Coastal Carolina to host French Film Festival
The event, organized by contemporary foreign film instructor Josette Sharwell, was made possible through the support of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French Ministry of Culture. Each film is presented as part of the “Tournees” program. Admission is $2 and free for students. For more information, call Linda Ketron at 349-4032.
• 10 a.m., “Le Grand Voyage,” directed by Ismael Ferroukhi (2004) Reda
A young French-Morrocan man drives his old father from the south of France to Mecca so the father can make his pilgrimage. They embark on a road trip that will change their lives. Unique filming of Mecca at pilgrimage time. Best Director, 2004 Venice Film Festival – French and Arabic with English subtitles
• 1:30 p.m., “Fear and Trembling,” directed by Alain Corneau (2003)
A young Belgian woman, Amelie, takes a one-year job at a Tokyo firm’s head office. She soon learns the hard way about the importance of protocol, hierarchy and the intricate codes unique to the Japanese corporate world. “A smart, funny tale of thwarted dreams and impossible humiliation,” said Steven Rea of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Best Actress, 2004 Cesar Awards – French and Japanese with English subtitles
• 3:30 p.m., Reception with refreshments
• 4:30 p.m., “Look at Me,” directed by Agnes Jaoui (2004)
Lolita’s father, Etienne, is a writer whose fame has made him so self-centered he has no clue the effect of his egotistical behavior has on everyone around him. Now that she has grown up, Lolita is even more determined to make him notice her, especially since she has discovered she has a talent of her own and would like his approval. “A witty and acute description of friendship, ambition and betrayal in the Parisian world,” said A.O. Scott of the New York Times. Best Screenplay, 2004 Cannes Film Festival – French with English subtitles
• 7 p.m., “La Petite Lili,” directed by Claude Miller (2003)
Claude Miller adapts Anton Chekov’s classic play “The Seagull,” and chooses to set it in a beautiful country house in Brittany. When young Julien screens his first art film starring his girlfriend Lili to his mother, a famous actress, and her boyfriend, an accomplished film maker, the peace of the household begins to unravel.
Nominated for Golden Palm at Cannes Film Festival; Best Supporting Actress, 2004 Cesar Awards – French with English subtitles
Sunday, Feb. 26 • 1:30 p.m., “Fear and Trembling” repeats (see description above)
• 1:30 p.m., “La Petite Lili” repeats (see description above)
• 4 p.m., “Happily Ever After,” directed by Yvan Attal (2004)
Writer-director Yvan Attal observes two married couples and their friends as they share moments of joy, frustration, fears and the ultimate quest for happiness. The movie gives exuberant new life to the age old dilemmas surrounding love, marriage and fidelity. French with English subtitles