Attention s’il vous plait! Singapore’s First French Animation Film Festival!
PUBLISHED March 20th, 2012 11:34 am | UPDATED June 3rd, 2020 12:16 am
Mesdames et Messieurs! Your attention please….Between the 22nd to the 30th March, Singapore’s first French Animation Film Festival will be taking place at the Alliance Francaise….and after reading about the films playing, it seems a crime not to share this information as soon as possible.
It was through the grapevine that I stumbled across this wonderful upcoming festival. I will guiltily admit that even as an adult, I love animation and the idea of an entire festival devoted to the art is to good to pass up.
Unbeknownst to many, France has a rich culture of animated films (Asterix anyone!)…but what I particularly like about them compared to other cartoons around the world is that they are so, very, very….French! Whilst often whimsical and childlike in parts, French animation frequently carries much deeper meanings.There are subtle nuances of cultural diversity and differences, their clashes and their coming together. And I love analyzing the philosophical background themes where the characters demonstrate just a touch of existential freedom. But more than anything, the stories are founded on the deep and diverse personalities of the characters developed.
I can think of no better example of this than the opening show, the fantasy tale of ‘Le Chat du Rabbin’ (The Rabbi’s Cat), a tale involving a Rabbi, his talking cat, a wise old Arab Sheikh and a Russian billionaire as they travel together in search of a mythical city in Africa. Having spoken to a few francophonie friends who have seen the film or read the book, their eyes widened in delight remembering the story with a definitive recommendation to go and see it.
Another example of what is on offer is Un monstre a Paris (A monster in Paris) by Bibo Bergeron…
Based in Paris, 1910. A strange creature terrifies the capital. Emile and Raoul, two men who have nothing in common and to whom nothing predisposes to them adventure, find themselves thrown into hunting down the Monster. It’s a spinning epic that will lead them to discover themselves, find love, and shatter all appearances. For, is the Monster who we think he is?
Another classic is Un vie de chat (A life of a Cat/A Cat in Paris) by Alain Gagnol and Jean-Lou Feliioli which was nominated for this year’s Oscars in the animation film category. Not too shabby.
There will also be conferences and workshops. To find out more about these and the other films showing, check out the Alliance Francaise website here.
Tickets for all performances can be purchased either via sistic, the Alliance Francaise and at all Cathay Cineplexes (available online at www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg).
Tickets are $7.20 (plus booking fee) for most showings so are very reasonable and frankly well worth it.
So why not grab your baguette et cafe au lait, and immerse yourself in some classic films francais happening next week? I know I will be. Hon Hon Hon.
Written by The City Nomad
