Dear Festival Enthusiasts,

I am delighted to welcome you to the 36th Alliance Française French Film Festival (AF FFF), our thriving annual celebration of French cinema and culture in Australia.

Building on last year’s success, which saw over 188,000 film lovers attend, the festival expands to five new cities in 2025: Ballarat, Ballina, Warriewood, Warrawong, and Darwin.

For the first time, audiences in the Northern Territory will experience the charm of the festival, making it a truly national cultural event.

Beyond the silver screen, the AF FFF continues to be a cornerstone of cultural exchange, fostering a deeper appreciation of the French language and Francophone cultures. The festival’s popularity is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Alliances Françaises across Australia, whose dedication is key to its success.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partners, whose generous support brings this celebration of French cinema to life again and again.

The past year has been exceptional for French cultural influence. The Paris Olympic Games and the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris captured the world’s imagination, while in Australia, we celebrated the creation of FACEF (French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation), an unforgettable Night of Ideas, the first French Sounds of Summer in Canberra, wonderful exhibitions of French artists in multiple Australian galleries and museums, and promising cooperation between French and Australian creative industries.

With its diverse and captivating film lineup and a vibrant program of special events, the AF FFF is the perfect launchpad for another extraordinary year of cultural activities in Australia. We invite you to join us in an unforgettable cinematic journey, celebrating the art of French storytelling and the enduring friendship between France and Australia.

As I complete my first year as CEO of the Alliance Française French Film Festival Ltd, I am thrilled to unveil our 2025 program. This newly established not-for-profit entity oversees the festival nationally under the guidance of a Board representing the six Alliances Françaises in Australia’s capital cities.

This year’s festival proudly shines a spotlight on visionary directors and rising stars shaping the future of French cinema. Our 42-feature film line-up showcases an incredibly diverse range of genres, from epic blockbusters like The Count of Monte Cristo and Beating Hearts to an eclectic mix of comedies, dramas, adventures, and romances.

The programme also features a thrilling collection of biopics honouring French cultural legends such as Charles Aznavour (Monsieur Aznavour), Sarah Bernhardt (The Divine Sarah Bernhardt), Maurice Ravel (Bolero), Niki de Saint-Phalle (Niki), and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Saint-Ex).

Our selection goes beyond captivating stories, sparking meaningful discussions on historical events and contemporary issues such as justice, freedom, education, and healthcare. We remain committed to championing the remarkable contributions of women in French cinema, with a strong focus on female characters, directors, and empowering narratives.

To elevate your festival experience, we are bringing back beloved signature events, including “Taste of France” (All Stirred Up!), “Ladies’ Night” (Riviera Revenge), and the special presentation of a restored classic film (Army of Shadows). Additionally, our CinéWine sessions return alongside exciting new surprises.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the fantastic Palace team, our Australian and New Zealand distributors for their steadfast collaboration, and my dedicated colleagues at the Alliances Françaises across Australia.

Let’s come together to celebrate the diversity and creativity of French cinema. Bon festival !