Oscar-nominated for co-writing Before Sunset, Julie Delpy writes, directs and stars in a fearlessly bawdy comedy about a family’s boozy get-together in Normandy. It’s the summer of 1979. High above the earth, the space station Skylab is out of control. And somewhere in Brittany, so is Albertine, a precocious eleven-year-old making her transition into teenage life and love while her extended family drinks, dances, fondles and fights all around her. Photograph: Studiocanal
After the death of her mother, Nénette (Josianne Balasko), a simple-minded woman who thinks at the level of a little girl, discovers in a letter the identity of her father. To avoid being sent to an institution, she goes off in search of him. Instead, she finds her half-brother, Paul (Michel Blanc), who turns out to be a bitter man who took over his father's business rather than following his dream of becoming a pianist and who is thrown into a panic by the arrival of his half-sister. Photograph: Studiocanal
Paris, winter 1885. At Salpêtrière Hospital, Prof Charcot studies a mysterious disease hysteria. The young Augustine becomes his favorite subject, taking the leading role in his demonstrations of hypnosis. But what happens when the professor's guinea pig becomes his object of desire? Photograph: Studiocanal
Between his domineering, bipolar brother, and his father who is suffering from a neuro-degenerative disease, Romain finds he can’t go on being the boy who simply does what is expected of him without flinching. As he approaches his 30th birthday he decides to face up to his eccentric family and the inconsistencies of his own life. Photograph: Studiocanal
Alice is bereft when her husband is killed in a motorbike accident. Her two best friends Pénélope and Isabelle treat her to a weekend at the titular Hotel Normandy in the hope she will find love in this romantic comedy. Photograph: Studiocanal
Man-child Thomas Platz gets dumped by his girlfriend Marie, because of his commitment issues. A year later, Thomas tries to win the girl of his dreams back when he finds himself literally left holding the baby. Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
Kirikou is the latest César-nominated animation from acclaimed director Michel Ocelot. Kirikou’s latest adventure sees him defeat Karaba the witch, save local villagers and showcase the magical power of music.
facebook.com/frenchfilmfirst Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
Based on the much-loved children’s books, the beautiful story of Ernest and Celestine is an animated tale of friendship overcoming solitude. Ernest, a bear, clown and musician on the fringes of his society, welcomes orphan mouse Celestine into his home.
facebook.com/frenchfilmfirst
Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
Known for his ambition and cinematic extravagance, Michel Gondry, with his latest film, promises a visual offering of potentially mindblowing proportions. But what else can be expected from a director whose work is rarely anything less?
facebook.com/frenchfilmfirst Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
Marion Cotillard puts in a bravura performance in Jacques Audiard’s story of tragedy and attempted redemption. She plays Stéphanie, who works at a marine theme park and meets nightclub bouncer Alain (Matthias Schoenaerts). Their paths entwine as they try to heal their wounds.
facebook.com/rustandboneuk
Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
From legendary director Alain Resnais, You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet follows a celebrated playwright as he gathers together friends who have appeared in his play Eurydice. A twisting tale of love, life and death on the stage develops.
facebook.com/frenchfilmfirst
Photograph: A.BORREL/STUDIOCANAL
The acclaimed 1952 French war film directed by René Clément (Gervaise, And Hope To Die), is a touching tale of first love. Orphaned during a Nazi air strike, Paulette (Brigitte Fossey) is taken in by a poor farming family. She is befriended by the family's son Michel (Georges Poujouly), and the two children soon become inseparable as they find ways of dealing with the horrors of war being played out in front of them. Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
This is Pascal Thomas's third adaptation from Agatha Christie's short story collection of the same name. The story follows the adventures of married sleuths Bélisaire and Prudence Beresford, as they get drawn in to an investigation following a mysterious doctor who has the secret of eternal life. Part detective story, part caustic comedy, Partners in Crime promises a sometimes frightening but always hilarious rollercoaster. Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
Director Jean Becker’s story of Taillandier, a well-known painter in his 60s who suddenly decides to give up his art. During his subsequent travels he has an unlikely encounter with a young girl who has also strayed from the path of life – Marylou.
facebook.com/frenchfilmfirst
Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
Rosalie is a beautiful vivacious young woman involved with a charming, successful businessman called César. He is crazy about her and his exuberant vitality satisfies her lust for life. One day out of the blue Rosalie’s old flame David appears. César’s intense jealousy shocks Rosalie and she ends up running into David's arms. She soon begins to doubt her choice, until fate ends up deciding for her. This 1972 French romance stars Yves Montand (Jean De Florette) and Romy Schneider (Sissi, What's New Pussycat?)
Pre-order on amazon.co.uk Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
Jafaar, a Palestinian fisherman, is astonished when he nets a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. He has to get rid of the impure animal fast, and when a local UN official refuses to buy it, Jafaar exploits his new friend’s reproductive abilities.
Winner of the César for the best first feature film 2012.
facebook.com/frenchfilmfirst
Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
Experience Le Quai des Brumes fully restored on Blu-ray. Starring Jean Gabin (La Grande Illusion), this haunting pre-war drama was one of the key influences on Hollywood noir and is considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made.
amazon.co.uk
Photograph: STUDIOCANAL
