It is a testament to the continuing influence of France on quality cinema that the Irish Film Institute’s French Film Festival remains one of the most important events in the organisation’s calendar. This year’s jamboree, which begins on Thursday and runs through the 29th, exceeds expectations in its balance of new, innovative material and restorations of classics.

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect is Serge Bromberg's already highly praised examination of the making of Henri-George Clouzot's doomed highbrow experiment Inferno. Also unearthed from the vaults are a series of comedy classics by the irresistible Jacques Tati. Mr Hulot's Holidayhas been digitally restored, and Tati's epic Playtime will be screened in luscious, luxurious 70mm. Fresh work from old hands Claude Chabrol and André Téchiné will make appearances, and the festival closes with a screening of Around a Small Mountain, the latest from Jacques Rivette, that most forbidding of nouvelle vaguepioneers.

But fear not, neophiles. There will also be plenty of flicks from younger directors. Jacques Audiard's hugely praised A Prophet, a tale from the cells, and Albert Pereira-Lazaro and Emmanuel Klotz's adult animation Round Da Wayare set to unspool over the week.

Social activity includes an evening of French hip-hop, a panel discussion on Tati, and a quiz night in the IFI’s newly restored bar. Ooh la la! (And so forth.)

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