Cork French Film Festival an important cultural event, says Coveney

The Cork French Film Festival has become a fixture on the cultural calendar in Leeside, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney as he launched the 32nd edition of the festival at the weekend.

“The Cork French Film Festival is always a big event on the cultural calendar here in Cork and it’s a success every year and we expect it to be a big success again this year even with Covid restrictions – obviously it will be somewhat different in terms of crowds but it’s important all the same.

"It is wonderful to see such a vibrant programme in place for the Cork French Film Festival. France and Ireland have significant historic ties and culture is an important part of maintaining and strengthening our links," he said.

This year's festival, which is presented by Alliance Française de Cork, will feature 12 French-language films including the recently released Sœurs, which opens the festival and, starring Isabelle Adjani, tells the story of three sisters struggling with their complicated Franco-Algerian family history.

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Chairman of Alliance Française de Cork John Mullins said: "During lockdown, French-language films and TV shows have become more and more popular. French series like Call My Agent introduced viewers in Ireland and across the globe to some wonderful French actors.

"Remarkably, the French action thriller Lupin is the most watched new drama on Netflix in 2021. I hope that this new-found appreciation for French productions will encourage viewers to attend this year's Cork French Film Festival."

Mr Mullins said that there will be 11 Irish premieres at the film festival, with several coming straight from their world premiere at festivals such as Berlin and Toronto while there will also be a chance to catch the Jean-Luc Godard classic, Alphaville, on the big screen.

Valérie David-McGonnell, Alliance Française de Cork board member and festival co-director, said this year's festival is celebrating not just French cinema but also French language cinema with films from Belgium and from Quebec.

“Our closing film is Madly in Life from Belgium, a comedy drama that tells the story of Alex and Noémie, who are in their thirties and would like to have a child. Their plans are upset when Alex’s mother, Suzanne, starts acting rather bizarrely.

“We also have Anais Barbeau-Lavalett’s Goddess of Fireflies from Quebec which is a coming of age drama set in the 1990s while we will also screen a programme of short films to celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of France’s greatest short film production companies – Autour de Minuit.”

Charming film

She added that world-music lovers "will enjoy the stirring documentary Africa Mia, which tells the story of the pioneering Afro-Cuban music of the legendary Maravillas of Mali. And for families, there is the charming animated film The Bears Invasion of Sicily. "

French ambassador Vincent Guérend said at the launch: “I am delighted to be here in Cork to support the 32nd Alliance Française Cork French Film Festival. This festival is now a well-established landmark in Cork and in the cultural exchanges between France and Ireland.

“The promotion of cinema is also an important aspect of the relations between our two countries. This year’s programme encompasses different genres, showcases the diversity of French-language cinema and will appeal to many different audiences. Je vous souhaite à tous un très bon festival.”

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Colm Kelleher described the event as one of Cork's longest-running festival and he paid tribute to all involved in organising it, including those of French origin who have made Cork their home and contribute to the life of the city.

For further information on the 32nd Cork French Film Festival which runs from September 2nd-5th, please visitcorkfrenchfilmfestival.com