Hollywood Film Fest Honors Jodie Foster & Richard Linklater

The Hollywood’s American French Film Festival, an annual celebration of cinematic and cultural exchange, is once again illuminating the Screens of Los Angeles. Running from October 28 to November 3 at the Directors Guild of America Theater Complex, the festival highlights the enduring and mutually inspiring relationship between French and American filmmaking. This year, the event pays special tribute to two influential figures in cinema, honoring Academy Award winner Jodie Foster with a lifetime achievement award and acclaimed director Richard Linklater with a Franco-American Cultural Fund Award.

The festival, formerly known as COLCOA (City of Lights, City of Angels), was founded in 1997 by the Franco-American Cultural Fund (FACF). Its core mission is to promote new French films and series in the U.S., showcasing the diversity and vitality of French cinema, television, and short films to American audiences and industry professionals.

Celebrating Franco-American Cinematic Dialogue

The Franco-American Cultural Fund, a unique partnership between the Directors Guild of America, the Motion Picture Association, la SACEM, and the Writers Guild of America West, has been instrumental in strengthening the dialogue between the American and French film communities since its establishment in 1996. This long-standing collaboration underscores the belief that artistic fluidity between the two countries is vital for creative growth and mutual inspiration. The festival serves as a crucial platform for this cultural exchange, presenting a wide array of genres to emphasize the creativity and diversity of French production.

Honoring Cinematic Icons: Jodie Foster and Richard Linklater

This year’s festival is particularly notable for its recognition of Jodie Foster and Richard Linklater, two artists who embody the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration. Jodie Foster, known for her prolific career and fluency in French, will receive a lifetime achievement award. Her recent work includes Rebecca Zlotowski’s “A Private Life” (Vie Privée), a drama in which she performs entirely in French, further cementing her connection to French cinema. The film is set to open the festival on October 28.

Richard Linklater, the innovative American director, is being honored with a Franco-American Cultural Fund Award. His latest film, “Nouvelle Vague,” a French-language comedy-drama, is featured as the centerpiece of the festival. This film, which reimagines the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s seminal “Breathless” and the birth of the French New Wave, marks Linklater’s first project shot entirely in French with a French crew and actors. It exemplifies the cross-pollination of cinematic ideas that the festival champions.

A Diverse Program and Industry Engagement

The 29th annual American French Film Festival offers an extensive program featuring 70 films and series. This includes 42 fiction features, nine series, six documentaries, and 13 short films, with many being world, international, North American, or U.S. premieres. The festival’s commitment to presenting new and diverse perspectives is evident in its selection, ensuring that a broad spectrum of French creativity is showcased.

Beyond screenings, the festival actively fosters industry engagement through various workshops and panels. These events bring together professionals, French filmmakers, actors, and producers to discuss the craft and business of filmmaking. For instance, planned workshops include discussions with directors like Sean Baker and Jason Reitman on the importance of theaters, and sessions with the Writers Guild focusing on screenwriting.

A new addition to this year’s festival is “New Horizons,” a section dedicated to showcasing films from both emerging and established French filmmakers who demonstrate a unique cinematic vision in their form and substance. This initiative underscores the festival’s role in discovering and promoting innovative storytelling.

The Role of the Franco-American Cultural Fund

The Franco-American Cultural Fund (FACF) is the driving force behind the festival, dedicated to facilitating connections between professionals from both countries. Cécile Rap-Veber, President of the FACF and CEO of SACEM, emphasizes the fund’s nearly three-decade mission to foster creative dialogue that transcends borders. The honors bestowed upon Jodie Foster and Richard Linklater this year perfectly encapsulate this mission, celebrating artists who not only bridge cultures but also demonstrate a profound admiration and immersion in each other’s cinematic traditions.

Conclusion

The Hollywood’s American French Film Festival stands as a testament to the rich and ongoing dialogue between French and American cinema. By offering a meticulously curated selection of films, engaging industry events, and recognizing influential figures like Jodie Foster and Richard Linklater, the festival continues to inspire and connect diverse audiences and filmmakers. It remains an essential event for promoting cultural understanding and celebrating the artistic achievements that emerge from this enduring transatlantic relationship.