The American French Film Festival returns with a cinematic flourish
The American French Film Festival, formerly known as COLCOA, is making a grand comeback after last year’s hiatus due to the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes. This 28th edition promises to be a spectacular celebration of French cinema, featuring some of the most talked-about films of the year.
Opening and closing with a bang
The festival will open with Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, a redemption thriller that has already garnered significant acclaim. The closing night will feature the epic adventure film The Count of Monte Cristo, a sweeping three-hour period piece starring Pierre Niney. Both films are among the four submissions by France for the international feature film category at the Oscars.
Emilia Pérez: A genre-defying musical thriller
Emilia Pérez, which won two prizes at Cannes, including the jury prize and a best actress nod for its female ensemble cast, will kick off the festival on October 29. The film, presented in association with Netflix, will have a second screening on October 30. This musical thriller stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, and features 16 original songs composed by Camille and Clément Ducol.
The Count of Monte Cristo: A timeless tale of revenge
The Count of Monte Cristo, directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, is based on Alexandre Dumas’ literary masterpiece. The film premiered out of competition at Cannes and has been a massive hit in France, selling over 8 million tickets since its release. The story follows Edmond Dantès, played by Pierre Niney, who is wrongfully imprisoned and seeks revenge against those who betrayed him. The film features a star-studded cast, including Anamaria Vartolomei, Anaïs Demoustier, and Pierfrancesco Favino.
A festival of music and cinema
Cécile Rap-Veber, President of The Franco-American Cultural Fund and CEO of SACEM, expressed her excitement about the festival’s lineup. “We are beyond excited to have Emilia Pérez as our curtain-raiser and The Count of Monte Cristo wrap up the Festival this year – two films that feature music in spectacular ways,” she said. The festival has become a key event for French films and series at the beginning of Awards season in Los Angeles, generating significant buzz and awards chatter.
In-depth look at the films
Emilia Pérez: A story of transformation
Emilia Pérez tells the story of Emilia, a fearsome cartel leader who enlists Rita, an unappreciated lawyer, to help fake her death so she can live authentically as her true self. The film’s unique blend of musical elements and thriller aspects makes it a standout. The score, composed by Camille and Clément Ducol, adds a rich layer to the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters.
The Count of Monte Cristo: A classic reimagined
The Count of Monte Cristo brings Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale to life with a modern cinematic flair. The film’s score, composed by Jérôme Rebotier, complements the intense and dramatic storyline. The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, making this adaptation a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and literary classics.
Looking ahead
The American French Film Festival will unveil its lineup of series and documentary selections after September 15, with the full roster of feature films announced on October 2. This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of French cinema, offering a diverse array of films that showcase the richness and creativity of French filmmakers.
For cinema enthusiasts, the festival is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the best of French cinema, from thrilling dramas to musical masterpieces. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature adaptations or contemporary thrillers, the American French Film Festival has something for everyone.