Special Weekend Celebration

Directors’ Fortnight at 40

La Quinzaine des Réalisateurs
Friday–Sunday, June 20–22, 2008

For the first time in New York, FIAF is proud to present the 40th edition of the radical alternative to the Cannes Film Festival, The Director’s Fortnight (La Quinzaine des Réalisateurs), with a selection of some of the best and most recent French films. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Director’s Fortnight was created by the SRF (French Directors Society) in 1969. The festival programs a selection of films from around the world each May, presented in Cannes, often premiering the works of independent and unknown filmmakers, including Werner Herzog, Martin Scorsese, Jim Jarmush, Michael Haneke, Spike Lee, and the Dardenne Brothers.

In conjuction with BAMcinématek's Director's Fortnight at 40 from June 13 - July 3.  

Opening Night
U.S. Premiere
Adhen
Dernier maquis
Friday, June 20 at 7pm

Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche, 2008. Color. 93 min.
With Abel Jafri, Christian Milia-Darmezin, Sylvain Roume
In French with English subtitles

In the depths of a desolate industrial park, Mao, a Muslim boss, owns a pallets repair company and a garage. He decides to open a mosque, but designates the imam without any consultation, setting off a controversy.  

Introduced by Olivier Père, director of La Quinzaine des Réalisateurs. 

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New York Premiere
On Fire
Ça Brûle
Saturday, June 21 at 12:30 pm

Claire Simon, 2006. Color. 111 min.
With Camille Varenne, Gilbert Melki, Kader Mohamed
In French with English subtitles

15 year old Livia recuperates from a riding accident with the help of Jean, a volunteer fire fighter.  She falls in love with him, despite their age difference, but her obsession drives her into madness, with tragic consequences.   

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La France
Saturday, June 21 at 4pm

Serge Bozon, 2007. Color. 102 min
With Sylvie Testud, Pascal Gregory, Guillaume Verdier
In French with English subtitles

Camille lives peacefully in the North-East of France, while her husband serves on the front during World War I.  As Camille’s life continues undisturbed, her husband informs her, via letter, of his intention to leave her for another woman. Devastated, but determined, Camille leaves her secure home to find her husband. Disguising herself as a man, she joins a small unit of soldiers headed for the front lines.

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U.S. Premiere
Change of Address
Changement d’adresse
Saturday, June 21 at 7pm

Emmanuel Mouret, 2006. Color. 85 min.
With Emmanuel Mouret, Frédérique Bel, Fanny Valette
In French with English subtitles

David, a young shy and clumsy musician, has just moved to Paris. He falls in love with his young pupil and tries everything to seduce her. His roommate, Anne, encourages his folly with advice and passion.

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U.S. Premiere
40 x 15
Sunday, June 22 at 12:30pm

Olivier Jahan, 2008. Color. 90 min.
In French with English subtitles

This documentary recounts the past 40 years of La Quinzaine.  As a former collaborator at the festival, Oliver Jahan had access to many of the directors who have screened their works, or experienced their film debuts, at La Quinzaine.  Featuring interviews with more than 30 filmmakers, including Jim Jarmusch, Sofia Coppola, Costa Gavras, and Manoel de Oliveira, Mr. Jahan underscores the importance of this festival in presenting unknown and/or independent filmmakers to the industry.

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Double Screening
Life on Earth
La Vie sur terre
Sunday, June 22 at 4pm

Abderrahmane Sissako,1999. Color. 61 min.
With Abderrahmane Sissako, Nana Baby, Mohamed Sissako
In French and Bambara with English subtitles

Abderrahmane Sissako, who lives in France, returns to the small Malian city, Sokolo, to find his father. For much of the world’s population “life on earth” is still conducted on foot, by donkey cart, or bicycle and Mr. Sissako’s “fictional documentary” chronicles the struggle to adapt to the changes of the 20th century, while the 21st century rapidly approaches.

The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun
La Petite Vendeuse de Soleil

Djibril Diop Mambéty, 1999. Color. 45 min.
With Lisa Balera, Aminata Fall, Tayerou M’Baye
In French and Wolof with English subtitles

Everyday, Sili, a twelve year old and cripple, begs in Dakur while caring for her blind grandmother.   There, selling newspapers has always fallen under the domain of Senegalese boys. One morning, when a young newsboy shoves Sili, she decides to stop begging and to forge a new life as a newsgirl. She quickly establishes friendships with other newsboys, yet jealousy follows as everyone struggles against poverty and adversity.

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Naked Childhood
L’Enfance Nue
Sunday, June 22 at 7pm

Maurice Pialat, 1969. Color. 83 min.
With Raoul Billerey, Maurice Coussonneau, Michel Terrazon, Pierrette Deplanque, Linda Gutemberg
In French with English subtitles

Considered unmanageable by his adoptive parents, ten-year old François is shipped off to a foster home. Problems with his subsequent families render his life even more difficult. Entirely cast with non-professional actors, Pialat's debut feature is an unflinching story of abandonment and revolt and debuted at the first year of La Quinzaine.

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In French with English subtitles unless otherwise noted.

Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street

Individual Ticket Price
FIAF Members Free* ($2 advance tickets)
Non-Members $10
Students w/ ID $7

Special Weekend Pass
Non-Members $15
Students w/ ID $15

Buy Tickets
Ticketmaster.com
Call 212 355 6160

Fax Order Form (pdf)

Visit Box Office

* Free tickets are distributed on the day of the event.
Present your membership card at the box office and pick up your ticket.

Co-presented by FIAF, with Olivier Père, director of La Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, BAMcinématek, and Unifrance. Special thanks to the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Images:
Dernier maquis, courtesy Sarrazink Productions
La France, courtesy of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy
Changement d'adresse, courtesy Pyramide Films
Olivier Jahan © Pascal Chantier
La Petite Vendeuse de Soleil, courtesy California Newsreel