Last Updated on 26 February 2025 by frenchflicks
French cinema takes center stage in New York once again as Unifrance and Film at Lincoln Center unveil the lineup for the 30th edition of Rendez-Vous with French Cinema.
Running from March 6 to March 16, this highly anticipated festival brings a compelling selection of 23 contemporary French films, featuring both acclaimed directors and rising talents shaping the future of French filmmaking.
As part of Unifrance’s 10 to Watch 2025 Program, several emerging filmmakers and actors will be highlighted, showcasing the next generation of visionaries who continue to push artistic boundaries. Alongside them, established auteurs like François Ozon, Sophie Fillières and Olivier Assayas. With a lineup that includes North American, U.S., and New York premieres, the festival remains a premier destination for cinephiles eager to discover the latest in French cinema.
Opening Night Film: Three Friends
The festival opens with Emmanuel Mouret’s Three Friends (2024), a poignant and intricately crafted drama that explores the complexities of love and friendship. The film follows a guilt-stricken widow and her two closest friends—played by India Hair, Camille Cottin, and Sara Forestier—as they navigate turbulent romantic entanglements. This Opening Night selection will be introduced by Emmanuel Mouret and India Hair at the 6 PM screening, setting the stage for an unforgettable kickoff to the festival.
Festival Highlights
Among the standout films in this year’s lineup is Emmanuel Courcol’s The Marching Band (2024), a moving story of two estranged brothers—one a world-renowned orchestra conductor and the other an undiscovered musical talent—who reunite after years apart. Starring Benjamin Lavernhe and Pierre Lottin, this heartfelt drama explores the power of music to mend broken bonds. A special Q&A with composer Michel Petrossian will follow the March 11 screening, offering insight into the film’s evocative score.
Pushing the boundaries of genre storytelling, Aude Léa Rapin’s Planet B (2024) takes audiences to 2039, where a group of environmental activists, arrested for an attempted bombing, awaken inside Planet B—a dystopian virtual prison. As they struggle to escape, a determined journalist races to uncover the truth behind the secretive facility. A gripping blend of sci-fi and political thriller with Adèle Exarchopoulos, Planet B offers a chilling vision of justice in the near future.
In a more intimate yet deeply emotional story, François Ozon’s When Fall Is Coming (2024) examines the tensions of family dynamics. The film follows a retired woman, played by Hélène Vincent, eagerly anticipating a visit from her grandson (Garlan Erlos). However, when unexpected challenges arise, long-standing conflicts between her and her estranged daughter (Ludivine Sagnier) come to a head. Ozon once again delivers a nuanced portrayal of human relationships with his signature elegance.
A Milestone Celebration of French Cinema
Florence Almozini, Vice President of Programming at Film at Lincoln Center, emphasized the festival’s importance:
“French cinema remains as inspiring as ever, with the strength, vitality, and depth of the films featured in the 30th edition of Rendez-Vous with French Cinema serving as a testament to its enduring power. This robust selection spans from remarkable debuts by first-time filmmakers to unforgettable works by renowned directors, highlighting captivating performances from emerging talent, celebrated actors, and strong ensembles.”
With its rich lineup of bold narratives, distinctive voices, and unforgettable performances, the 30th edition of Rendez-Vous with French Cinema promises to be a must-see event, reaffirming the enduring power and influence of French filmmaking on the global stage.
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