturing the pulsating atmosphere of the newsroom. The meticulous attention to detail pays homage to the world of international TV reportage while also lamenting the gradual erosion of the profession in the face of declining audience figures and cost-effective measures enforced by network executives.
Official Selection Venice Film Festival
Countries: Canada, France
Director: Bertrand Bonello
Languages: French, English (English subtitles)
In a futuristic world dominated by artificial intelligence and where human emotions are deemed dangerous, Gabrielle, portrayed by Léa Seydoux (One Fine Morning, Oh Mercy) makes a pivotal decision to purify her DNA. Entering a machine designed to cleanse her of strong feelings by immersing her in her past lives, she encounters Louis, her great love. Yet, as their reunion unfolds, Gabrielle is overwhelmed by fear and a foreboding sense of an impending catastrophe. This ominous dread haunts her, manifesting in multiple encounters with Louis across different timelines.
Loosely inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novel The Beast in the Jungle, Bertrand Bonello’s visionary adaptation traverses three distinct timelines: the distant past, the present, and a not-too-distant future. In this genre-defying love story, Bonello explores themes of fate and destiny, weaving unexpected narrative twists into a spellbinding and ambitious cinematic journey. With its exhilarating narrative and thought-provoking exploration of human emotion and existential dread, the film transcends traditional boundaries to deliver an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Official Selection at the Venice International Film Festival
Country: France
Director: Iris Kaltenbäck
Language: French (English subtitles)
In writer-director Iris Kaltenbäck’s gripping psychological thriller, a solitary Parisian woman becomes fixated on her best friend’s newborn daughter.
Lydia, a dedicated midwife deeply committed to her career, finds herself unravelling in the aftermath of a devastating breakup. When her closest friend, Salomé, seeks her assistance during pregnancy, Lydia eagerly offers her support. Yet, lurking beneath her altruism may be hidden motives. A fleeting affair with bus driver Milos, portrayed with empathy by Alexis Maneti, leads Lydia down a treacherous path of deceit and manipulation, ultimately disrupting the lives of everyone involved.
Grounded by Hafsia Herzi’s compelling and unsettling performance as Lydia, Kaltenbäck’s film is a tense and morally complex narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Winner of the SACD Award at Cannes Film Festival and nominated for the Critic’s Week Grand Prize.
It is nominated for two awards at the 2024 César: Best Debut Film and Hafsia Herzi for Best Actress for her role in the film
FILM NOT IN FRENCH BUT SET IN FRANCE AND STARRING FRENCH ACTOR JEAN-LOUIS TRINTIGNANT
The Conformist (Le Conformiste) – 1970
Countries: Germany, France, Italy
Director; Bernardo Bertolucci
Language: Italian (English subtitles)
Bernardo Bertolucci’s timeless masterpiece, The Conformist, returns to the big screen in a newly restored 4K format, hailed as one of the greatest films ever crafted. Jean-Louis Trintignant commands the screen as Marcello, a hollow figure ensnared by a fascist espionage organization, thrust into a perilous mission in France. Desperate to erase his past, Marcello undergoes tragic transformations to assimilate and serve the political agenda. Under the guise of a honeymoon, he brings his unsuspecting wife Giulia, portrayed by Stefania Sandrelli, to Paris, where he plans to execute the assignment.
Elegantly captured by the renowned cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, Bertolucci’s exploration of the dark depths of humanity unfolds as a seductive and mesmerizing cinematic journey. With its lush visuals and hypnotic narrative, “The Conformist” offers a sensory feast that demands to be experienced on the grandeur of the big screen.
KEY INFO FOR EUROPA! EUROPA! 2024
WHAT: Europa! Europa! 2024
WHERE: Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick and Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn in Melbourne and Ritz Cinemas, Randwick in Sydney
WHEN: From 15 February to 11 March 2024
HOW: Purchase your tickets via the links above
HOW MUCH:
Individual tickets
- Adult $25
- Concession and member $19.50
Multi-ticket passes
- 10 pass $160 ($16 per ticket)
- 20 pass $260 ($13 per ticket)
- Festival pass (1x redemption on each of the 47 films) $470
Which films are you planning to see at Europa! Europa 2024?
More French film content
Antenna Documentary Film Festival 2024: 6 French films in the program
My French Film Festival 2024: 26 films to stream over 30 days
French movies and series leaving SBS on Demand in February 2024
