Last Updated on 27 February 2026 by frenchflicks
Forget the jet lag and the expensive flights—the most anticipated French films of the year are landing right in the heart of Manhattan!
Fresh off the heels of the glitzy César Awards in Paris, the 31st edition of Rendez-Vous with French Cinema is officially here (March 5 to 15) to turn the Film at Lincoln Center into the ultimate hub for Gallic glamour.
And talk about star power! This year’s lineup is headlined by the North American premiere of François Ozon’s The Stranger (L’Étranger), a bold, queer-inflected reimagining of the Albert Camus classic. Even better? Ozon himself and the luminous Rebecca Marder will be in person to kick things off. Joining them throughout the festival is a “who’s who” of French talent, including the visionary Julia Ducournau (of Titane fame), Arnaud Desplechin, Valérie Donzelli, and Dominik Moll.
The César Glow-Up
If you want to see why French cinema is currently having a massive moment, just look at the recent César winners. The festival is packed with the big victors! You can catch Dominik Moll’s Case 137, which was just nominated for 8 Césars (including Best Film and Best Actress for Léa Drucker who won). Plus, keep an eye out for Nadia Melliti, who just took home the César for Female Revelation and will be in town to present The Little Sister.
As Florence Almozini, VP of Programming at FLC, puts it: “The 31st edition reflects the ever-impressive vitality and artistic ambition of contemporary filmmaking in France.” Whether it’s established auteurs or the “10 to Watch” rising stars, this is the only place to see these films before they hit the global circuit.
Highlights You Can’t Miss at Rendez-Vous with French Cinema:
- Opening Night: The Stranger – François Ozon reunites with Summer of 85 star Benjamin Voisin (fresh off his Best Actor César nomination) for a stunning, black-and-white adaptation of Camus.
- The Audacity of Julia Ducournau: After her Palme d’Or win, Ducournau returns with Alpha, a haunting mystery starring Golshifteh Farahani. This is the kind of bold filmmaking you simply have to see on the big screen.
- A Family Affair: Don’t miss Cédric Klapisch’s Colors of Time, a lavish Normandy-set reunion from the director of The Spanish Apartement and Chinese Puzzle.
Why You Need to Go to Rendez-Vous with French Cinema
This isn’t just a film festival; it’s a “cultural bridge” that brings you face-to-face with the creators. With over 20 directors and actors flying in for Q&As, it’s your chance to ask François Ozon about his creative process or find out from Julia Ducournau how she dreams up her wild visual worlds.
Rendez-Vous with French Cinema remains the premier platform in the U.S. to discover the diversity of French voices. From high-stakes political thrillers like Case 137 to quirky off-season mysteries like Affection Affection, there is truly something for every kind of cinephile.
Ready to live your best French life? Tickets are on sale now. Grab your beret (or just your popcorn) and we’ll see you at Lincoln Center!
For the full schedule and tickets, head over to filmlinc.org
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