French May Cinema Programme
French May 2025 returns with an exceptional selection of ten French films. This edition is structured around two thematic cycles:
The first, "Biopic Cineart," highlights significant figures of French culture. Charles Aznavour (Monsieur Aznavour),
Niki de Saint Phalle (Niki), and Sarah Bernhardt (The divine Sarah Bernhardt) are celebrated through films featuring
remarkable performances by Tahar Rahim, Charlotte Le Bon, and Sandrine Kiberlain.
The second cycle, "France-Asia Bridges", delves into the cultural exchange between France and Asian countries, with films
such as Winter in Sokcho (Koya Kamura), A Missing Part (Guillaume Senez), and A traveler's needs (Hong
Sang-soo). The latter stars Isabelle Huppert in a poetic exploration of ties between French and Korean cultures.
Two special events enrich the program: a historic and restored 4K Ultra HD screening of Maria Callas at the Paris Opera in 1958 (Callas - Paris, 1958), preceded by a presentation by composer Michel Reis, and Holy Cow, a tribute to rural life directed by Louise Courvoisier, which has received numerous awards at Cannes and the Césars.
Finally, artist and filmmaker Chantal Stoman, the special guest, will present two documentaries exploring cities and their connections to cinema: L.A L.A End on Hollywood and Ōmecittà on the Japanese city of Ōme.
A retrospective photography exhibition of her work will be held at Galerie Paris Central, immersing audiences in her artistic universe.
The programme this year
BIOPIC CINEART
Monsieur Aznavour
The life of Charles Aznavour, from his beginnings as the son of Armenian immigrants to his rise as an iconic singer.
Niki
Tracing the life of Niki de Saint Phalle, a feminist artist whose journey was defined by resilience and creativity.
The divine Sarah Bernhardt
Sarah Bernhardt, la divine
Retracing the life of the iconic French actress, highlighting her passion, audacity, and enduring influence on theater and culture.
FRANCE - ASIA BRIDGES
Winter in Sokcho
Hiver à Sokcho
A young woman works in an isolated guesthouse in South Korea, where the arrival of a foreign author disrupts her reflections on love and identity.
A missing part
Une part manquante
Jay, a taxi driver in Tokyo, reunites with his daughter Lily after nine years of absence, sparking a journey of reconciliation and familial bonds.
A traveler's needs
La voyageuse
Iris, a French expatriate in Seoul, teaches French. She navigates between chance encounters and introspection in a poetic quest for meaning.
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
Callas - Paris, 1958
This feature film, restored in color and 4K Ultra HD, showcases Maria Callas during her debut performance at the Paris Opera on December 19, 1958.
Holy Cow
Vingt Dieux
Totone, a young man from the Jura region, struggles between his family responsibilities and an agricultural competition for the best Comté cheese.
GUEST TALENT
L.A L.A End
A docu-fiction that explores the decline of the Hollywood myth through a poetic stroll across Los Angeles.
Ōmecittà
A documentary that delves into the cinematic history of the small town of Ōme, Japan, once renowned for its movie theaters and posters.
.png){kind=logo}
.png)