Iconic figures such as Jean-Luc Godard, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Sophie Marceau are attracting much attention to this year’s French Cinepanorama. The latest offering of nearly eighty-year-old Godard is ‘Film Socialisme’. Also based around family, nature and death, but it cannot be more different from ‘Antichrist’, Charlotte Gainsbourg is starring in ‘L’Arbre’; Sophie Marceau’s ‘L’âge de raison’ is a premier in Hong Kong. All in all, the half-century-old film event is as captivating as ever.

Starting from tomorrow to 12th December 2010, the seven themes of the 39th French Cinepanorama are ‘Gala Premieres’, ‘Panaorama 2010’, ‘First Works’, ‘Documentary Series’, ‘Olivier Assayas Restrospective’, ‘The Complete Works of Pierre Etaix’ and ‘Short Film and Animation Programmes’. A total of 42 feature films and 17 short films, most are previously unseen in Hong Kong. 30 are the latest films selected from this year’s screening in France, some of which are still showing in France. 15 films are taken from the Cannes Film Festival this year, presenting the audience with a sum of 100 visual feasts. Also included is a selection of 8 films by film director Olivier Assayas (featuring Juliette Binoche in ‘L’Heure d’été’ and Maggie Cheung in ‘Clean’ and ‘Irma Vep’) from 1996 to 2010. Full catalogue of French avant-garde comedian Pierre Etaix’s re-mastered versions of 5 feature films and 3 short films, also the first screening outside Europe.

Other highlights include the Serge Gainsbourg film ‘Gainsbourg, vie héroïque’ and agriculture-industry-themed ‘Le Temps des grâces’, the best documentary in France this year. Apart from that, the twice nominated French actress Ludivine Sagnier, Olivier Assayas and ‘L’Age de raison’ director Yann Samuell are personally attending the premier of their films. Further detail on tickets and events are available on French Cinepanorama website.

Text: Carmen Lee | Translation: dilettante
Photo Courtesy: Alliance Française de Hong Kong
Update: 25 Nov 2010

THE 39TH FRENCH CINEPANORAMA
frenchcinepanorama.com