The festival will take place in cinemas in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Herzliya, Sderot and Rosh Pina between March 15 and 25, 2023 • The opening film will be screened in the presence of the director-actor
The French Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, during which it established its status as one of the most popular national festivals in Israel. A festival that annually brings thousands of enthusiastic viewers to experience and enjoy the annual harvest of one of the largest film industries in the world.
As every year, the festival brings a diverse and rich program, and this year there are 17 films that present the diverse work in terms of the cultures of the choice of topics: social dramas, comedic dramas, questions of gender, deprivation, education, class relations, and of course love on any issue.
The opening moviestay with us” was a great success in France, the film describes the experience of Elmalh, he returns to France to visit his homeland, and his Jewish parents ask him to stay in their home, but he struggles with new directions in his life, especially those related to religion. His real parents and other family members participate in the film. Gad Elmelach will come to two performances in Israel close to the festival and will honor the premiere with his presence. The film will be released in Israel on March 23 at Lev cinemas.
The festival will conclude with the screening of actor-director Louis Garrel’s film, “Innocent” – the film that won the largest number of nominations this year at the César competition, including for the film, the screenplay, the director and the four actors. This is a comedy drama that is partly based on events from the creator’s life. The film distributed by Nachshon Films will be released in Israel in July 2023.
Additional films at this year’s festival that won a César nomination
“Forever young” – the film by actress-director Verlia Bruni Tedeschi, which participated in the official competition at the Cannes Film Festival and won seven nominations at the César, deals with the behind-the-scenes of an acting school and the theater world, against the backdrop of a sweeping soundtrack of France in the late 80s.
“Full-time” – winner of the directing and acting award at the Venice Film Festival and nominated for 4 César Awards. An exciting social drama starring Laure Clammy, known to us as the nervous agent from the series “Ten Percent”.
“A French novel” – Nominee for the acting award for actor Mesen Makin. The film by director Emmanuel Mora and with the participation of Sandrine Kiberlan, is a drama about a couple who have an extramarital affair and try to deal with the consequences of the situation.
“The sixth child” – César nominee for first film and supporting actress and Lumière winner for first film. Leopold Lagren’s film with four actors presenting a story about making a senseless decision that shakes everyone’s lives.
“One more sorrow” – nominated for the César Award for a documentary film, tells about an experiment at a school in the heart of Paris, a story of integration with boys and girls from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Through hip-hop classes, the school tries to bridge the learning gaps.
“Johnny and Mr. Adamski” – nominated for the Promising Actor Award, an interesting story about a gentle boy who discovers a special dependence on his new teacher.
Also at the festival is a selection of films, social, exciting dramas, films starring prominent stars and acquaintances and actors in their infancy. in them:
“Madeleine’s driver” – An emotional gesture by the director Christian Keron and the huge star Danny Boone, to the singer-actress Lynn Reno, who was 92 years old during the filming of the film. Madeleine’s journey to the nursing home as she passes through milestones in her complex life. Renault is one of the biggest stars in France and will not leave you indifferent to its great charm.
“Enough with your lies” – arrives at the festival shortly after its release in France. A free adaptation of Philippe Besson’s wonderful book directed by Olivier Payon, a writer returns to his hometown and discovers there the son of the love of his youth. A meeting that reveals moments of love, passion and concealment.
“other people’s children” – director Rivka Zaltovsky, who has roots in Israel, directs Virjani Afaria and Rushadi Zem in an exciting drama about a woman dealing with raising her partner’s child. Afriya won the Lumiere Prize for her role.
“Kompromat” – a fascinating thriller by the director Jerome Sall, which brings back the actor Gilles Leloche, who was one of his guests a few years ago, to the festival grounds.
In the classics slot: “Sunday in the village” – the wonderful film of the late director Bertrand Tavernier, who also visited Israel as part of one of the festivals. An award-winning film reminiscent in spirit of the works of the great impressionist painters: Monet and Renoir.
The festival is an initiative of the Eden Cinema Company and its CEO – Carolyn Bona, and is held in collaboration with the French Institute in Israel, Yoni France Films and the French Embassy in Israel.
The 20th French Film Festival: Starting from March 15 to March 25, 2023, in Tel Avi and throughout the country.