A CELEBRATION!
THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL:
MAY THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!
Bravo to François Truffart, founder of https://theamericanfrenchfilmfestival.org , his deputy director Anouchka Van Riel and their team of devoted passionate movie lovers for bringing together this splendid celebration of French cinema and series, in the city of Angels, the cradle of the Hollywood movie industry: Los Angeles. I have been on the board of the Santa Barrbara film festival for ten years and I know how difficult and how challenging it is to put together such a massive event lasting for a week, November 3-8, and with the screening of over 60 films and series. What a mesmerizing “tour de force” this is. A big salute to Netflix, a major partner and the presenter of the opening movie: ‘In Waves’ directed by first timer, Phuong Mai Nguyen. Ted Sarandos, the founder and co-CEO of Netflix gave a very emotional introduction to this tear breaking poetic animated feature. In attendance for the post screening Q&A were the graphic novel author who inspired ‘In Waves’: AJ Dungo. On his side were the very talented actors Stephanie Hsiu, Rio Vega and producer Priscilla Bertin. ‘In Waves’ is a very tragic and touching story that will move you deeply and transform your pain into a desire for celebration. This is what we did that opening night, celebrate the Human spirit overcoming all struggles and challenges and losses. And what a more beautiful night to do that but to also pair it with the landslide win of the ‘Blue wave’ in Washington DC and giving us all hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and to be projected onto the big screen. Such fantastic night could not have happened without the many sponsors gathered by the festival. Not only did we cheers with Louis Roederer Champagne (https://www.louis-roederer.com/en ), TV5 Monde, Variety but also some of the best French food makers: NNormandie bakery (https://www.normandiebakery.com ), Monsieur Marcel (https://www.mrmarcel.com ) and so many more like the Caviar from Petrossian (https://www.mrmarcel.com ). And of course, one cannot forget the airline Air Tahiti Nui (https://us.airtahitinui.com ) who the many French cinema representatives attending the Festival as well as Sunset Marquis hotel (https://sunsetmarquis.com) for their lodging. Finally, we should also thank the Director’s Guild of America (www.DGA.org ) for hosting the many screenings that will give you a solid look at the Best in French cinema and series. I’m simply amazed at the success of this festival for the last 30 years. A festival celebrating the long standing Loveship between American and French cinema. I can’t wait to see what’s coming for the next thirty year and, meanwhile, I invite you to get your tickets and join the celebration. Que la séance commence! (May the show begin!).
