French cinefest focuses on human elements of film
It wouldn’t be an even numbered year without French film on full display in Welland.
Currently in the midst of its 21st year Cinéfest Niagara is gearing up for its biennial Francofest on April 6, 7 and 8, once again bringing a string of French-language films to the Seaway Mall Cinemas.
“The population in Welland demands French films,” said festival co-ordinator Gisele Fleury-Fournier, explaining how Cinéfest originally started as a French-language film group before growing into a 600-member strong film series with monthly screenings of Toronto International Film Festival circuit films at the Seaway Mall.
For the duration of its existence the group has hosted annual film festivals, alternating between the Welland International Film Festival and the solely French-language Francofest year after year.
Fleury-Fournier said thatwith over 120 individuals on the waitlist for membership the annual festivals, be they Francophone or international, this is a chance for prospective members, film lovers and the general public to check out what Cinéfest is all about.
“The festival is a kind of open house,” she said, pointing out the festival more simply provides the chance to take in some films that typically wouldn’t hit the big screen in Niagara.
“We have so few shown in this area,” she said, explaining with French-language films of high calibre coming out of France, Africa, Belgium and Quebec, there is always quality content up on the screen.
“Montreal presents beautiful films, one of which we are going to show,” she said.
She added the films are something special as they eschew the typical action and special effects of big-budget blockbusters instead focusing on the human elements of film.
“The emotion is more vivid,” said Fleury-Fournier, who came on as a founding member of the group and quickly fell in love with the world of international film.
“The more I watch, the more I get hooked,” she said with a laugh, explaining this year for Francofest members have selected three films, each from a different genre.
The weekend kicks off on the night of Friday, April 6, at 4:30 p.m. with “Hochelaga,” a Canadian historical film covering 700 years of Montreal history that has been praised for its inclusion of First Nations actors. FleuryFournier said that particular film has already been drawing interest, especially among history educators.
The festival continues on Saturday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. with “Un Sac De Billes,” a Frenchmade drama following two young Jewish brothers struggling to survive the Nazi occupation of France.
This year the festival will stick to its tradition of finishing things off with a lighthearted note on April 8 with “C’est La Vie” at 10:30 a.m. That film — produced in France, Belgium and Canada — is a comedy following the behind-the-scenes antics that unfold with an opulent and hectic 17th century French wedding party.
A festival passport to all three films runs $20 and individual tickets can be purchased for $8. For more information visit www.cinefestniagara.ca or call 905-734-9835. All films will be presented with English subtitles.