The wildly entertaining new comedy from irrepressible filmmaking duo Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache (The Intouchables, C'est la vie), A DIFFICULT YEAR stars Pio Marmaï and Jonathan Cohen as two compulsive spenders who get much more than they bargained for when they try and scam their way out of trouble. Both in debt up to their necks, Albert (Marmaï) and Bruno (Cohen) have turned to a community worker (Mathieu Amalric) to try and help get a grip on their lives. However, at one of their group sessions, they stumble into an adjoining meeting room hosting a gathering of young social activists, led by a vivacious organiser (the fabulous Noémie Merlant). Attracted more by the free beer and chips than the group's struggle against consumerism and protection of the environment (whilst acknowledging the hugs are quite nice), Albert and Bruno join the movement without any particular conviction, but soon sense an opportunity... if they don’t get arrested first. Expertly poking fun at their characters while simultaneously honouring them, A Difficult Year delivers both laughs and pathos in spades, thanks to the directors’ ongoing faith in humanity’s desire to change. With of-the-moment resonances to Australia’s social and ‘cozzie livs’ concerns, A DIFFICULT YEAR is a 2024 Festival must-see.

The remarkable Emmanuelle Devos and Daniel Auteuil - two of France’s finest and most awarded actors – are at the very top of their game in the gripping and provocative new drama from acclaimed writer/director Joachim Lafosse, the story of a married couple and their adopted son who grapple with the fallout after a long-held family secret is exposed. Cocooned in a life of privilege, 50-something Astrid Schaar (Devos) is the wife of the suave François (Auteuil), a prominent and media-savvy lawyer approaching a crucial point in his years-long, high profile case, in which he represents the parents of several abducted children. Day and night, reporters wait outside their gated home, hoping to snap a photo and secure François’ latest remarks. But the uneasy equilibrium of the household erodes when a figure from the family’s past returns, initiating their own search for justice… Sharply scripted, expertly directed and dominated by performances of complexity and gravitas from Devos and Auteuil, A SILENCE - inspired by true events that shocked France and Belgium - is a disquieting exploration of family duty, complicity and coercive control; as the screws tighten and the characters steel themselves for the repercussions of their actions, it’s impossible to look away.

Featuring a revelatory lead performance from Benjamin Lavernhe (Delicious, C’est la vie!), writer/director Frédéric Tellier’s sweeping and deeply affecting historical drama charts the extraordinary life of the titular priest and humanist (1912-2007) who advocated for those most in need whilst frequently placing himself in peril and risk of ostracisation. The fifth of eight Catholic children, Henri Grouès (Lavernhe) plans to join the monastery, only for WWII to intervene. Learning of the persecution of Jews and patriots, he joins the Resistance to help those fleeing Gestapo oppression, himself forced to use several false identities to avoid capture. As “Abbé Pierre”, Henri is exposed to the devastation of war, but also bears witness to the compassion and strength of brotherhood and the liberation of Paris; he emerges from the maelstrom a changed man and becomes dedicated to the lives of others. A major word-of-mouth sensation and box office success in France in late 2023, Tellier’s grand, big-budget production features a stirring soundtrack by The National’s Bryce Dessner and is truly elevated by the remarkable Lavernhe. ABBÉ PIERRE is both an uplifting and memorable drama that – in capturing the feelings, doubts and contradictions of one inspirational man - speaks eloquently to the concerns of our current era.

Vincent Macaigne and a radiant Cécile de France enrapture in BONNARD, PIERRE & MARTHE, the beautiful and transporting new historical drama from multi award-winning director Martin Provost (Séraphine, The Midwife) about the turbulent love story between the famous post- Impressionist painter and his lesser-known – but highly influential – wife. 1893. When aspiring artist Pierre Bonnard (Macaigne) - a protégé of Claude Monet - meets Marthe de Méligny (de France), he has no idea that this self-proclaimed aristocrat will become the cornerstone of his life and work; from this moment, she becomes more than just a muse, appearing in over a third of his paintings. Together, over five decades, the couple will explore creative fulfillment, love and jealousies that challenge the standards of the time, as the film interrogates the great mystery around their relationship. Provost’s vision for this material is clear and concise; what may appear as a traditional account of its subjects soon moves beyond conventions and evolves into something much more resonant and profound. Thanks in no small part to its lead performances (de France especially has never been better), anyone interested in the creative arts should not miss this quite stunning film.

Classical symphonic music is everything for 17-year-old Zahia Ziouani and her twin sister, Fettouma. Nevertheless, living in underprivileged Parisian suburbs in 1995 with their Algerian background, they struggle arduously to approach their dreams – becoming an orchestra conductor and a cellist. Driven by determination, passion, and courage, they create their own orchestra, Divertimento. It will be a game-changer. DIVERTIMENTO is inspired by the life of Zahia Ziouani, one of the few worldwide renown female conductors.

The lavish new drama from writer/director Maïwenn, JEANNE DU BARRY is freely inspired by the life of the rags-to-riches social climber, a working-class woman who became the mistress of King Louis XV, played with taciturn command by Johnny Depp in his first French-language speaking role. Pre-Revolution France: Jeanne Bécu (Maïwenn), the illegitimate daughter of a monk, hungers for culture and pleasure and is determined to escape her upbringing. With charm and wit, she builds a reputation as a skilled courtesan and her benefactor, the Comte du Barry (Melvil Poupaud) grows rich through her amorous encounters. Wishing to present her to the widowed King (Depp), a renowned womaniser, the Comte orchestrates a meeting. For Jeanne and Louis, it’s intoxication at first sight; she is soon anointed his new favourite. Unapologetically ignoring propriety and etiquette, with the help of his valet La Borde (a scenestealing Benjamin Lavernhe), Louis moves her into his Versailles palace, sparking scandal and jeopardising relations with the newly arrived Marie Antoinette... Shot on location at Versailles and featuring majestic costumes and production design, JEANNE DU BARRY is a visual feast for the senses. Maïwenn delivers an exuberant and sensitive portrait of class, ambition and both the rewards and risks of living in the public eye.

The chance of winning the lottery is one in 19 million - less likely than being struck by lightning, they say. But for the characters of Lucky Winners, this dream quickly turns into an explosive and hilarious nightmare. This rollercoaster of a black comedy explores themes of sudden fortune and its unexpected consequences. An all-star ensemble cast brings this thrilling tale to life. Renowned for her comic talent and performances in fims such as The Kitchen Brigade, Audrey Lamy brings her charisma to the role of Louise. Fabrice Eboué, known in France for his varied career in stage comedy and film, enriches the film with his verve and wit as Paul. Also lending their comedic talents to the cast are Anouk Grinberg (The Innocent) and Sami Outalbali (Sex Education). Famous for his ability to blend humour and emotion, director Maxime Govare’s collaboration with Romain Choay delivers a skillful exploration of social dynamics and reversals of fortune. Don’t miss the darkly comic twists and turns of Lucky Winners!

Immerse yourself in a tale of obsession, genius, and self-discovery set within the world of elite academia in Marguerite’s Theorem. César-winner Ella Rumpf is Marguerite, a brilliant young mathematician who refuses to let her status as the lone woman in her class hinder her pursuit of excellence. However, her world crumbles when a new student discovers a flaw in her thesis, and her supervisor dismisses her for being too emotional. Marguerite must now navigate the real world, unearthing new insights, gaining a fresh lease on life, and even exploring the possibility of romance.

This highly anticipated romantic comedy stars the dynamic duo of John Malkovich and Fanny Ardant. Malkovich brilliantly takes on the role of the charming British Businessman, Andrew Blake. In a twist of fate, Blake becomes the butler of a once-distinguished manor house, owned by the elegant yet aloof Madame de Beauvilier (Ardant). The “Domaine de Beauvilier” has fallen on hard times, with both staff and residents longing for better days. Based on Gilles Legardinier’s international hit novel, Mr. Blake At Your Service! is a heartwarming cinematic experience that will leave you grinning.

Set within the Paris Opera Ballet School, one of France’s most prestigious cultural institutions, this inspiring family-friendly film will resonate with anyone who has ever refused to compromise their dreams. 12-year-old ballet dancer Neneh discovers that her extraordinary natural talent may not be enough to win the approval of the school’s harsh and discriminatory headmistress. Not only is Neneh from a socially disadvantaged background, but she is also black, challenging the longstanding dominance of white dancers in classical ballet. This glorious celebration of talent is a charming must-see for families and ballet enthusiasts of all ages.

Set in 1870s France, Rosalie, portrayed by the radiant Nadia Tereszkiewicz, is an extraordinary young woman harboring a secret. Abel (Benoît Magimel), an indebted tavern owner unaware of her secret, marries Rosalie for her dowry. When Rosalie defiantly decides to embrace her unconventional appearance, the central question emerges: Can Abel truly love her and see beyond her physical differences, once he discovers the truth? Rosalie draws inspiration from the experiences of historical figures, weaving a passionate and empowering drama that serves as a beautifully crafted parable on intolerance and attitudes toward body diversity. Directed by Stéphanie Di Giusto, known for her acclaimed debut The Dancer, Rosalie tenderly explores the triumph of hope and love in a world marked by prejudice.

Sidonie in Japan captures the connection between past and present, the end of mourning and the beginning of love, the meeting of two characters who embody France and Japan...

Sidonie Perceval (Isabelle Huppert), an established French writer, is mourning her deceased husband.

Invited to Japan for the reedition of her first book, she is welcomed by her local editor who takes her to Kyoto, the city of shrines and temples. As they travel together through the Japanese spring blossoms, she slowly opens up to him.

But the ghost of her husband follows Sidonie: she will have to finally let go of the past to let herself love again.

Suddenly is guaranteed to get your pulse racing! Ben (Gilles Lellouche) and Laura (Mélanie Thierry) have spent five years together. Their decision to embark on a global sailing adventure takes an unexpected turn when they detour to a remote island near the Antarctic coast. Caught in a storm, their boat disappears, leaving them isolated, alone, and in danger as winter approaches. Now, they must fight not only for survival but also to preserve their relationship. As Ben and Laura grapple with unimaginable challenges, they confront a haunting question: Is it better to survive alone or face death together? This gripping tale of romance and survival is the latest creation from renowned for his collaborations with director Jacques Audiard on films like A Prophet and Rust and Bone. Adapted from the novel Soudain, seuls by French author and sailor Isabelle Autissier, Suddenly navigates the extremes of life and love. Don’t miss it!

When down down on her luck Marie-Line appears before Judge Gilles d’Outremont, he sees something in her that nobody else does. He hires her to be his driver, and the result is a poignant, fun-filled and ultimately life-changing road trip. The sensational Louane Emera (The Bélier Family) plays the downtrodden yet high spirited Marie-Line, while legendary screen veteran Michel Blanc (A Good Doctor) shines as the loveably grumpy judge. This gloriously mismatched odd couple’s journey together makes for a delightful film about the most unlikely of friendships, and the unexpected joy of second chances.

In the near future, a mysterious phenomenon strikes humanity and unexplained mutations gradually transform parts of the population into human-animal hybrids. The creatures, considered a threat by m Calibri Bold any, are sent to specialised centre in an attempt to stop their mutations from progressing and to control their apparent violent tendencies. When a convoy bringing hybrids to a new facility crash in a forest, paranoia spreads in the local community as the surviving creatures scatter into the wild. François and his 16-year-old son Emile embark on a desperate search for his missing wife Lena who disappeared after the crash. As François clings to the family’s past, he progressively loses his grip on Emile, who has started to notice transformations in his own body, leaving his fate increasingly uncertain. But as he secretly bonds with creatures he met in the forest, Emile opens his eyes to their humanity, leaving him and his father forever changed as the authorities close in.

In this showbiz screwball comedy, an aspiring actress and her lawyer best friend spin a murder accusation into a shot at fame. Madeleine (Nadia Tereszkiewicz) is a pretty, young, penniless and talentless actress in 1930s Paris. Accused of murdering a famous producer, she is helped by her best friend Pauline, a young unemployed lawyer. Acquitted on the grounds of self-defense, a new life of fame and success begins for Madeleine, until the truth comes out... Isabelle Huppert joins this sensational cast as Odette Chaumette, a once-famous silent film star, while Fabrice Luchini plays the lofty investigating magistrate. Don’t miss it!

Roschdy Zem (The Innocent) stars as the legendary swordsman Clément Lacaze, caught up in an illegal fencing bout between his nephew and a more experienced army colonel. Doria Tiller (The Origin of Evil) plays women’s rights activist Marie-Rose Astié, who is attempting to manipulate the conventions of duelling to bring attention to her own cause. When Clément and Marie-Rose band together, they must defend so much more than outdated notions of honour. The Edge of the Blade compellingly weaves drama, romance and duels for an edge-of-your-seat experience where every sword clash heralds change.

When she arrives at the Elysée, Bernadette Chirac expects to finally get the respect she deserves, as the woman who has always worked in the shadow of her husband so that he could become president. Set aside and judged for being too old-fashioned, Bernadette decides to make her mark by becoming an essential media figure.

The Sitting Duck is the true story of Maureen Kearney (Isabelle Huppert), the head union representative of a French multinational nuclear powerhouse. She became a whistleblower, denouncing top-secret deals that shook the French nuclear sector. Alone against the world, she fought government ministers and industry leaders, tooth and nail to bring the scandal to light and to defend more than 50,000 jobs... Her life was turned upside down when she was violently assaulted in her own home... Suddenly, new elements created doubt in the minds of the investigators. At first a victim, Maureen became a suspect.

1885. Peerless cook Eugenie has worked for the famous gourmet Dodin for the last 20 years. As time went by, the practice of gastronomy and mutual admiration turned into a romantic relationship. Their association gives rise to dishes, one more delicious than the next, that confound even the world’s most illustrious chefs. But Eugenie is fond of her freedom and has never wanted to marry Dodin. So, he decides to do something he has never done before: cook for her.

Alexandre Dumas’s thrilling and beloved classic novel The Three Musketeers has spawned multiple adaptations since its publication in 1844, but none have approached the scope and spectacle of this wildly entertaining, blockbuster two-film production from director Martin Bourboulon, who assembles an all-star cast for the first French cinematic treatment in over 30 years. Set in the early 17th century kingdom of France, the opening instalment D’ARTAGNAN follows a spirited young swordsman, Charles D’Artagnan (François Civil), on his journey from Gascony to Paris to join the King’s elite Musketeers of the Guard. Along the way, he narrowly escapes death whilst heroically saving a woman from being kidnapped. In his efforts to enlist, D’Artagnan manages to offend the sensibilities of three of the most formidable Musketeers in the ranks, Athos (Vincent Cassel), Porthos (Pio Marmaï) and Aramis (Romain Duris) … But D'Artagnan soon wins them over, and his dedication to help his newfound friends and serve King Louis XIII (Louis Garrel) will lead him not only into the path of the mysterious Milady de Winter (Eva Green) and the Queen's consort Constance (Lyna Khoudri), but the heart of a conspiracy where the future of the nation itself is at stake… France’s biggest box-office success of 2023, Bourboulon’s magnificent production - lavishly produced with a budget of over €70 million - is both respectful of its source but enriched with contemporary touches; the film is chock-full of humour, romance, palace intrigue and pulsepounding action. THE THREE MUSKETEERS: D’ARTAGNAN unquestionably delivers as a smart and hugely involving big-screen experience for all ages. Audiences are assured of lining up for the thrilling conclusion, MILADY within moments of the end credits.

Following the events of D’ARTAGNAN, a secret from the past shatters old alliances in THE THREE MUSKETEERS: MILADY, the spectacular second chapter to Martin Bourboulon’s lavish, all-star adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic adventure, the first French cinematic treatment in over 30 years. Strap in for the unforgettable conclusion.

Toni has spent her entire life putting other people’s needs before her own. When she was 20 years old, she was pushed by her mother to join a TV singing competition, becoming a national star. Twenty years and five children later, she is a full-time mom who spends all her time and effort on raising her teenage kids. As she helps her children plan their future after graduation, she begins to imagine what her life could be if - for once - she did what she really wanted. Will she be able to turn her life around and dare to be something other than a mother and a daughter?