Prague Hosts 28th French Film Festival: Showcasing Retrospectives and Premieres

The 28th edition of the French Film Festival (FFF) has officially commenced in Prague. This significant cinematic event is set to span several cities across the Czech Republic, including Brno, Ostrava, České Budějovice, and Hradec Králové, continuing its run until November 26th. The film forum is offering audiences an extensive program, featuring 134 screenings of 43 distinct films. The festival’s inauguration took place at the Lucerna cinema in Prague with the screening of Cédric Klapisch’s latest work, 'La Venue de l'avenir' (The Arrival of the Future).

Notable attendees at the opening night included actor Zinedine Soualem, recognized for his role in the film 'Munich 1972'. Klapisch’s film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2025, skillfully juxtaposes Parisian life in 1895 with the contemporary era. It delves into themes of family heritage and the origins of Impressionism. Also present was director Pascal Elbé, who introduced his comedy, 'La Bonne Étoile' (The Lucky Star), at the opening ceremony. Elbé’s film tackles a compelling narrative about a family attempting to pass as Jewish in 1940s France in order to gain passage into the Free Zone.

A central focus of this year’s festival program is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Alain Delon. The year 2025 would have marked what would have been his 90th birthday. Delon, born on November 8, 1935, and passing away in August 2024 at the age of 88, leaves behind an indelible legacy in cinema, highlighted by classics such as 'Rocco and His Brothers'. The festival schedule includes several screenings dedicated to showcasing selected masterpieces from the actor’s extensive career.

Furthermore, the festival pays homage to the recently departed actress Cécile De France, featuring four films in which she starred. Beyond these retrospective showings, the program is robust, incorporating a competitive section titled 'Czech Critics' Choice'. In this segment, six films will vie for the coveted Audience Award. The traditional Short Film Evening is also a highly anticipated fixture on the schedule.

Marking its 28th iteration in the Czech Republic, the organizers are enriching the film screenings with supplementary cultural activities. These include an exhibition commemorating the 130th anniversary of the Gaumont film studio. Running in Prague from November 20th through the 26th, the festival serves as a vital cultural conduit, effectively presenting both the rich history and the current trends emerging from French cinematography to audiences across Central Europe.