Some of the most eagerly awaited French language films of the year from celebrated directors including Cédric Klapisch, François Ozon, Diane Kurys, Hafsia Herzi, Julia Ducournau and Lionel Baier, will take pride of place in the selection for the French Film Festival UK 2025.
The unique francophone cinema event will take place in more than 40 different locations across the UK from 6 November to 14 December. There are 32 UK premieres out of a total of 62 films, including a relaxed screening, a live TV5 presentation, and cinemas also are being offered three HOH subtitled films.
The festival boasts serious star power on screen from the likes of American actress Jodie Foster speaking impeccable French, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Sergi López, Benjamin Voisin, Roschdy Zem, Mélanie Thierry, Cécile de France, Sandrine Kiberlain, Louis Garrel, Franck Dubosc, Laure Calamy, Valérie Lemercier, Camille Cottin and the late Michel Blanc.
American indie director Richard Linklater adopts a French accent and cool monochrome for his nostalgic take on the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s free-wheeling Breathless, Nouvelle Vague. Meanwhile François Ozon also opts for black and white for his stylish adaptation of Albert Camus’s The Stranger.
Spanning festival hits from Cannes, Venice and elsewhere the line-up also embraces both new and established talents; documentaries, animation, classics and tributes. The legendary Gaumont Studios (130 years old this year) has a special focus plus a spotlight is thrown on the formidable figure of Marcel Pagnol (2025 marks 130 years since his birth) with such quintessential films as Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources amongst others.
The Gaumont focus will launch in Edinburgh with the silent series Fantômas set to live piano and cello accompaniment from Jane Gardner and Caroline Salmon. This nail-biting cliff-hanger features René Navarre at his most gothic.
Quebec, known as La Belle Province, will “star” in five films from the legendary Denys Arcand’s last film Testament, through best Canadian feature Shepherds, to singing royalty Céline Dion depicted in Valérie Lemercier’s musical Aline.
The festival has always highlighted box office hits as well as art-house fare. This year is no exception with popular actor and stand-up comedian Franck Dubosc starring and directing How to Make a Killing, a Fargo-esque slice of black intrigue.
More than 25,000 pupils around the UK will watch French-language films as part of a specially curated Schools programme while community cinemas in rural and coastal locations will also have a chance to join the celebration.
Festival Director Richard Mowe said: “With this 33rd edition the true diversity of French-language cinema has never been as strong and as vibrant as in this year’s selection. There is an “embarras de richesses” – an overwhelming choice. We are delighted to partner with so many incredible cinemas and cultural institutions across the UK to platform the brilliance of French and francophone cinema.”
The French Film Festival UK gratefully acknowledges the continued support of Screen Scotland; Film Hub Scotland; TV5 Monde; Ciné Tapis Rouge; Franco-Scottish Society; Glasgow City Council; TotalEnergies; Institut français Écosse; and Institute français Royaume-Uni.
Explore the full programme on the French Film Festival UK's website.
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Image credits
Header Image: Still from Leave One Day courtesy of the French Film Festival UK
Image in body of text: Still from A Private Life courtesy of the French Film Festival UK