It is a classic tale of revenge and redemption that has been given the blockbuster treatment – and a very big budget. The Count of Monte Cristo, adapted from the 19th century novel by French author Alexandre Dumas, is one of the most expensive French films ever made. It is also one of the most successful French films in recent history, selling over nine million tickets in France alone. Directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patelliere, it stars award-winning actors Pierre Niney and Anais Demoustier.
Now Singaporeans will get the opportunity to watch the nearly three-hour film and find out if it really lives up to the hype (and its 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating). The film headlines vOilah! French Film Festival, happening from Nov 14 to 30. This 40th milestone edition of the festival, organised by the Embassy of France and co-presented by Alliance Francaise de Singapour, Shaw Organisation and The Projector, features a total of 36 films comprising those fresh from the box office and the timeless classics that shaped the face of French cinema.
The line-up pays tribute to the long history of French cinematic excellence with chart-topping blockbusters, hilarious comedies, blood-pumping adventure tales, wholesome family stories and more.
Notable highlights includes Prodigies, a charming exploration of sibling bond in their pursuit of their musical dreams (you might recognise Camille Razat who plays Camille in the Netflix series Emily in Paris); the biographical film Saint-Exupery, which delves into the life and adventures of the beloved author of novel The Little Prince, and Beating Hearts, a romantic melodrama presented in official competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival about a pair of star-crossed lovers (played by Francois Civil and Adele Exarchopoulos) that draws from the themes in West Side Story.
The line-up also includes shows that have yet to premiere in France, including the dark comedy How to Make a Killing, a film about an estranged married couple who chance upon ill-gotten money and their disastrous attempts to conceal it, and Robot T-0, a sci-fi film following a mother’s quest to get her child back with the help of a robot she stole.
Local cinema The Projector will present exclusive screenings of seven iconic films that have left an indelible mark on the French cinematic landscape, including films by the late Alain Delon, one of France’s most celebrated actors, and the heartwarming tale Amelie.
To make French cinema more accessible and available to everyone, the festival has partnered with the People’s Association to organise screenings of PG-rated films and animations at 15 sites such as community clubs and integrated community hubs – the highest number of community venues involved in the festival. Families can look forward to titles such as Epic Tails (Argonuts), an enchanting journey through ancient Greece by a brave mouse and her feline friend; Chicken for Linda!, a delightful story about a mother’s determination to cook her daughter a special meal, and Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia, a heartwarming story about friendship and exploration.
Keep an eye on the schedule as the festival will also be hosting sessions with aspiring filmmakers. Franck Dubosc, Camille Razat, and Melanie Robert are expected to attend selected screenings, providing filmgoers the opportunity to ask questions about their experience and perspectives on the films.
The festival will close with a special joint screening of Singaporean director Eric Khoo’s Spirit World, co-presented by vOilah! French Film Festival and the Singapore International Film Festival. The French-Singapore co-production stars legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve.
For more information on the festival and ticketing details, visit www.voilah.sg.
