Violette Instructor Vornicel-Guthman and Dan Willoughby, dean of the Humanities Department founded the French Film Festival in Spring 2010 not just to entertain but to also present a deeper knowledge of the French culture.
“French is dying we want to support it. We want to give our students the opportunity to know that there is more out there, exposing students to other ways of life, not just one lens,” said Carol Rehfield, member of the French Committee.
When asked what the differences between French films and Hollywood films are, Spanish instructor, Ruth Egigian explained that French films focus more on the interior aspects of humanity.
“French films are more concerned with what is in the inside, beauty is not important, they show a true form,” Egigian said.
The schedule for the French Film Festival is as follows:
Wednesday’s show featured “Nuit Blanche/Sleepless Nights,” an action thriller directed by Frédéric Jardin.
It tells the story of Vincent, a police officer who also has connections to the criminal influences in France. He gets caught for stealing cocaine and finds himself not only in a heap of trouble but also to find that his son has been kidnapped. He goes to extreme measures and does everything in his power to rescue him.
On Thursday, “Les Saveurs du Palais/ Haute Cuisine,” is playing which is based on the true story of Hortense Laborie who becomes the private chef of French President Francois Mitterand.
She was recruited by the president of the republic for her ability to create dishes that reminded him of his childhood. She is the first woman to be appointed head chef of the Élysée Palace. Soon she realizes that the life of a head chef in the palace is not only a big responsibility but a challenging one, as she fights the influences of her male surroundings and proves herself as a strong and independent woman.
Friday’s show features, “Le Fabuleux Design d Amélie,” a Academy Award winning film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeuner.
The movie follows protagonist, Amélie, a shy waitress with a humble and nurturing heart that affects many people around her in a positive way. She even finds love in the process. The movie brings the audience a humble and imaginative insight into French culture.
The Sixth Annual French Film Festival will be held in the Wilshire Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. from Feb. 25-27.
The cost for each screening is $6.50 and can be purchased at the Fullerton College Box Office.