Newsletter n°155 / Special French films

Dear franceinlondoner

The London Film Festival nears its end. It was the perfect occasion for Londoners to discover this season's new French films, which have not yet reached reached British cinemas. And if you missed these films, you can still read their reviews on France in London. It will perhaps help you to be patient before their official release in England... You can also console yourself with some French music; or some gourmet food and wine bought at one of the Christmas Markets taking place over the next few weeks.

London Film Festival

La Belle Personne

Romantic agony comes to a Parisian high school, in a lively and affecting ensemble drama from director Christophe Honoré." La Belle Personne" is a must-see which cannot leave you indifferent.

La Vie d'Artiste

The first feature film directed by Marc Fitoussi is a pleasant comedy which unfortunately never really manages to take off. A great pity, because there are some fantastic elements to it.

A Simple Heart

For her first movie, Marion Lainé chooses to adapt the famous Flaubert novel, "A simple heart". This masterpiece of French literature follows the experiences of a maid in a Normandy household. For everyone who is in a sentimental mood.

Parc

Disturbed chronology, long silences, an enigmatic ambiance and a strong feeling of confinement. "Parc", by Arnaud des Pallières is a typical French contemporary film. The kind you'll love or hate, but nothing in between is possible.

Jacques Mesrine: the French Robin Hood or just a shameless gangster?

Vincent Cassel as Jacques Mesrine

France's former public enemy number one is back! "Death Instinct", the movie devoted to Jacques Mesrine, starring Vincent Cassel and Gérard Depardieu was released on 22nd October in France. Acclaimed by the critics, it also succeeded in creating some controversy...

Ayo at the Royal Festival Hall

Ayo

There is no longer any need to introduce Ayo. This European chart-storming singer, who has been compared to Corinne Bailey-Rae, Lauryn Hill and Norah Jones, will bring her mix of contemporary soul, folk and reggae to the London Jazz Festival. Catch her at the Southbank Centre on 14th November and see Femi Kuti And The Positive Force also performing on the night.

Christmas Markets in Barnes and Chiswick

Franco-British Christmas Fair

Christmas is soon upon us! Remember last year's resolution not to leave present buying to the last minute yet again? Luckily for you, with our early Christmas Markets in Barnes on the 1st and 2nd November and at the French Lycee on 6th December, we're giving you the chance to get a head start and avoid panic-buying the night before. Also a good occasion to enjoy some gourmet food and wines directly from the growers- not that an excuse is ever needed. Entrance is free and all donations will go to Cancer Research UK.

Are personal shoppers about to conquer France?

Personal Shopper

Most French people don’t have a clue what a personal shopper is, whereas this service is by now a well-known service in Britain . However, the concept is slowly entering French consciousness on the other side of the Channel.

Is the French audiovisual sector following the lead of the BBC?

France Television

Soon, advertising will be banned from the French public channels. This measure is part of the controversial reform of the public audiovisual sector, passed by the French Council of Ministers on 22nd October. This law was inspired by the BBC's model, the reference in the field. However, will the French little pupil be able to equal the British master that is the "Beeb"?

Strauss Kahn's case : media, personal life and politics

Dominique Strauss-Kahn

Two weeks ago, Dominique Strauss Kahn (DSK) seemed to be on top of the world: he was high in the French polls and got the IMF's approval to reform the international economical control system. However he could now be embarrassed...

Cinema