Foreign film festivals in Singapore come and go, but an irrefutable constant is the long-running French Film Festival, which returns Nov 4-17 as part of Voilah! France Singapore Festival 2019.
Not to be outdone by previous years, the film festival is now in its 35th edition, and will feature 27 movies, plus an all-new “Sexy Section” that celebrates women, their sexuality and their emergence as protagonists in films. A little overdue if you’d ask us, but better late than never, we say.
Opening the film festival is Made in China, a coming-of-age French comedy about identity in today’s age, and our struggle between traditional values and modern ways of life. And making an appearance at the launch of the festival is Frederic Chau, who stars as the lead character Francois in the movie, as well as his co-star, Steve Tran, who plays his cousin.
To prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the large number of movies being screened this year, we’ve picked out a couple of films you should definitely check out; including some yet to premiere in Singapore. So rest assured—you’ll be granted first dibs on the flicks when you head over to the French Film Festival this November.
Made in China
Young, French-Chinese photographer Francois hasn’t spoken to his father Meng since their violent dispute 10 years ago. Now that he’s about to become a dad himself, he is pushed by his wife Sophie to reconnect with his family and roots, although that’s a lot tougher than he thinks. Opens Nov 4
Love at Second Sight
Following 10 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart Olivia, Raphael, a bestselling author wakes up in a parallel universe where he is an unmarried, ping-pong playing, middle-school teacher inseparable from his childhood bestie; after a huge argument with his wife one day. Having realised the importance of Olivia, Raphael must go above and beyond to win back the love of his life, who in this world, has no idea who he is. Opens Nov 7
The Shiny Shrimps
As punishment for making a homophobic statement on television, Olympic champion Matthias is made to coach the Shiny Shrimps, a flamboyant and amateur gay water polo team. Their goal? To qualify for the Gay Games in Croatia, where the hottest international LGBT athletes compete. Opens Nov 9
Pure as Snow
One of the movies from the new Sexy Section, Pure as Snow is expected to be released Dec 19, but you can catch it at the French Film Festival in November first. Directed by Anne Fontaine, Lou de Laage, is Claire in Pure as Snow, a beautiful young girl who is saved by a mysterious man after her jealous stepmother attempts to assassinate her. When she resides in a small village, seven men fall for her, which causes quite a stir. Sounds like a Disney classic we know and love. Opens Nov 8
Sybil
As jaded psychotherapist Sybil returns to her passion of writing, she encounters a new patient, Margot, who is a troubled up-and-coming actress. Her fascination with Margot leads her to become entangled in the actress’ tumultuous life, reviving volatile memories that bring her face-to-face with her past. Opens Nov 8
Jean Vanier, The Sacrament of Tenderness
A curtain-raiser to the Minds Film Festival next January, Jean Vanier, The Sacrament of Tenderness will premiere in Singapore during the French Film Festival. Detailing the life and times of world-renowned humanist Jean Vanier who made it his life’s mission to build an inclusive world for individuals with developmental disabilities, the film will explore how international voluntary organisation L’Arche was founded too. Nov 16
The French Film Festival runs from Nov 4-17 at various locations around Singapore. More information available here.
