The full programme has been announced for the 33rd French Film Festival UK, featuring a host of new films from acclaimed and debut directors alongside beloved and rarely seen classics.
Some of the most eagerly awaited French-language films of the year, from celebrated directors including Cédric Klapisch, François Ozon, Diane Kurys, Hafsia Herzi, Julia Ducournau and Lionel Baier, will screen for audiences throughout the event.
The festival will take place in more than 40 different locations across the UK from 6 November to 14 December.
There are 32 UK premieres out of a total of 62 films, with the line-up embracing both new and established talents.
The films on display include stars such as Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Sergi López, Benjamin Voisin, Roschdy Zem, Mélanie Thierry, Cécile de France, Sandrine Kiberlain, Louis Garrel, Franck Dubosc, Laure Calamy, Valérie Lemercier, Camille Cottin and the late Michel Blanc, with standout features ranging from Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague to Ozon’s The Stranger.
Festival director Richard Mowe said: “With this 33rd edition the true diversity of French-language cinema has never been as strong and as vibrant as in this year’s selection. There is an ‘embarras de richesses’ – an overwhelming choice.
“We are delighted to partner with so many incredible cinemas and cultural institutions across the UK to platform the brilliance of French and francophone cinema.”
Spanning festival hits from Cannes, Venice and elsewhere, the line-up includes documentaries, animation, classics and tributes.
The legendary Gaumont Studios (130 years old this year) has a special focus, plus a spotlight is thrown on Marcel Pagnol (2025 marks 130 years since his birth) with such quintessential films as Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources amongst others.
The Gaumont focus will launch in Edinburgh, with the silent series Fantômas set to live piano and cello accompaniment from Jane Gardner and Caroline Salmo – with René Navarre at his most gothic.
More than 25,000 pupils around the UK will watch French-language films as part of a specially curated schools programme, while community cinemas in rural and coastal locations will also have a chance to join the celebration.
The full programme is now available on the French Film Festival UK website.
