The Salt and Pepper band, a real-life band of French retirees formed in 2010 is the inspiration for the film Silver Rockers coming to the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023. Ever aspiring rock singer, Alex (Mathilde Seigner who you may recognise from War of the Buttons AFFFF 2012, Edmond, AFFFF 2020) is down on her luck and in desperate need of money. So, when a friend asks her about a job teaching old people how to sing with the intention of a choral performance of nursery rhymes to be held in three months’ time, she takes it without giving it much thought.
But these oldies don’t want to sing nursery rhymes; they want to rock! But Alex has been hired for a concert of nursery rhymes and initially resists but they win her over. That said, it’s not going to be easy – these are untrained singers and they must do it in secret (resulting in some unusual and hilarious rehearsal spaces) because the nursery rhymes project has been dictated by the controlling man who hired Alex. Little by little, we get to know the band members and a little of their personal stories. It’s a nice and effective way to reveal them.
You’re not likely to have seen many of the actors in Silver Rockers. We only recognised the woman playing Betty (Anne Benoit) having seen her in a few episodes of the series Lupin most recently but also in C’est la vie at the AFFFF 2021??, Farewell, my Queen). André played by Bernard Le Coq played Malotru’s Dad in a few episodes of The Bureau. Irène is played by Andréa Ferréol (Knock, AFFFF 2017/2018??) However, don’t let the unfamiliarity of the actors prevent you seeing Silver Rockers as they all play their parts well.
We know that Silver Rockers is based on a true story of the Salt and Pepper band but at some points it’s a little difficult to find the story credible. The ending, without ruining it for you, feels incredibly unlikely and we haven’t been able to verify the veracity of it.
Silver Rockers is a fun, feel-good film and easy to watch. It’s not an absolute must-see but worthy of watching for something light-hearted. Released in France at the end of December 2022, Silver Rockers will make its Australian debut at the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023.
3.5 CROISSANTS
Find when Silver Rockers is showing in your city via the below link: https://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/film/silver-rockers/ (you will be asked to select your city once you have accessed that link).
KEY INFO FOR AFFFF 2023
WHAT: Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023 (AFFFF 2023) – the 34th edition of the largest celebration of French film outside of France!
WHERE & WHEN:
Sydney, NSW: 7th March to 5th April – Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton St, Chauvel Cinema, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne
Melbourne, VIC: 8th March to 5th April – Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, The Astor Theatre, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema
Perth, WA: 8th March to 5th April – Luna Leederville, Luna on SX, Windsor Cinema, Palace Raine Square, Camelot Outdoor Cinema
Canberra, ACT: 9th March to 5th April – Palace Electric Cinema
Hobart, TAS: 9th to 19th March – State Cinema
Brisbane, QLD: 15th March to 12th April – Palace James Street, Palace Barracks
Byron Bay, NSW: 16th March to 5th April – Palace Byron Bay
Adelaide, SA: 23rd March to 19th April – Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
Port Pirie, Renmark, Whyalla, Mount Gambier: 24th March to 26th March – Northern Festival, Chaffey Theatre, Middleback Arts Centre, Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
Gold Coast, QLD: 29th March to 16th April – Dendy Southport
Parramatta, NSW: 29th March to 2nd April – Riverside Theatre Parramatta
Victor Harbour, SA: 3rd and 10th April – Victa Cinema
Bendigo, VIC: 21st to 23rd April – Star Cinema
HOW: The full program of 41 films can be viewed at the official Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023 website via this link: https://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/
HOW MUCH: Ticket prices vary between cities and there are also discounted festival passes available if you want to see several films. (NB You will need to pick the films and sessions when purchasing the pass)
More Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023 content
Our picks from the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023 program
Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023 first 15 films announced
Final Cut: a comedic zombie film that’s even for people who don’t like horror or gore
For other events with French and francophone links happening this month, check out our What’s on in March