Share Email Print RSS

Guaranteed 100% Jerry Lewis Free

This weekend, you don't have to jet out to L.A. or New York to see a movie premiere. There'll be 14 North American film premieres right here on Saturday and Sunday at the Byrd Theater in Carytown.

Virginia Commonwealth University will present its eighth annual French Film Festival , a whirlwind weekend in which 14 French films that haven't been shown in the United States will be screened.

"After the weekend, the films are flown back to France. This is a one-shot deal, the only chance people are going to have to see these films in the United States," says Peter Kirkpatrick, the festival's founder and director.

But the festival isn't just about seeing great movies - it's also about hearing from the people who make them. Eighteen French actors and directors are also coming to Richmond for the weekend. Audiences will hear from them before the films, and a question-and-answer (in English or in French with an interpreter) session will follow each movie.

Before you see the movies, you can get that Frenchy feeling at Ellwood Thompson's. The natural food market and event sponsor will host an open house wines on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring French foods and wine. Schedule and descriptions of films Saturday, April 1



9:30 a.m. - The festival starts with an introduction by French director jean-Loup Hubert. Two short films "Rien dire," directed by Vincent Perez and "Sale Battars," directed by Delphine Gleize, will be shown following the introduction.

Next a feature film, "Rembrant," a movie that follows the life of the artist and winner of the 2000 Cesar (French Oscar) will be shown.

1:30 p.m. - Director Gerard Krawczky presents his film "Heroines" with actress/musician Maidi Roth. It's about two female members of a so-so band who realize the value of friendship in a society where appearances are all.

4:15 p.m. - Director Didier Martiny and producer Jean-Philippe Reza present "Le pique-nique de Lulu Kreutz," a film about a world-famous cellist who's lost his passion for life. His outlook changes after a picnic with family and friends.

7 p.m. - The Festival reception with directors, actors and producers at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Call (804) 357-0210 for more info. Sunday, April 2



10:45 a.m. - Director Claude Lelouch presents (via telephone conference) "Une pour toutes," a film about three young Parisian actresses who come up with a scheme to profit from their talents.

1:45 p.m. - Actor Serge Renko presents "Les Cachetonneurs," a comedy about a bunch of Parisian freelance chamber musicians who are assembled for a New Year's Eve concert at a country estate in Normandy.

4 p.m. - Six short films: "Un petit air de fete," "Le mule," "Gelee precoce," "Microsnake," "A deux sur la comete," and "Duel."