The 29th edition of the French Film Festival, titled "Echos," is set to return from March 20 to March 30, 2025, across 12 Romanian cities, including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Brașov. This annual event, organized by the French Institute in Romania, promises to explore the theme of storytelling across generations, focusing on how narratives resonate and transform.
This year, the festival coincides with the "Spring Together" season, which is part of the Centenary celebrations of the French Institute, commemorated from May 2024 to May 2025. The festival has become a hallmark of this initiative, providing audiences with the opportunity to immerse themselves in French cinema, which encompasses both critically acclaimed and innovative new films.
At Cinema Victoria in Cluj-Napoca, film enthusiasts can look forward to 13 recent French films screened from March 20 to March 23, 2025. The official opening ceremony will start on Thursday, March 20, at 8:00 PM, featuring the biographical musical "Mr. Aznavour." Directed by Mehdi Idir and Grand Corps Malade, this film is a poignant portrayal of the life of Charles Aznavour, the legendary French-Armenian singer. The movie, which has garnered four César nominations, is part of the festival's Panorama section, showcasing significant recent French productions.
Audiences will also encounter compelling films like "The Story of Jim," which narrates the emotional quest of a son searching for his missing father. Karim Leklou, the lead actor, recently received the César for Best Actor, underscoring the film's emotional depth. Another prominent screening includes "Raw Diamond," which critiques the excesses of celebrity culture and had also competed at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
The festival will also introduce the "Young Talents Competition – Feature Film," highlighting four outstanding works from budding filmmakers whose narratives have already captivated both critics and audiences alike. Among these, the film "Holy Cheesecake!" by Louise Courvoisier received acclaim for its naturalistic and emotional storytelling, depicting the struggles of a teenager caring for his younger sister. Another film, "All That Is Precious," by Anne-Sophie Bailly, sensitively explores the bond between a single mother and her disabled son, offering viewers heartfelt storytelling.
The mesmerizing film "Winter at Sokcho" by Koya Kamura transports viewers through its hauntingly beautiful narrative, intertwining past and present. Likewise, "Rage" by Mareike Engelhardt delves deep, presenting the inner lives of female characters marked by exile and the quest for identity, all captured through immersive direction.
Family-friendly content is integral to the festival, with screenings set for Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23, 2025, at 11 AM, including beloved films such as "Bambi: A Story from the Forest" and the animated feature "Wildies," both aimed at younger audiences.
The festival encourages young viewers to engage with auteur cinema and appreciate universal stories. The Young Audience section aims to introduce children and adolescents to French cinema's rich narratives, nurturing their imagination with compelling tales.
Adding to the festival's dynamic offerings is the "Young Talents Competition – Short Film,” which highlights five short films created by young French filmmakers. Several of these works have garnered selections at the International Festival in Clermont-Ferrand. A panel of young Romanian critics will judge the competition, with the winner receiving residency at the Residence de Poche of the French Institute in Romania.
This year's festival also creates opportunities for live interactions between audiences and filmmakers, especially during the screenings at Cinema Elvire Popesco in Bucharest. The festival will feature discussions with directors and actors, including Ludovic and Zoran Boukherma, known for their films "Their Children After Them" and "Teddy," as well as Mareike Engelhardt, director of "Rage."
The complete festival schedule, along with details on films and ticket purchases, is available on https://festivalff.ro.