The 14th edition of the Franco Film Festival brings together ten feature films and six short films.

Francophiles, get ready for some fantastic films. The Institut Français UAE and Cinema Akil have unveiled the latest edition of the Franco Film Festival. Now in its 14th edition, it has brought together ten feature films and six short films. Running from 23 to 29 February, here are the highlights from the event.

The Franco Film Festival has been created in collaboration with the UAE’s embassies from Belgium, Canada, France, Lebanon, Luxembourg and Switzerland. The festival is a celebration of the French language through the creative lens of cinema. 

The festival opens with Marie Amachoukeli’s Ama Gloria, which follows the heartwarming tale of a six-year-old Cléo. Screenings include Elena Avdija’s Stuntwomen, which is a documentary on women’s roles and violence in film and TV; Thomas Cailley’s The Animal Kingdom, which is an animated film; and Michèle Jacob’s The Lost Children, which is a suspense story following four young siblings. Plus, Leonor Serraille’s Mother and Son, and Marya Zarif and André Kadi’s Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo. 

Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the United Arab Emirates, explained: “With the Franco Film Festival, we are not just showcasing movies; we are celebrating a spirit — a spirit of innovation and artistic exploration. Francofilm is a vibrant celebration of the Francophonie and its values in the UAE. The festival is also a reminder of the dynamism of French cinema abroad, as in 2023, French films attracted 37.4 million spectators and generated 234.0 million euros in international box office.”

Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil added: “We are looking forward to presenting the 14th edition of the Franco Film Festival with this year’s lineup of film; a reflection on the diverse facets of family life and its complexities. In a diverse city like Dubai, we aim to showcase myriad experiences and definitions of our annual thematics during this robust Festival presented and celebrated in their original language.”

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GO: Visit www.cinemaakil.com for more information.