Don’t miss the 27th French Film Fest at SM Cinema

 Now showing at SM Aura until November 26, and SM City North EDSA until November 29—free admission!

Movie lovers have until this week to catch the 27th French Film Festival at SM Aura and SM City North Edsa. Presented by the Embassy of France to the Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, the festival brings the power of feminist cinema to the forefront through a selection of films by French and Filipina filmmakers. 

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and French Ambassador Marie Fontanel during the French Film Festival opening night at SM Aura Cinema.

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel (right), SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin (left), and director Sigrid Bernardo (center) lead the ceremonial toast to launch the 27th French Film Festival: Feminist! at SM Aura Cinema.

Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys (right) and French Embassy Cultural Attaché Martin Macalintal at the festival screening of Le Comte de Monte-Cristo (The Count of Monte Cristo) at SM Aura.

A celebration of feminist cinema

For the first time in its history, the French Film Festival shines the spotlight on feminist cinema with a compelling film program, including Prodigieuses (Prodigies), which explores the resilience of twin piano prodigies, and Marinette, the inspiring story of football star Marinette Pichon and her fight for women’s rights in sports.

Prodigieuses (Prodigies) is a heartwarming tale of two talented twin pianists who defy adversity, fueled by their unwavering passion for music and family.

Marinette tells the inspiring story of football legend Marinette Pichon, who not only triumphed on the field but also fought for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other (LGBTQ+) rights in sports during a time of limited acceptance.

Festival standouts include Mon Héroïne (My Heroine), a heartfelt comedy by visiting French director Noémie Lefort, based on her own journey as a young filmmaker; and Une Histoire d’Amour et de Désir (A Tale of Love and Desire), a tale of young love and self-discovery.

In Une Histoire d’Amour et de Désir (A Tale of Love and Desire), 18-year-old Ahmed embarks on a transformative journey of love and self-discovery, as he falls for Farah, a passionate Tunisian woman, while delving into the world of Arab literature.

In Mon Héroïne (My Heroine), Alex, a budding filmmaker, breaks free from her mother's protective embrace to chase her dreams in New York City, where unexpected adventures and family bonds intertwine.

Amplifying women's voices through the power of film

The festival kicked off with a roundtable discussion on ‘Empowering Women through Cinema’ with director and festival “godmother” Sigrid Bernardo, who also showcased her acclaimed short film ‘May at Nila’ at the SM Aura Cinema Director’s Club. Joining her were filmmaker and University of the Philippines (UP) professor Sari Dalena; director Sunshine Matutina; Philippine independent cinema pioneer Raymond Red; Salome Kerrand; and filmmaker and historian Nick Deocampo as moderator. 

The lively discussion provided insightful perspectives on how cinema can shed light on the conditions of women in the Philippines, enable the empowerment of women and girls, and highlight the importance of integrating women’s perspectives into storytelling and representation.

 French Ambassador Marie Fontanel (second from right) with film directors Sigrid Bernardo, Sari Dalena, Sunshine Matutina, Raymond Red, moderator and historian Professor Nick Deocampo, Salome Kerrand, Ann Angala, and the French Embassy’s Mathilde Sejourne and Martin Macalintal.

Not to be missed is the ‘Women On and Off Camera’ roundtable discussion featuring guest director Noemie Lefort, which is expected to generate compelling conversations about women in cinema. A special screening of the French director’s film, ‘Mon Heroine,’ will be shown at 2 PM, followed by the roundtable at 4 PM on November 26 at SM City North EDSA Cinema 1.

The 27th French Film Festival is organized by the Embassy of France in partnership with Alliance Française de Manille, Institut Français, Film Development Council of the Philippines, SM Supermalls, and SM Cinema.

For updates on upcoming cultural events, follow @smsupermalls and @smcinema on social media.

Experience the artistry of French filmmaking at SM Aura Cinema, November 22-26.

Discover the stories, beauty and strength of women through the lens of French cinema at the 27th French Film Festival, screening at SM City North EDSA Cinema from November 22-29, 2024.