The More You NOLA: French Film Fest

New Orleans is a city steeped in French heritage. From Thursday (July 7) through Thursday (July 14), local cinephiles can celebrate their own French connection at the 19th annual French Film Festival.

The summer showcase of classic and modern French cinema is presented by the New Orleans Film Society in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Louisiana and Prytania Theatre (5339 Prytania St.).

“The French Film Festival scheduled every year around Bastille Day gives New Orleanians an opportunity to celebrate our Francophone history and the wonderful cultural presence of the French Consulate in our city,” says Felicia McCarren, Tulane University professor of French. “It gives us a look at recent releases and restored films on the big screen, and for me, every moment is magic.”

“If you are used to watching films on a small screen and you don’t stray too far from Hollywood films, this festival gives you a great start with French films.”

Felicia McCarren, Tulane University professor of French

The festival kicks off on Thursday (July 7) at 7:30 p.m. with a screening of My Golden Days at the Orpheum Theater (129 Roosevelt Way), followed by an opening night party at The Moxy New Orleans Hotel (210 O'Keefe Ave.) presented by local nonprofit Alliance Française of New Orleans.

After opening night, the Prytania Theatre will showcase modern selections like 2015 Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner Dheepan, as well as a New Wave retrospective, including the classic films Band of Outsiders and Soft Skin.

In partnership with French cinema organization UniFrance, the festival will also host a special screening of Eat Your Bones with director Jean-Charles Hue in attendance. The crime drama will be presented on Saturday (July 9) at 2:30 p.m. and will be followed by a director’s master class led by Hue.

“If you are used to watching films on a small screen and you don’t stray too far from Hollywood films, this festival gives you a great start with French films,” says McCarren.

Festival tickets are available online.