14th French Film Festival at Shangri-la EDSA

French Film Festival

For those with a penchant for all things  French and free, this is your week.
The French Film Festival is once again at the Shangri-la Cinemas. This is their 14th year to provide a week-long parade of French films for free public viewing.

Though not completely related, I just have to commend the French for finding a way to make their culture present in Manila through their sponsorship of art exhibitions, film showings, and events like Fete de la Musique. The French patronage of Philippine arts is especially noteworthy. This year marks a milestone for Filipino French relations as Filipino director, Brillante Mendoza, won the best director prize in Cannes for his film, “Kinatay”. To do so, he bested another Asian director, Ang Lee, as well as other film heavyweights: Lars Von Trier, Pedro Amaldovar, and Quentin Tarantino. He is the first Filipino to have won the prestigious award. If you want to read more about his film, “Kinatay” which translates to “Butchered”, read here: http://www.yehey.com/News/Article.aspx?id=240342

Not to confuse, that film won’t show in Shangri-la. The line-up there are French favorites like “Home” by the famous French photographer Yann Arthus Bertrand. Also screening are François Truffaut’s “Les 400 Coups” (1959), André Téchiné’s “Ma Saison Préférée” (1993), Michael Haneke’s “La Pianiste” (2001) and Benoît Jaquot’s “A tout de suite” (2004). Filipino wonder kid, Raya Martin will also present a sneak preview of his French funded film “Independencia”.

For screening schedules, you may call 633-2277 or visit www.spot.ph.