The French Film Festival UK, now in its 16th edition, relishes the chance to continue the celebration of le cinéma français on these shores from 7 to 20 March 2008 under the watchful gaze of our honorary patron Sylvain Chomet, the Oscar-nominated creator of Belleville Rendezvous whose latest work The Illusionist is taking shape on our doorstep.

This year’s festival contains the familiar strands of Panorama (films by established directors) and Discovery (titles by upcoming film- makers). Rétro, rather than focusing on a particular actor or director, this year jumps in ahead of May’s 40th anniversary of the revolutionary zeal of ’68 by providing an opportunity to revisit a classic Louis Malle in tandem with a rare documentary filmed at the time. Many of the faces on screen can be seen in an exhibition of photographs (at Edinburgh’s French Institute) by the award-winning Fabrizio Maltese.

Although the majority of films we present do not have a British distributor (and therefore your only chance to see them is in the festival) a special Preview section has been created to showcase French films that will be on release over the next few months.

The spread of the festival is wider too – screenings will take place for the first time in Inverness at Eden Court while a special association with Cineworld cinemas allows the festival to embrace Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester-Didsbury and London-West India Quay as well as our regular venues in Edinburgh (Filmhouse), Glasgow (GFT), Dundee (DCA), Aberdeen (Belmont) and London (CineLumiere).

Film students will be able to engage with French film-makers, pupils and their teachers are set to take advantage of the Ecole du Cinéma presentations, while audiences await the stimulating company of our varied guests detailed on the pages to follow.

Festivals are born out of dedication, commitment, loyalty and sheer hard graft. Each one has its own character and momentum. To all who have been involved in this and previous editions, a huge “merci” for all your efforts and support especially sponsors, advertisers, funders, the media, cinema colleagues, distributors and volunteers without whom none of it would be possible. Ultimately our biggest debt of gratitude goes to you, our audience who have always responded with enthusiasm and appreciation of the offerings brought to the table. Que la fête commence!

Richard Mowe, Director, French Film Festival UK Ilona Morison, Deputy Director, French Film Festival UK