The excitement is palpable as the Yokohama French Film Festival 2025 gears up for its highly anticipated opening. Actress Fumi Nikaido, who was appointed as the official ambassador for this year’s event, attended the lineup announcement held on March 6 at the French Embassy in Tokyo. Expressing her delight, Nikaido shared, "I developed my love for movies through my mother's influence. I have been captivated by French films since childhood, and receiving this opportunity makes me truly happy."
Nikaido revealed her fondness for classics, highlighting her favorite films: the 1963 masterpiece "The Road to Man and Woman" directed by Jean-Luc Godard and Éric Rohmer's 1982 film "Pauline at the Beach." She revealed these films had significantly impacted her cinematic aspirations, adding, "These two works have deeply influenced me." A moment of serendipity occurred recently when Nikaido met her idol, actress Marion Cotillard, during a visit to Paris. "I was so overwhelmed with emotion I started crying, and she hugged me. She told me, 'Let's do our best as fellow actors,' which gave my acting career another significant encounter," Nikaido recounted with joy.
The Yokohama French Film Festival is poised to run from March 20 to 23, 2025, at the Minato Mirai 21 district. This year’s festival is packed with excitement, featuring films such as "Emilia Perez," which has garnered 13 nominations at the Academy Awards.
Notably, the festival, now celebrating its 32nd edition, aims not only to showcase the latest French films to Japanese audiences but also to serve as a vibrant venue for diverse cultural exchanges through the medium of film. According to Unifrance, various events are planned alongside film screenings, including stage greetings and Q&A sessions with visiting French directors and actors, which will enliven the festival experience.
One of the standout features of the 2025 festival will be the 'Master Class' sessions, where attendees will have the opportunity to gain insight directly from directors and producers about the making of their films. This year's festival theme, "Avec - Encountering New Sensibilities," reflects the ambition to present creative films and facilitate meaningful interactions between artists and audiences alike.
The festival will utilize eye-catching visuals, combining elements of Yokohama’s iconic Ferris wheel with film reels, symbolizing the deep connection between the city and French cinema. This imagery will not only serve as promotional material but also speak to the festival's vibrancy and the creativity of French film.
This year’s festival stands as more than just a cinematic experience; it invites audiences to embrace the power of creativity and the bond forged through the love of film. "The strength of creativity within French cinema is something everyone should feel," the festival's promotional message advises. Prepare to immerse yourself during the festival dates from March 20 to 23 at the Minato Mirai area, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of French cinema.