French Season at The Vic

From July to February, we are showing a programme of contemporary French Cinema - dramas, romantic comedies, family films, historic epics, comedies, capers, award winners and much more! The diverse range of genres and stories showcase the creativity and strength of the French cinema production, one of the most prolific and successful worldwide.

All films are shown in French with English subtitles.

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Iris and the Men

After the smash-hit international success of Antoinette in the Cévennes, writer/director Caroline Vignal and the fabulous Laure Calamy reunite for an hilarious and provocative comedy about reignited desire in the modern age. “They’re not”. This is how Iris (Calamy) quietly answers her chiropractor when asked how things are going with her husband (Vincent Elbaz). The words slip from her mouth like an unformed realisation: how long has it been since they last made love? Yet everything else is great: the couple love each other, they have two happy daughters, she runs a successful medical practice and has the best friends one could hope for... But soon Iris will be turning 50. It is a stranger who whispers the seed of an idea: “Take a lover”. So, she dares open Pandora’s box, and hesitantly registers herself on a dating app. Immediately, men start to appear, as if it were raining… So begins this cheeky, joyous and conversation-starting delight, in which Calamy completes her transformation from quirky character actress into unadulterated comedic star.

Iris and the Men

After the smash-hit international success of Antoinette in the Cévennes, writer/director Caroline Vignal and the fabulous Laure Calamy reunite for an hilarious and provocative comedy about reignited desire in the modern age. “They’re not”. This is how Iris (Calamy) quietly answers her chiropractor when asked how things are going with her husband (Vincent Elbaz). The words slip from her mouth like an unformed realisation: how long has it been since they last made love? Yet everything else is great: the couple love each other, they have two happy daughters, she runs a successful medical practice and has the best friends one could hope for... But soon Iris will be turning 50. It is a stranger who whispers the seed of an idea: “Take a lover”. So, she dares open Pandora’s box, and hesitantly registers herself on a dating app. Immediately, men start to appear, as if it were raining… So begins this cheeky, joyous and conversation-starting delight, in which Calamy completes her transformation from quirky character actress into unadulterated comedic star.
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Rosalie

Set in 1870s France, Rosalie, portrayed by the radiant Nadia Tereszkiewicz, is an extraordinary young woman harboring a secret. Abel (Benoît Magimel), an indebted tavern owner unaware of her secret, marries Rosalie for her dowry. When Rosalie defiantly decides to embrace her unconventional appearance, the central question emerges: Can Abel truly love her and see beyond her physical differences, once he discovers the truth? Rosalie draws inspiration from the experiences of historical figures, weaving a passionate and empowering drama that serves as a beautifully crafted parable on intolerance and attitudes toward body diversity. Directed by Stéphanie Di Giusto, known for her acclaimed debut The Dancer, Rosalie tenderly explores the triumph of hope and love in a world marked by prejudice.

Rosalie

Set in 1870s France, Rosalie, portrayed by the radiant Nadia Tereszkiewicz, is an extraordinary young woman harboring a secret. Abel (Benoît Magimel), an indebted tavern owner unaware of her secret, marries Rosalie for her dowry. When Rosalie defiantly decides to embrace her unconventional appearance, the central question emerges: Can Abel truly love her and see beyond her physical differences, once he discovers the truth? Rosalie draws inspiration from the experiences of historical figures, weaving a passionate and empowering drama that serves as a beautifully crafted parable on intolerance and attitudes toward body diversity. Directed by Stéphanie Di Giusto, known for her acclaimed debut The Dancer, Rosalie tenderly explores the triumph of hope and love in a world marked by prejudice.
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Suddenly

Vincent and Laura are a passionate but volatile couple who embark on a round-the-world sailing adventure to give their relationship a new start. During their trip, they decide to explore a vast deserted island which they discover off the coast of Chile. Caught in a violent storm, they shelter in an abandoned whaling station for the night, but wake up the next morning to find their boat has disappeared. Stranded in a hostile environment with no means of communication, dwindling supplies and winter approaching, they must work together in a life and death battle for survival that will challenge their feelings and change their relationship forever.

Suddenly

Vincent and Laura are a passionate but volatile couple who embark on a round-the-world sailing adventure to give their relationship a new start. During their trip, they decide to explore a vast deserted island which they discover off the coast of Chile. Caught in a violent storm, they shelter in an abandoned whaling station for the night, but wake up the next morning to find their boat has disappeared. Stranded in a hostile environment with no means of communication, dwindling supplies and winter approaching, they must work together in a life and death battle for survival that will challenge their feelings and change their relationship forever.
MORE / TRAILER

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Neneh Superstar

Twelve-year-old Neneh simply wants to dance ballet - but, as a black girl attempting to find a foothold in a historically white cultural milieu and secure the support that her talent clearly merits, the obstacles she faces seem overwhelming. This crowd-pleasing feature by writer-director Ramzi Ben Sliman follows Neneh as she enters a ballet boarding school where the majority of administrators and teachers persist in believing that black women have no place onstage as part of the classical repertoire. With encouragement from her patient father, Fred, and under the watchful gaze of teacher and legendary dancer Marianne Bellage, Neneh finds herself - and her place - in this inspiring story about overcoming systemic disadvantages on the path to artistic achievement.

Neneh Superstar

Twelve-year-old Neneh simply wants to dance ballet - but, as a black girl attempting to find a foothold in a historically white cultural milieu and secure the support that her talent clearly merits, the obstacles she faces seem overwhelming. This crowd-pleasing feature by writer-director Ramzi Ben Sliman follows Neneh as she enters a ballet boarding school where the majority of administrators and teachers persist in believing that black women have no place onstage as part of the classical repertoire. With encouragement from her patient father, Fred, and under the watchful gaze of teacher and legendary dancer Marianne Bellage, Neneh finds herself - and her place - in this inspiring story about overcoming systemic disadvantages on the path to artistic achievement.
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Lucky Winners

The chance of winning the lottery is one in 19 million - less likely than being struck by lightning, they say. But for the characters of Lucky Winners, this dream quickly turns into an explosive and hilarious nightmare. This rollercoaster of a black comedy explores themes of sudden fortune and its unexpected consequences. An all-star ensemble cast brings this thrilling tale to life. Renowned for her comic talent and performances in fims such as The Kitchen Brigade, Audrey Lamy brings her charisma to the role of Louise. Fabrice Eboué, known in France for his varied career in stage comedy and film, enriches the film with his verve and wit as Paul. Also lending their comedic talents to the cast are Anouk Grinberg (The Innocent) and Sami Outalbali (Sex Education). Famous for his ability to blend humour and emotion, director Maxime Govare’s collaboration with Romain Choay delivers a skillful exploration of social dynamics and reversals of fortune. Don’t miss the darkly comic twists and turns of Lucky Winners!

Lucky Winners

The chance of winning the lottery is one in 19 million - less likely than being struck by lightning, they say. But for the characters of Lucky Winners, this dream quickly turns into an explosive and hilarious nightmare. This rollercoaster of a black comedy explores themes of sudden fortune and its unexpected consequences. An all-star ensemble cast brings this thrilling tale to life. Renowned for her comic talent and performances in fims such as The Kitchen Brigade, Audrey Lamy brings her charisma to the role of Louise. Fabrice Eboué, known in France for his varied career in stage comedy and film, enriches the film with his verve and wit as Paul. Also lending their comedic talents to the cast are Anouk Grinberg (The Innocent) and Sami Outalbali (Sex Education). Famous for his ability to blend humour and emotion, director Maxime Govare’s collaboration with Romain Choay delivers a skillful exploration of social dynamics and reversals of fortune. Don’t miss the darkly comic twists and turns of Lucky Winners!
MORE / TRAILER