26th French Film Festival in Cuba

The 26th French Film Festival opened this Wednesday at Havana’s Yara Cinema with the film Comme par magie and the attendance of its acclaimed director, Christophe Barratier. Admission to the event was free, and the audience enjoyed a story about a single magician and his daughter as they navigate the challenges posed by a meddling stepfather.

This year’s festival showcases a selection of premieres, animated features, and a tribute to the legendary actor Jean Gabin. Screenings will take place at Havana’s 23 y 12 and Acapulco cinemas, featuring classic films such as Un singe en hiver, Méfiez-vous, mademoiselle, and Remorques.

One of the notable films is Le professeur d’escrime, a historical drama directed by Vincent Pérez that transports viewers to Paris in 1887—a time when dueling, although officially banned, was still commonly practiced as a means of defending one’s honor.

Another highly anticipated film is Monsieur Aznavour, to be presented by its director, Mehdi Idir. This film follows the early life of the iconic French-Armenian singer, composer, and actor Charles Aznavour, documenting his journey from humble beginnings to worldwide fame. It received four nominations at the César Awards, including Best Actor (Tahar Rahim), Visual Effects, Production Design, and Costume Design.

The Acapulco and 23 y 12 cinemas will also screen Un coup de maître, Making Of, L’Histoire de Souleymane, Borgo, Un p’tit truc en plus, and Cœurs brisés, which is a co-production between France and Belgium. Younger audiences will be entertained by animated films like Nina et le secret du hérisson, Chien Pourri, la vie à Paris, and Les Maîtres du temps.

Additionally, the festival will showcase the French-Mexican co-production Emilia Pérez, written and directed by Jacques Audiard and based on Boris Razon’s novel. This film received twelve César nominations and won seven awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Original Score, Visual Effects, and Sound. It also garnered two Best Actress nominations for Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón, alongside several international accolades. The film earned Oscars for Best Supporting Actress (Saldaña) and Best Original Song from thirteen nominations, four Golden Globe wins from ten nominations, BAFTAs for Best Supporting Actress and Best Film Not in the English Language, five European Film Awards (including Best Film), and a Goya Award for Best European Film.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez