That’s why the yearly French film festival in Manila is an event film lovers look forward to. That’s why it has lasted this long and still going strong.
In last Tuesday’s preview of the film “La graine et le mulet” (The secret of the grain), Martin Macalintal, head of the audio-visual section of the French Embassy, said in selecting movies to be shown in the festival they always make sure that they are the latest releases. Although there are a number of historical or period films in past festivals, the bulk of the films showcase French contemporary society.
“La Graine et le mulet” is about a 60-year old divorce who was retrenched from his job at the shipyard. In relating how the main character copes with the crisis in his past mid-life (putting up a restaurant that offers couscous , a grain dish, on a junk ship), the film also shows family relationships in today’s France.
Another admirable thing about French films is that their stars are not always the usual young ,handsome and pretty actors and actresses. They stress more on character. And yes, seductive scenes, are part and parcel of French movies.
Screening schedule of La Graine et let mulet: June 4, 6 p.m.;June 6, 3 p.m.;June 9, 3 p.m.;June 11, 9 p.m. and June 13, 9 p.m.
Another film I will make sure not to miss is ” L’immortel” (22 Bullets) starring Jean Reno and directed by Richard Berry. The synopsis says “Charly Mattei has turned over a new leaf and left his criminal past behind. For three years now he has been leading a peaceful existence dedicated to his wife and their two children. However, one winter morning, he is left for dead in a parking lot in the old port of Marseille, his body riddled with 22 bullets. To everyone’s general astonishment, he doesn’t die. Based on real life, the story has been reinvented within the Marseille gangster underworld.”
Screening Schedule: June 10, 12 noon;June 12, 6 p.m.;June 13, 3 p.m.