The 28th French Film Festival opened in Manila on Monday, November 24, bringing a curated selection of French cinema to audiences in some malls in Metro Manila until November 30.
This year’s festival features a mix of contemporary releases, animated works, classics, and French-Filipino collaborations.
The festival highlights feminist narratives and strong female voices, with a guest French actress attending select screenings to discuss films that explore women’s stories, independence, and representation.
Key films in the lineup
- “Partir un jour” (2025) by Amélie Bonnin – A contemporary drama exploring personal journeys.
- “13 jours 13 nuits” (2025) by Martin Bourboulon – A story centered on adventure and human connections.
- “La Petite Dernière” (2025) by Hafsia Herzi – Follows a young woman navigating life and family relationships.
- “Coutures” (2026) by Alice Winocour – A fashion-centered narrative delving into personal and artistic challenges.
- “Elsewhere at Night” (2025) by Marianne Métivier – A suspenseful, atmospheric film exploring human emotions.
- “Dracula” (2025) by Luc Besson – A new adaptation of the classic vampire story.
Animation highlights
The festival also emphasizes animated storytelling, with “ANIMAHENASYON” on November 25–26 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura. Featured animated films include:
- “Amélie et la Métaphysique des Tubes” – A visually inventive and imaginative work.
- “La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises” (2024) by Michel Hazanavicius – A short film combining humor and emotion.
- “Maya Donne-moi un titre” – Showcases contemporary French animation’s creativity and depth.
Classics and co-production features
The lineup also revisits French classics like “Le Roi et l’Oiseau” (1980) by Paul Grimault and “Le Pharaon” (2022) by Michel Ocelot. Filipino audiences can also see “Call My Agent,” the local adaptation of the French series “Dix pour cent,” screened alongside the original.
A notable milestone this year is the France-Philippines Co-Production Agreement, signed in May at the Cannes Film Festival.
To highlight this partnership, the festival will host a two-day Co-Production Conference on November 27 to 28 at SM Samsung Hall, bringing together French and Filipino filmmakers to discuss collaborative projects.
Additional screenings are scheduled at the Alliance Française de Manille (December 1–6) and special programs at UPFI (November 25–26) and Benilde School of Design and Arts (November 28). Admission at SM Aura and SM City Manila is free.