VCU French Film Festival facts for kids
| Location | Richmond, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1993 |
| Hosted by | Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond |
| No. of films | 17 features & 13 shorts (2015) |
| Festival date | March (annually) |
| Language | French |
| Website | http://www.frenchfilmfestival.us/ |
The French Film Festival - Richmond, VA is a special event held every year in Richmond, Virginia. It shows new movies made in the French language.
This festival started in 1993. It was created by two professors, Dr. Peter Kirkpatrick and Dr. Françoise Kirkpatrick. They taught French studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond. The festival is known as the biggest French film festival in the United States.
Since it began, many important people have visited. Over 380 directors, producers, actors, and film experts have attended by 2015. In 2004, the founders received a high honor from France. It was called "Chevaliers de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres". In 2011, they received another award, the Médaille Beaumarchais.
The festival usually happens during the last weekend of March. During this time, Richmond is full of people who speak French or love French movies. The event takes place at the old Byrd Theatre. In 2014, about 22,000 tickets were sold for the festival.
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What Happens at the Festival?
The festival shows many different French movies. These include both short films and longer feature films. The main goal is to share French language, movies, and culture in the U.S. and in schools.
After their movies are shown, French directors and actors often talk with the audience. They answer questions about their films.
Who Supports the Festival?
Many groups help make the festival happen. These include the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Unifrance. Other supporters are l'ARP (a group for French directors and producers) and the SACD (a group for French writers, composers, and directors).
Local TV channels like the Community Idea Stations (PBS) also partner with the festival. The French TV channel TV5Monde is also a partner.
The Byrd Theatre: A Special Place
The Byrd Theatre is the main place where the festival is held each year. In 2011, USA Today called it one of the best old movie theaters in North America.
The French Film Festival brings in special technicians and projectionists. These are the same experts who work at the famous International Cannes Film Festival. This means the movies at the Byrd Theatre have the best sound and picture quality.
Festival Program and Events
Every year, the festival has a special program. It includes different types of films and learning sessions.
- Feature and Short Films – These are the main movies shown at the festival.
- Feature Films Selection – About 15 new French feature films are shown. These can be fiction or documentaries. Many are shown for the first time in the U.S. or the world. Directors, writers, or actors introduce all of them at the Byrd Theatre.
- Classic Films – A few old, award-winning French movies are shown. These films have been carefully restored. Their directors, actors, or technicians also introduce them.
- Special Screenings – Sometimes, the festival shows rare French silent films. These might be by famous filmmakers like Georges Méliès or the Lumière Brothers. The French Cinémathèque lends these special films to the festival.
- Short Films Selection – About 15 French short films are shown at the Byrd Theatre. Their directors or main actors introduce them.
- Master Classes – Each year, the festival holds several special learning sessions. Important guests from France lead these classes. Each class focuses on a certain topic or the guest's career. All master classes are free and open to everyone. They happen at the University of Richmond or the Byrd Theatre.
Guests from France
Many French directors, actors, and producers come to the festival every year. They present their feature films and short films. They also talk with the audience. They answer questions after each movie showing.
