The countdown is on for the 78th
Cannes Film Festival,
which kicks off on 13 May 2025. For fans of French films, this year's festival promises a mix of established directors and new talents,
all competing for the highly coveted Palme d'Or and international recognition.
The festival jury, chaired by the iconic Juliette Binoche, reflects the festival's commitment to celebrating French artistic excellence.
This year's programme highlights the diversity and vitality of French cinema, from thrillers and political dramas to intimate character
studies and imaginative science fiction.
OPENING FILM
French films have always been the cornerstone of Cannes, and 2025 is no exception. The festival opens with Partir un jour, a
charming comedy-drama directed by Amélie Bonnin and starring the enchanting singer Juliette Armanet. The
film sets a warm and welcoming tone for the festival, underlining the emotional depth and spirit for which French cinema is renowned.
Julia Ducournau returns with Alpha, a tense thriller starring Tahar Rahim and Golshifteh Farahani. Ducournau, who won the Palme d'Or in 2021 for Titane, is known for her fearless exploration of body horror and psychological intensity. Alpha promises to continue that tradition, blending visceral storytelling with profound human themes.
Veteran director Dominik Moll presents Dossier 137, a gripping political thriller starring Léa Drucker. The film delves into France's complex colonial history, offering a timely reflection on identity and memory that resonates deeply with today's cultural climate.
The celebrated Dardenne brothers, though Belgian, have a longstanding connection with French cinema and return with Jeunes mères, a poignant drama that explores the challenges and resilience of motherhood in contemporary Europe. Their humanist approach continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.
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Cédric Klapisch's La Venue de l'avenir is a fascinating sci-fi drama that combines existential questions with Klapisch's trademark humour and warmth. Known for films such as L'Auberge Espagnole, Klapisch's latest opus should win audiences over with its imaginative storytelling.
A provocative drama starring Virginie Efira and Jodie Foster that explores the intersection of personal identity and political intrigue. Zlotowski's nuanced direction and Efira's magnetic presence make this a must-see for fans of cerebral French films.
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A sumptuous drama starring Isabelle Huppert as a self-made billionaire struggling with isolation. Klifa's critique of wealth and power resonates with today's socio-economic climate, thanks to Huppert's masterful performance.
After the critically acclaimed Petit Paysan, Charuel returns with a haunting rural drama about family secrets and resilience. His ability to fuse visceral emotion with austere images confirms his status as a rising star of French cinema.
A psychological thriller set in the La Défense district of Paris that explores alienation in urban landscapes. Demoustier's sharp script and atmospheric tension underline France's talent for the modern noir novel.
If you're passionate about French films and want to discover the best of French cinema beyond Cannes, keep an eye out for the Alliance Française French Film Festival (AF FFF).
Who knows? Some of the outstanding films showcased at Cannes 2025 may soon be showing at the next Alliance Française French Film Festival, giving you the perfect opportunity to discover and celebrate the latest in French filmmaking.
