The 2011 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival launches next month! is slated for April 14 through May 5 - presenting over 180 films from some 60 countries at the five-screen St. Anthony Main Theatre. For three weeks, the Twin Cities celebrates the arrival of the best of international and independent filmmaking in the region. We are thrilled to present 13 French films in conjunction with the Year of France in Minnesota!
Included in this year's programming is a great slate of French films marking the Year of France in Minnesota. Also noteworthy: an impressive group of music-themed films, and the ever-popular Minnesota-Made Showcase. In addition, the festival will host many visiting filmmakers from all corners of the globe participating in panel discussions and presentations, and attending a host of festival receptions and gala events.
Dumas (L'Autre Dumas)
Narrative Directed by Safy Nebbou
France/Belgium, 2010, in French with English Subtitles
Alexandre Dumas and his ghostwriter Auguste Maquet are at the height of their successful collaboration. Maquet decides to pass himself off for Dumas in order to seduce Charlotte, an admirer of the illustrious writer. A confrontation between the two men becomes inevitable. Starring Gerard Depardieu, Benoit Poelvoorde, and Dominque Blanc. -en.unifrance.org
The Hedgehog
Narrative Directed by Mona Achache
France, 2009, in French with English Subtitles
The story of an unexpected encounter: that of Paloma Josse, a little 11-year-old, highly intelligent and suicidal girl, Renée Michel, a discreet and solitary Parisian concierge, and the enigmatic Mr. Kakuro Ozu. - en.unifrance.org
The Hedgehog has taken the worldwide festival circuit by storm as a selection at thirteen different festivals, winning special awards at the Cairo International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival and the City of Lights, City of Angels (Col-Coa) in Los Angeles.
The Princess of Montpensier
Narrative Directed by Bertrand Tavernier
France/Germany, 2010, in French with English subtitles
France, 1562. The wars of religion between Catholics and Protestants rage against a backdrop of intrigue and shifting alliances.
Marie de Mézières, a beautiful young aristocrat, and Henri de Guise, one of the kingdom's most intrepid heroes, are in love, but Marie's father promises her hand in marriage to the Prince of Montpensier. The prince takes Marie back to his chateau, where she is tutored by Chabannes, the Protestant deserter he protects, who soon falls in love with the young woman. Then, on their way back from battle, Henri de Guise and the Duke d'Anjou, the heir to the throne, stop at the chateau. Henri and Marie realize their feelings for each other are as strong as ever. -en.unifrance.org
Other exciting French films booked for the festival:
Free Radicals: A History of Experimental Film, directed by Pip Chodorov (documentary)
Gigola, directed by Laure Charpentier
A Cat in Paris, directed by Jean-Loup Felicioli & Alain Gagnol (childish, animated)
Eleanor's Secret, directed by Dominique Monféry (childish, animated)
The Names of Loves, directed by Michel Leclerc
Nostalgia for the Light, directed by Patricio Guzmán (documentary)
The Queen of Hearts (La Reine des Pommes), directed by Valérie Donzelli
The Sleeping Beauty, directed by Catherine Breillat
The Tree, directed by Julie Bertuccelli, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg
Queen to Play, directed by Caroline Bottaro
For more information about the 2011 International Film Festival and other Film Society Programming contact Ryan Oestreich, at 612 331-7563, or visit the 2011 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival website at www.mspfilmfest.org.
