Welcome to the 19th Cork French Film Festival
Under the Patronage of Christine ALBANEL, French Minister for Culture
The Cork French Film Festival has grown over the course of the past 19 years to the rhythm of the evolution of French cinema. Taking place in Cork, which recently held the title European Capital of Culture, the mission of the Cork French Film Festival has always been to bridge cultural understanding,endorse tolerance and encourage artistic development and excellence through film.
We are delighted to welcome back Paul CALLANAN, our Artistic Director bringing this year yet again cosmopolitan energy and fresh perspectives on French Cinema, presenting a programme of French films that highlights the ideals of European integration and co-operation. The world as it is now, is a global village, how other cultures enrich French Cinema is here to be presented to you. The meeting of these different cultures is leading to our further understanding of each other.
The Alliance Française mission throughout the world is to promote a cultural alternative to globalization in promoting cultural diversity, hence in this year’s Festival we present films made in co- production with other countries and in many different languages: French of course, but also English, Spanish, Flemish, Russian and Arabic! Paul CALLANAN has sketched a vibrant cinematic tableau across a worldwide spectrum. Caramel takes us to Lebanon, Silent Light plunges us into the heart of a community of Mennonites who speak a German dialect in Mexico; then back for 2 Days in Paris, a Franco-German co-production in English & French. Amongst our International visiting guest directors we are delighted to welcome in Cork Slava ROSS, awarded the Cannes Film Festival Residence.
The R.H. Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Donal COUNIHAN and H.E Mr.Yvon ROE D’ALBERT, French Ambassador to Ireland will officially launch this year’s Festival. Alliance Française de Cork could not present un si beau festival without the continuing help and support of the French Embassy, Arts Council, Cork City Council, Frinailla, Carte Noire and all our sponsors.
Nous vous remercions du fond du Coeur !
Nora CallananHélène Duquin
President and Festival DirectorDirector and Festival Manager
