VCU to host the largest French Film Festival in the United States

By Michael Ford
University News Services

The 13^th annual Virginia Commonwealth University French Film Festival, recognized by the French government as the largest French film festival in the United States, will present a sampling of the most recent and notable films in French cinema, including five North American premieres. 

The VCU French Film Festival will be held April 1 through April 3 at the historic Byrd Theatre in Richmond, Va. Renowned director Claude Miller will lead a contingent of 31 directors, producers and actors presenting their films. Other special guests include award-winning actors Thierry Lhermitte for Laurent Bénégui’s film “Qui perd gagne” and Philippe Torreton, nominated for the César for best actor for his role in “L’Equipier.”

This year’s festival includes 13 feature films and 13 short films produced in 2004 and 2005, the genres ranging from comedy to drama, historical to action. All the films will be presented with English subtitles. Following the screenings, the presenting director, producer or actor will discuss the film with the audience.

The VCU French Film Festival is accredited by the International Festival of Film in Cannes as well as many other noteworthy festivals. In 2004, the founders and directors of the VCU French Film Festival, Peter and Françoise Kirkpatrick, were decorated as Chevaliers de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France’s highest arts honor in the French Legion of Honor. They join eminent artists and writers who have been recognized for making significant contributions to advancing the arts in France and the world.

The VCU French Film Festival draws patrons from a wide geographic region that includes Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina. The festival gives professors and students from the film and French departments of numerous U.S. universities exposure to recent French film production and an opportunity to interact with the French film stars in attendance.

The festival is sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Unifrance, l’ARP (Guild of French Directors and Producers) and the SACD (Guild of Authors, Composers and Directors). 

All screenings will be presented at the Byrd Theatre, 2908 Cary St., in the heart of Richmond’s cultural and commercial neighborhood, Carytown. Visit www.frenchfilm.vcu.edu for the festival schedule and a synopsis of each film.