Le French Film Festival 2022 (LFFF22) returns after two year hiatus

The Le French Film Festival is set to make its triumphant return after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The Alliances Francaises said the film festival will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu from June to July this year.

This 20th edition of LFFF22 is expected to attract enthusiasts of the France culture as it aims to provide an immersive experience through events highlighting award-winning French films, exhibitions and music.

Presented by the Alliances Francaises in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, along with the France Embassy in Malaysia, the festival would also be brought to life with the support of two main Gold Sponsors, Cartier and Martell, together with Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) as its longstanding collaborator and partner.

France Ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Roland Galharague said the festival is a symbol of bond between the two countries.

“Le French Festival is one of the most vibrant symbols of the solid relationship that has been built between France and Malaysia since 1957,” he said during the press conference.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Alliance Française Director Violaine Dupic said it is an honour for them to be the organiser of the festival and plays a role in introducing French culture to Malaysians.

“Malaysia and France have always had good relations culturally. We are honoured to be able to organise the festival this year and play our part to contribute to the dialogue with Malaysian people through our French cultural content,” she said.

Kuala Lumpur Alliance Française Cultural Coordinator Asma Manssouri said the festival will be filled with programmes suited for all ages.

“We are particularly excited to showcase how eclectic and unique French cinema still is nowadays. Let’s discover, taste, create and dream together and revive the festival!,” she said.

In Penang, LFFF22 will be partly organised in conjunction with the George Town Festival, another major cultural event in Malaysia.

"After two years of absence, we are very happy to celebrate together this renewal of cultural life and to affirm our will to develop our collaborations with other local cultural institutions,” said Penang Alliance Française Director Priscille Lasémillante.

About 21 latest award-winning French films (with English subtitles) with various genres such as heartwarming, tearjerker and comedy will be presented during the festival, featuring the movie “Aline”, a hilarious and touching biopic on world-famous singer Céline Dion, played and directed by French stand-up comedian Valérie Lemercier.

In addition, online participation is also included as the festival collaborated with streaming platform MUBI through a curated selection of 10 French movies with the theme “Bewitching Outsiders”.

Ranging from the Nouvelle Vague to contemporary cinema, Malaysians across the country will be able to enjoy French art-house movies as well as a free 30-day trial.

Also for the first time ever, LFFF 2022 is introducing a brand new interactive programme for kids, “Le Petit Festival”, where the young ones and adults can enjoy moving plots and eye-catching movies from the line-up of films available.

For those eager to catch any of the films from LFFF22, get your movie tickets starting Thursday, 2 June via the GSC app, website www.gsc.com.my or through the e-kiosks in participating GSC cinemas.

For more information, visit the website www.lefrenchfestival.com.my or Facebook page facebook.com/lefrenchfestivalmy.