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A cinematic revival: The American French Film Festival’s grand return in fall 2024
Hollywood’s love affair with French cinema: a legacy
Los Angeles has nurtured a passionate love for French cinema for over 60 years. This affection dates back to the days when cinephiles lined up around the block to watch the latest masterpieces by legends such as François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard. The city’s relationship with French films has only grown deeper, with dedicated festivals emerging to satisfy the ever-growing demand.
The birth of COLCOA and a temporary dimming of lights
In 1997, Los Angeles welcomed the COLCOA Film Festival, an acronym for “City of Lights, City of Angels.” This festival became an annual haven for enthusiasts of French films. However, the global pandemic and industry strikes in 2023 temporarily dimmed these lights, leaving a void in the local cinematic scene.
A new beginning: Welcome to the American French Film Festival
Exciting news surfaced when François Truffart, the longtime director of COLCOA, announced the festival’s rebirth with a new name: The American French Film Festival (TAFF). Starting in 2024, TAFF promises a fresh chapter in its history, moving the festival from its traditional spring slot to the fall, precisely from October 29 to November 3. This strategic shift aims to coincide with the heightened interest of Hollywood’s awards season.
A fitting opening: Jacques Audiard’s ‘Emilia Pérez’
Rebranded and revitalized, TAFF will once again grace the screens of the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood. The festival begins with high expectations, featuring Jacques Audiard’s critically acclaimed Emilia Pérez, which has already garnered significant awards buzz. This film sets a powerful tone for the festival, promising to captivate both audiences and critics alike.
Strengthening ties with Hollywood
Truffart, a fervent film enthusiast and a key advocate for French cinema, describes the transition from spring to fall as a monumental change. He highlights the festival’s enduring connections with major industry players, particularly the Directors Guild and the Writers Guild. This new timing aligns perfectly with awards season, enhancing the festival’s relevance and reach within the industry.
Truffart points out that nearly half of the festival’s 40 films and TV series will make their Los Angeles debut before premiering in France. Positioned just before the American Film Market (AFM), TAFF offers a unique platform for international sales companies to showcase films to keen audiences, effectively testing their market appeal.
An opportunity for distributors and the audience
The autumn schedule is crucial for showcasing French cinema’s finest offerings, emphasizing the festival’s vital link to the Hollywood entertainment industry. The newly established TAFF Awards present distributors with unparalleled opportunities, allowing Hollywood professionals to share their opinions on new films and series, thus influencing broader industry trends.
Being aware of the financial challenges that foreign films face in the U.S. market, Truffart has introduced new pricing policies to attract a diverse audience. With a weekly pass priced at $58, the festival becomes an affordable gateway to discover groundbreaking filmmakers from around the world. This initiative aims to draw in everyone from students to seniors, and even industry professionals who may still be feeling the financial pinch.
Celebrating cinematic excellence with special guests
TAFF will host an impressive lineup of special guests, including first-time attendee Jacques Audiard, and Oscar-winning director Michel Hazanavicius, who will present his latest film, The Most Precious of Cargoes. The festival will close with Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, who directed The Count of Monte-Cristo, adding a historic touch to the event.
the American French Film Festival’s move to fall reinvigorates its connection to Hollywood’s awards season while providing a vital platform for French cinema. The strategic shift not only aligns the festival with critical industry timelines but also broadens its appeal through thoughtful pricing. This resurgence promises to be a beacon for both film lovers and industry stakeholders, highlighting exceptional global talent and fostering deeper industry integration.
Don’t miss out on this cinematic renaissance—stay tuned for more updates and join the celebration of film excellence at TAFF 2024. Your presence will help shape the future of this iconic festival!
