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:: WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL The opening night red carpet arrival and gala was a lot of fun. Lots of Champagne flowing and very fine food were definitely the best way to kick off the week "en fanfare". Guests included directors Costa Gavras, Bertrand Tavernier, Claude Lelouch and beautiful actresses Jacqueline Bisset and July Delpy. However, after the never-ending speech from the president of the SACEM (and ex-French consul), things got worse as Claude Lelouch's new film, Men and Women, unfolded before my eyes, a glorious Razzie champion in the making. :: TUESDAY 14 APRIL After arriving late on Tuesday, I ended up seeing The Light instead of The Story of My Life. The film starring Sandrine Bonnaire was a low-key French drama, with an honest TV-like quality, but lacked dimension for the big screen (review coming soon.) :: FRIDAY 15 APRIL Friday Night's edgier entries, the dark comedy Aaltra—our festival pick—and Sci-Fi spoof Atomik Circus spiced up the festival, taking the audience off the beaten path for a welcome adventure in French bizarro cinematic landscapes. :: SATURDAY 16 APRIL Saturday's highlight was Costa-Gavras' take on France's economic issues in The Ax, half-way between social commentary and dark comedy. A Q&A with the director followed the screening. Later on that night, the Audience Choice Award was announced and the prize went to the romantic comedy The Story of my Life. :: SUNDAY 17 APRIL The festival closed on Sunday with Just Friends, starring Gérard Depardieu, and a repeat screening of The Story of My Life. |