HAVANA’S 21ST ANNUAL FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
French films were showing throughout Havana this month as this city celebrated the 21st edition of its’ French Film Festival. From April 11th through April 29nd, 2018 the Cuban capital was a showcase for French films. All the theatres of Havana’s Project 23 participated in the Festival, as well as the Acapulco Theatre. This year’s Festival was organized by Cuba’s ICAIC (Cuba’s Institute of Film & Arts Industry), the French Embassy in Havana, and the Allianz Frances of Havana, and presented a total of twenty-four French films. The Festival’s opening night event was held at the Chaplin Theatre and was followed by the showing of “La Fiesta de la Vida” by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano.
Among the films presented in the Festival were fourteen premieres, five classics, three documentaries, one animated, and the restored version of a Cuban/French co-production titled “El Otro Cristobal” directed by Armand Gatti. French director Claire Denis was in Havana for the showing of her film “Un Sol Interior,” as was French actor Pierre Richard for the showing of his film “In Place of Mr. Stein.” This year’s Festival included an homage to French actress Jeanne Moreaui.
Havana’s Project 23 includes theatres in Havana’s Vedado neighborhood which participate in festivals and coordinate showings, the theatres in Project 23 include the Chaplin, Yara, Riviera, 23rd & 12th, and La Rampa.
By Frank Gonzalez
April 30, 2018