By Natalie Moser–
French culture is enriching U of L’s campus once again this year with the return of the French Film Festival. Such a cultural spread is brought to campus with intentions of engaging students–and the general public–in the richness of French culture. With word being spread, and more publicity being gained, last year’s film festival brought roughly 600 patrons to campus to experience the French cinema. Dr. Dalle, a French professor here at U of L, and a chief organizer of the festival, stated that the university receives a grant from French Cultural Services, which funds the festival.
The films selected for the event are drawn from a list, provided by the French organization. Dalle states, “the organization that is responsible for the program is F.A.C.E., the French American Cultural Exchange, which is an organization that is run by the French government.” Selections are chosen from a list of films, provided by FACE. The list offers collections of films that reveal the diversity of French cinema.
A committee at U of L meets to select films from this list that best showcase diversity through different genres and various actors. Dr. Dolle and the committee chose films that will attract a wide audience and expose people to the world of French cinema.
The first taste of this fine French art form could be seen at this year’s film festival, which began with the cinematic wonder: “Polisse.” The film premiered on Feb. 6, and explored the lives and work of the child protection unit of the Parisian police. The film delivered an emotion-packed display of the effects of child abuse, and the eager attempts to combat it. The audience became invested in the film’s somber subject matter through the highly dramatic plot, which captivated viewers’ attention.
A variety of other films can be seen throughout the remainder of the festival at the Floyd Theatre, located on the third floor of the Student Activities Center. Other titles showing during the festival include: “Sister, Monsieur Lazhar,” “The Minister,” and “The Rabbi’s Cat.” To answer your question: yes, these films are all in French; but don’t grumble just yet–all films have English subtitles to help you through.
This is a great opportunity to get the Louisville community, university students, (particularly those studying French), engulfed in the lively French culture. Take this opportunity to get cultured. Films are shown every week: Thursdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays at 2 p.m. All showings offer free admission, and are open to the public. The five-week festival will continue through Mar. 7.
