For over 250 years, the United States has enjoyed a deep-seated friendship with France, a relationship that not only aided in the Revolutionary War but also thrived in the world of cinema. Celebrating this long-standing bond, the American French Film Festival is marking its 30th anniversary, serving as a cultural bridge between the two nations.
A Collaborative Cultural Milestone
The festival is a product of a unique collaboration, presented and produced by the Franco-American Cultural Fund. This partnership includes prominent organizations such as the Directors Guild of America, the Motion Picture Association, France’s Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music, and the Writers Guild of America West, all in association with France’s national film organization, CNC. “The festival has become really more than a showcase. It has become a bridge between two continents,” says Anouchka van Riel, deputy director of the festival, emphasizing its role in fostering cross-continental ties.
Spotlight on the Opening Film
This year’s opening night film, “In Waves,” exemplifies the festival’s mission. An animated feature based on a U.S. graphic novel, it was embraced by French producers and workshop-developed at the festival. Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, a notable French-Vietnamese animator, the English-language film is set along the Southern California coast and was acquired by Netflix at Cannes. “The two countries are intertwined, and we really think it’s a trend, and we’re really happy about that,” van Riel notes, reflecting on the growing collaboration across borders in filmmaking.
Changing Perceptions of French Cinema
François Truffart, the festival’s executive producer and programmer since 2004, shares a vision of transforming how French films are perceived in the U.S. He has witnessed exponential growth in the audience over the years and curates an array of film genres—ranging from documentaries to animation and short films—to showcase the diverse offerings of French cinema. “There are so many different kinds of films, but we know for sure that we’re going to have an audience for each of them. So maybe this is the biggest achievement,” he states, acknowledging the challenges of organizing such a large event—60 films, shorts, and series—amid a shifting global economy.
A Compelling Lineup for 2023
The festival, which culminates on November 8, features films vying for international Oscar nominations, including France’s entry “Minotaur” by Andrey Zvyagintsev, Japan’s “All of a Sudden” from Ryūsuke Hamaguchi, Belgium’s “Coward” by Lucas Dhont, Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Fjord” from Cristian Mungiu of Romania, and “Strawberries” by Laïla Marrakchi of Morocco. “We are in a world where it’s becoming very important for people to try to share and to understand different points of view,” Truffart emphasizes when choosing films that present unique and universal themes to American audiences.
Engaging Future Filmmakers
Since 2015, the American French Film Festival has also embraced television by screening series, showcasing blockbuster shows while maintaining a competitive atmosphere that reflects Hollywood’s opinions. In addition to screenings, the festival hosts industry panels, talks, and workshops. Van Riel highlights the significance of the festival’s initiative to include local high school students in the experience: “Every morning, we have a 600-seat theater packed with high schoolers, and they watch one film with a Q&A that follows, and it’s the most magical moment.” This effort not only fosters a new generation of film enthusiasts but also expands their cinematic worlds.
For more information on the festival schedule, visit theamericanfrenchfilmfestival.org.
