Exciting French Film Selection for Whitianga Audiences

The festival offers a mix of the latest French film releases, comedies, dramas, and romance, as well as some of the most exciting discoveries from the recent Cannes Film Festival.

There really is something for everyone to enjoy in the Festival line up. From the enchanting streets of Paris to the picturesque beaches of the French Riviera, we hope the festival will transport you to the heart of French culture and cinema. We want our festival goers to enjoy a week of exceptional storytelling, captivating performances, and unforgettable moments on the big screen.

– Fergus Grady, French Film Festival Director

Mercury Twin Cinemas schedule & Ticket Sales

Kicking off on Thursday June 1st and running through until Wednesday June 7th, cinema goers will have the choice of two or three french films each day. The French films will be slotted into the normal cinema schedule and included on the MTC - Mercury Twin Cinema website for online ticket sales.

Download a copy of the L’OR French Film Festival schedule in Whitianga below.

What can I see at the Whitianga L’OR French Film festival?

Thursday 1 June

On the Wandering Paths

Academy Award©-winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist) stars in an inspirational story based on real events.

Pierre is a celebrated writer with a penchant for extreme experiences and solo treks. He has always done everything on his terms, when it suited him and with whom he chose, but when anything threatened his freedom, he did what he excels at - run away. One drunken evening, he climbs the facade of a building and falls several stories. The accident leaves him deep in a coma. When he emerges from it, Pierre is barely able to stand, but against everyone's advice, he decides to hike all alone across France - from Provence to Mont Saint Michel, along forgotten trails through some of France’s roughest, most inhospitable and beautiful regions.

Based on an award-winning autobiography by Sylvain Tesson – who also appeared in the documentary, The Velvet Queen – On the Wandering Paths is an escape from the frantic world, a story of fortitude, healing, resilience, and reconnection to nature and deep self.

Drama | M | Sex scenes & offensive language 95 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Masquerade

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Cannes International Film Festival 2022

Adrien, an attractive dancer whose career was shattered by a motorbike accident, wastes his youth in the laziness of the French Riviera, where he is looked after by Martha, a former movie star. Adrien’s life is turned upside down when he meets Margot, a captivating beauty who lives for the thrill of scams and romantic entanglements. Together, they fantasise about a better life and set up a diabolical scheme, an emotional masquerade.

After Mr. & Mrs. Adelman and La Belle Époque, Nicolas Bedos takes us on a wild ride once again.

Comedy, Drama, Crime | TBC | 136 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Friday 2 June

A Good Doctor

A feel-good Christmas film unlike you’ve ever seen before... A Good Doctor follows Serge, the only emergency doctor making home visits on a busy Christmas Eve in Paris.

While rushing to the bedside of his next patient, he accidentally hits a delivery driver, Malek, with his car. Serge’s back is injured in the process, placing him out of action for the remainder of his shift.

Taking advantage of Malek’s kind-hearted nature and eagerness to help - Serge sees an opportunity, why not let Malek step into his shoes for the night?

Comedy  | M | Offensive language 90 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

The Tasting

Hortense has a big heart and no one to share it with except her cat, her embittered mom, and a group of homeless people for whom she prepares a gourmet dinner at the local church every week. While buying a nice bottle of wine, Hortense meets Jacques, a fifty-something, grumpy local cellarman. Eager to see him again, she attends a chaotic wine tasting in Jacques’ shop - meeting his best friend who clumsily tries to seduce her, and his new apprentice who turns out to have a rare gift for tasting as well as an unfiltered honesty. As Hortense and Jacques grow closer and closer, their past begins to catch up to them.

Comedy, Romance | M | Sex scenes & offensive language 92 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Saturday 3 June

Ride Above

Literally born and raised with horses, Zoe leads a happy life at her parents’ racehorse stables, driven by the dream of someday becoming a jockey like her father. To Zoe, nothing beats being with horses, especially her best friend Beautiful Intrigue, the stable’s prize mare, who taught the child how to walk.

When Beautiful Intrigue gives birth to a foal, Zoe is the first to see in him the champion her parents have been waiting and working for all their lives. But Zoe’s dreams are shattered when the panicked foal accidentally injures her, leaving her permanently disabled.

Drama, Family | PG | Coarse language & some scenes may scare very young children 109 Mins

Subtitles: No

Country Cabaret

Sometimes hard work and big ideas aren’t enough. David’s dairy farm is on the brink of liquidation. When he chances upon a dazzling nightclub performance by Bonnie Starlight, inspiration strikes. What if he turned his big old barn into a country cabaret? Not just for entertainment, but to promote local food producers, including his mother’s delicious cheese. A crazy plan, for sure - which is exactly why he loves it! Everything seems on track for the big opening night, until David’s traditionalist grandpa steps in, hell-bent on putting an end to their follies. Can they save the show and save the farm? Based on a fabulous true story.

Comedy, Drama | M | Offensive language & suicide references 109 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Two Tickets to Greece

Three fabulous femmes - Laure Calamy, Olivia Côte and Kristin Scott Thomas – star in the wildly entertaining new comedy from writer/director Marc Fitoussi (Folies Bergère, Call My Agent!) about estranged childhood friends who tentatively reunite for a trip to the Greek Islands.

Recently divorced, and watching helplessly as her only son leaves home, Blandine (Côte) is struggling to find her footing again. So when her former best friend Magalie (a scene-stealing Calamy), loud and fearless, suddenly resurfaces, she allows herself to be spontaneous for a change... The two will take the trip they always dreamed of as teenagers, to Amorgos, the amazing location where Luc Besson's The Big Blue was shot.

But as they head off towards their destination, it's soon apparent that Magalie's very different approach to holidaying - and to life - could lead Blandine to her breaking point... and beyond!

Two Tickets to Greece is an out-and-out crowd-pleaser, a breezily delightful tale of female camaraderie, stoked by laughter, tears and, of course, great scenery. Advance bookings will be essential!

Comedy | M | Violence, offensive language, sexual references & nudity 110 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Sunday 4 June

Jack Mimoun & the Secrets of Val Verde

Indiana Jones meets Monty Python in this hilarious comedy adventure. Having found fame as a modern-day Robinson Crusoe by seemingly surviving alone on the desolate tropical island of Val Verde, French action adventurer Jack Mimoun, (Malik Bentalha, Employee of the Month) has made a name for himself as an adventure star.

With a best-selling book, television show and stellar reputation – Jack appears to be the man of the moment. Unfortunately, his on-screen persona, the ‘Survivor of Hell’ is all a giant fabrication...

Comedy, Adventure | M | Offensive language 104 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

November

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Cannes International Film Festival 2022

Led by an all-star cast of iconic talent, November powerfully explores the perspective of the lead investigators of the French anti-terrorism services, working against the clock in the aftermath of the 2015 attacks across Paris. The unit led by Héloise (Sandrine Kiberlain) and her closest associates, Fred (Jean Dujardin) and Inès (Anaïs Demoustier), having been caught off guard, assembles under immense pressure. With the Interior Ministry pushing for results, and almost overwhelmed with the weight of the responsibility, they’re faced with the near impossible task of catching the culprits before they can strike again…

Thriller | M | Violence & offensive language 100 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

The Innocent

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Cannes International Film Festival 2022

Lyon, present day. When widowed marine biologist Abel (Garrel) learns that his impulsive mother Sylvie (Anouk Grinberg) is once again re-marrying – this time to an inmate she met whilst teaching theatre in prison – he’s more than uncomfortable. Doubting that convicted burglar Michel (Roschdy Zem) is capable of staying out of trouble, Abel’s protective streak kicks in, and with the help of his best friend Clémence (a sensational Noémie Merlant), he begins tailing his new stepfather’s movements. Their amateur sleuthing is quickly uncovered by Michel and triggers an unlikely – and bold - business proposition for them both…

Comedy | M | Violence, sexual references & offensive language 99 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Monday 5 June

Maria Into Life

WINNER - 2022 International Francophone Film Festival - Best Film (Audience Award)
WINNER - 2022 Cabourg Film Festival - Best Film - Audience Prize

The always-sensational Karin Viard (The Bélier Family) and Gregory Gadebois (Delicious) star in award-winning short filmmakers Lauriane Escaffre and Yvonnick Muller’s debut feature, an enchanting and beautifully crafted romantic comedy about a shy, unappreciated woman who finally allows herself to open up to life and love.

The kind-hearted, middle-aged Maria (Viard) works as a cleaner. Though highly devoted to her clients, her secret passion is writing poems on her daily commute, though she never shares them with anyone (least of all her indifferent husband of 25 years).

But when Maria joins the cleaning staff of Paris’ prestigious École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts), everything changes. Within the hallways and classrooms of the hallowed institution, she discovers an exciting world of creative expression, assisted in no small part by Hubert (Gadebois), the school’s eccentric, long-time custodian. Usually reserved and discreet, Maria finds herself torn by new emotions, and must decide how much of her true self she’s prepared to reveal…

Evocatively shot on location and expertly produced by Quad Films (The Intouchables, C’est la vie), it comes as no surprise that 13-time César nominee Viard positively glows as Maria. She and Gadebois are effortlessly charming, as is the film.

Comedy | M | Nudity & sexual references 92 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Sugar and Stars

Ever since he was a little boy, Yazid has dreamed of becoming a pastry chef. Moved from one foster home to another, nothing predestined him for such a career. Yazid’s indomitable determination and resourcefulness have proven priceless in helping him succeed in the elitist arena of patisserie. Working for the world’s top chefs from Paris to Monaco, he strives to become the best and to fulfill his dream of winning the international pastry championship.

Drama | M | Offensive language 110 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

A Great Friend

Vincent (Lambert Wilson, De Gaulle) is a high-flying entrepreneur. One day single-handedly sailing his yacht, the next, being interviewed on national television. While driving on a rugged mountain road, Vincent’s car breaks down, temporarily interrupting his frantic lifestyle. Pierre (Grégory Gadebois, Delicious) has distanced himself from the modern world, living in the middle of sublime nature. While Vincent waits for his car trouble to be sorted, Pierre offers him a place to stay. What the two men soon realise, is that their personalities could not be more different.

While Vincent and Pierre initially struggle to see eye-to-eye, they eventually find themselves wondering... deep down, are they really each living the lives they want to live?

Comedy | TBC | 95 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Tuesday 6 June

Tenor

While working part-time as a food deliveryman, Antoine, an aspiring young rapper from the suburbs of Paris, meets Mrs. Loyseau, an eminent teacher at the Paris Opéra. Stunned by the young man's raw talent, she introduces him to the world of opera. As Antoine becomes one of Mrs. Loyseau's students, he hides his new dream from his friends and family, fearing that they won't understand - this double life burdens him... Somewhere in between the gilded and uptight Parisian upper-class, and the harsh yet free-spirited and familiar suburbs he grew up in, Antoine will have to find his own voice.

Comedy, Drama | R13 | Violence & offensive language 100 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

The Origin of Evil

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Venice International Film Festival 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Toronto International Film Festival 2022

In a luxurious seaside villa, a modest young woman finds herself in the company of a strange family: an unknown and wealthy father, his extravagant wife, his daughter, an ambitious woman, a rebellious teenager, and their creepy maid.

Someone is lying.

Between suspicions and lies, a mystery grows and the evil spreads.

Drama, Thriller  | TBC | 125 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Wednesday 7 June

Other People’s Children

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Venice International Film Festival 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Toronto International Film Festival 2022

Featuring a career-best Virginie Efira, award-winning writer/director Rebecca Zlotowski’s enchanting and profoundly moving new romantic drama follows a woman whose outlook on life is upended when she starts a passionate relationship with a single father-of-one.

40-year-old Parisian high school teacher Rachel (a radiant Efira) loves her life: she’s inspired by her work and is close to her friends, sister and widowed father. When she meets a man in her community guitar class - the charming and recently-separated Ali (Roschdy Zem) - Rachel commences a relationship not only with him, but also his four-year-old daughter, Leila Gradually, she’s drawn into their world, helping Ali by collecting Leila after school and looking after her on the nights she stays with them; the three start to share holidays together. But there can be no denying Leila already has a mother (Chiara Mastroianni), and Rachel’s yearning for a family of her own is only growing stronger…

Utterly involving and insightful, Other People's Children thoughtfully revolves around questions of belonging, connection and emotional risk to depict not only one woman’s search for fulfillment, but what constitutes a rewarding and meaningful life.

Drama | M | Sex scenes, offensive language, nudity & drug use 104 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes

Annie’s Fire

WINNER - 2022 Locarno International Film Festival - Variety Piazza Grande Award
OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2022 Angoulême Film Festival

Inspired by true events, Annie's Fire is the warm, tender and humane new film from Blandine Lenoir (writer/director of 2018 hit Aurore), featuring another terrific performance from the unstoppable Laure Calamy (Antoinette in the Cévennes, Full Time, Call My Agent!) as an ordinary woman who becomes emboldened by a cause far bigger than herself.

February 1974, regional France. When mild-mannered working-class mother of two Annie (Calamy) and her husband accidentally fall pregnant, they know they can’t afford to care for another child. Annie is introduced to a group of local women and doctors who offer both judgement-free support and family planning. Far from underground, the network defiantly refuses to hide from public view, even though their efforts are considered illegal across the nation. Annie is surprised by the camaraderie and conviction of her new friends, and through them, finds her mind opened to feminism and self-empowerment.

Anchored by Calamy’s generous and hugely engaging performance, amid an exceptional ensemble cast of authentic, memorable characters, Lenoir’s ode to female solidarity tells a tale as important as ever, not only a compelling reminder of how things were, but also a warning of how they could yet be.

Drama | M | Offensive language 119 Mins

Languages: French

Subtitles: Yes