French Film Festival 2009 in Richmond, VA Artistic and Cultural Exchange

Since 1993, Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond have sponsored the French Film Festival as a way to foster cultural and intellectual exchange and learning between the United States and France. The festival was conceived because the only French films available to the American public were mainly classics. Since 1993, some of contemporary France’s leading directors, producers, and actors are introduced to American audiences through the French Film Festival in Richmond. Many scholars and students studying French Film in Virginia universities also take part in the Master classes and discussions.

The French Film Festival is interactive. It is designed to encourage participants to take part in discussions on film, master classes on theatrical arts, presentations, and even a formal reception to meet the honored guests who make it a high caliber event.

The Historic Byrd Theater in Richmond

The films are shown at the historic Byrd Theater on Cary Street in Richmond, close to Virginia Commonwealth University. The restored theater is a splendid venue for any performance and seats 1,400 people. It was chosen as a venue because the French Film Festival has expanded its audience each year since inception and was in need of a larger space to accommodate the crowd. With audiences averaging 20,000 people in three days, the festival has become popular in Richmond and is held in high esteem in France.

Short Films Featured at the Festival

This year’s French Film Festival includes some focused attention on short films, a tradition in French cinema popularized by Jean Cocteau and other notable filmmakers and artists. On March 27th La Femis/VCUarts Cinema Shorts Project will present three short films. A series of short films by notable French filmmakers will be presented at 12 midnight on March 28th and 8 a.m. on March 29th.

U.S. Ambassador to France to Attend

Josiane Balasko, a French writer, actress, and director will be on hand with director Serge Le Péron during and after the viewing of the movie Françoise Dolto, le Désir de Vivreas. The U.S. Ambassador to France, His Excellency Pierre Vimont, will also be present.

French Film Festival screenings are followed by a discussion with the director, producer, and an actor or actress from the film. This format helps attendees to interact with the artists who shaped the film and keeps the dialogue open and active between creators and audience.

French Film Festival is a Partnership Between Countries

The film festival itself has a stellar reputation in France among filmmakers, sponsors, and audiences there. Some French directors, producers and actors see it as a chance to collaborate with Americans in the film profession and further their work. One of the main purposes of the French Film Festival is to foster relations between Franco-American artists, businesses, universities, and cultural organizations and to open up new audiences for French film here in the United States.

Visit the French Film Festival website for more information on scheduled movie times and weekend passes. Costs are $95 for regular admission $85 for instructors and $45 for students and include admission to all classes, discussions, and films, except for the reception. Individual films cost $12, if seats are still available.

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