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Beauty and Poetry of French Cinema to mesmerize delegates at IFFI 53
France to be featured in Country Focus at IFFI 53
France, the land that gave birth to ‘the big screen’ will be featured in the Country Focus segment at the 53rd edition of International Film Festival of India . A collection of 8 contemporary films from France have been selected to represent the diversity and potential of French cinema.
From the pioneers of cinema, August and Louis Lumière to Jean-Luc Godard, Francois Truffaut and Claude Chabrol, film history owes its historical and aesthetic legacies to the ever-inventive and trailblazing cinema of France. The lineup of French cinema that is set to dazzle delegates comprises of :
1. Other People’s Children
‘Other People’s Children’ is the Opening Film of the Country Focus section. It is a tragicomedy about a middle aged woman who starts a new relationship and creates a close bond with the little daughter of her partner. Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, it premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival and competed for the Golden Lion
2. The Crossing
‘The Crossing’ is an animated film by Florence Mialhe which features surreal and fairytale-like imagery that evokes brush drawings and paintings, and offers an emotional look at immigration that will move all ages. It was selected to be part of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2021.
3. Belle and Sebastian: The Nouvelle Generation
‘Belle and Sebastian: The Nouvelle Generation’ is a film about a 10 year old boy who finds a mistreated dog, and vows to fight against the injustice laid upon him. Adapted from French actress and author Cécile Aubry's book of the same name, the film is directed by Pierre Coré who is most well known for his 2017 animated film, Sahara.
4. Between Two Worlds 
Emmanuel Carrère’s ‘Between Two Worlds’ is a social drama about rising precarity in French society. Based on the non fiction work by French journalist Florence Aubenas, the film stars Juilette Binoche as an investigative journalist going undercover to investigate the exploitation of cleaning people in the north of France The film premiered at the Karlovy Vary Film festival, and in the Director’s Fortnight section at Cannes.
5. The Velvet Queen 
The Velvet Queen is a documentary by Marie Amiguet and Vincent Munier about a journey to document the elusive Snow Leopard. Filmed in the Tibetan plateau, the film has been described as a s a calming, meditative experience. It premiered at Cannes in 2021 and has been nominated at various festivals under the best documentary and best music sections.
6. Sixteen
Philippe Lioret’s Sixteen narrates the story of two teenagers from contrasting social backgrounds falling in love. The film explores how their love story is tested to its limits after accusations of theft bring their families into conflict. Director Philippe Lioret is considered a contemporary auteur, with his films bagging multiple César Awards and nominations at various festivals across the world.
7.The Vanished President 
The Vanished President is a period comedy about a bold idealist who disappears soon after making making a series of audacious proposals after being elected President. The film is directed by Jean-Marc Peyrefitte, who is well known for his 2004 short, La solitude de l'éboueur sans camion.
8. The Green Perfume 
Nicolas Pariser’s The Green Perfume is a comedy adventure. Having premiered at Cannes 2022 under the Director’s Fortnight segment, the film talks about a performer who is suspected for the poisoning and murder of an actor. With his two previous films being tense stories of political intrigue, The Green Perfume presents a departure from Director Pariser’s oeuvre.
Country Focus is a special segment that celebrates the cinematic excellence and contributions of the country of focus. Introduced at Filmotsav 1984, Country Focus initially featured cinema from Asia, Africa and Latin America. The segment has since featured various countries from across the globe from Canada to Bangladesh. The Country Focus segment at IFFI 53 is organized in collaboration with the Embassy of France and Institut Francais in India, Country Focus will commence on November 21, 2022 at INOX Panaji.