Mercury Twin Cinemas Hosts Third Annual French Film Festival Aotearoa in Whitianga

This year's festival showcases a remarkable collection of 23 handpicked French films tailored for Coromandel cinephiles, offering a captivating journey through French culture and storytelling that promises to transport viewers from Whitianga to the streets of France. From epic blockbusters like "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "Beating Hearts" to captivating comedies, dramas, and romances, the program showcases the depth and diversity of contemporary French filmmaking.

French Films on offer Daily

Cinema-goers will have the opportunity to choose from two or three French films daily, seamlessly integrated into the Mercury Twin Cinemas' regular schedule. Highlights include intriguing biopics celebrating French cultural icons such as Charles Aznavour ("Monsieur Aznavour"), Sarah Bernhardt ("The Divine Sarah Bernhardt"), Maurice Ravel ("Bolero"), and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry ("Saint-Ex"). Acclaimed Cannes titles "My Brother's Band" and "Holy Cow" promise unforgettable moments of cinema, while comedies like "All Stirred Up!" and "Riviera Revenge" are sure to entertain.

"We're thrilled to welcome the French Film Festival back to Mercury Twin Cinemas for a third year," says theatre owner Anne-Maree McDougall. "Our Whitianga audiences have embraced this festival with increasing enthusiasm each year, and it's become a cultural highlight for our community. The festival allows us to transport our patrons to France through the magic of cinema, offering a taste of French culture, storytelling, and artistry right here in the Coromandel. As a small-town independent cinema, we're particularly proud to be part of this nationwide celebration of French filmmaking alongside major cities across Aotearoa."

Festival Owner Awarded Special Recognition  

The 19th French Film Festival Aotearoa coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and New Zealand, making this year's celebration particularly significant. Marking this special relationship, the French Government recently awarded the Festival's owner, Simon Werry, with the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. This prestigious recognition honors significant contributions to the development of arts, music and literature, an honor bestowed on only a handful of New Zealanders including Sir Peter Jackson, Witi Ihimaera and Dame Fiona Kidman. 

Whitianga Festival Details

Festival Director Fergus Grady notes, "Now screening in 24 towns and cities around Aotearoa, it's great to have Whitianga join us again. Our programme ranges from epic blockbusters to a vibrant mix of comedies, dramas, and romances. Captivating storytelling, powerful characters, and thought-provoking scenarios are all on show, and we are pleased to showcase new voices in French cinema."

Whitianga Event Details:

●      Dates: May 29 - June 15, 2025

●      Location: Mercury Twin Cinemas, Whitianga

●      Programme Release and Tickets: On sale from April 23

●      Film Options: 2-3 French films daily integrated into regular cinema schedule

For more information about the festival program visit the All About Whitianga Events pages,  and to purchase tickets, please visit the Mercury Twin Cinemas website or box office.