FIAF Presents US Theatrical Releases of Two New French Films

Building on a legacy of introducing treasures of Francophone cinema to New York audiences, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) will present first-run US theatrical releases of two new French films this spring: Eva Husson's Girls of the Sun, a riveting story of a female battalion fighting against ISIS (April 12-14 and 19-21); and the thriller My Sonby writer/director Christian Carion (Joyeux Noel) on May 10-12 and 17-19.

Director Eva Husson will be present after the 7:30pm screenings on Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, to participate in a cross-cultural discussion about Girls of the Sun.

Both Girls of the Sun and My Son represent the diversity, ambition, and innovation of French cinema. In Girls of the Sun, Husson finds inspiration in the extraordinary real-life stories of female Kurds who take up arms against the ISIS extremists who held them hostage. Meanwhile in My Son, Camion devised an ingenious method to film his thriller: he kept his leading man, Guillaume Canet, unaware of its plot. The film was shot in sequence over six days with Canet experiencing events, struggling with his emotions, and discovering clues in real time just as his character was, adding a layer of authentic tension.

The FIAF:Cinema series offers moviegoers multiple chances to see these films in FIAF Florence Gould Hall. This 361-seat theater underwent a $1 million renovation in 2016 and boasts state-of-the-art projection and sound equipment.

"As a bridge between New York and French-speaking countries, FIAF is uniquely positioned to provide a venue for foreign films and their devotees at a time when independent movie theaters are struggling," said Marie-Monique Steckel, president of FIAF. "We know that distributors are looking for additional venues in Uptown Manhattan to show their films. At the same time, our audience is hungry for new cinema, and with the 2016 renovation of FIAF Florence Gould Hall, we have a world-class theater to bring these elements together."

FIAF has a rich history of presenting French and Francophone cinema through its popular curated CinéSalon series, festivals such as Animation First, as well as special events and screenings. These programs are organized by film curator, Delphine Selles-Alvarez, who is also overseeing the extended runs.

GIRLS OF THE SUN (LES FILLES DU SOLEIL)
Fridays through Sundays, April 12-14, 19-21 at 2pm, 4:45pm, and 7:30pm
Discussion with Eva Husson after the final screening on Fri, Apr 12 and Sat, Apr 13
Dir. Eva Husson, 2018, 115 min, DCP
With Golshifteh Farahani and Emmanuelle Bercot
In French, Kurdish, English, and Arabic with English subtitles

Somewhere in Kurdistan, Bahar, commander of the "Girls of the Sun" battalion, is preparing to liberate her hometown from the hands of extremists, hoping to find her son who is held hostage. A French journalist, Mathilde, comes to cover THE ATTACK and bear witness to the story of these exceptional warriors. Since their lives have been turned upside down, the Girls of the Sun find themselves fighting for women, life and liberty.

Visit fiaf.org for additional information.

MY SON (MON GARÇON)
Fridays through Sundays, May 10-12, 17-19*
Dir. Christian Carion, 2017, 84 min, DCP
With Guillaume Canet and Mélanie Laurent
In French with English subtitles

My Son is a powder-keg portrait of a man driven to extremes to protect his son. After years of putting his career above his family, Julien has found himself with a failed marriage. One day he receives a distressing message from his ex-wife that their seven-year-old son has disappeared while at camp. When authorities provide little help, Julien takes matters into his own hands and begins the treacherous search alone. Driven to reunite his family, he will stop at nothing to get his son back. Christian Carion places long-time collaborator Guillaume Canet in unique shooting conditions to create this searing portrait of a man out of control, a father forced into violence by his desire to protect his son.

*Visit fiaf.org for movie times and additional information.

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