The American French Film Festival is marking its 30th year with around 60 films, shorts and series, running through November 8. Variety highlighted opening film In Waves as an example of the production connections the event supports.
An American graphic novel becomes a French-produced film
In Waves is based on a US graphic novel developed by French producers and workshopped at the festival. The English-language animation is set on Southern California's coast and directed by French-Vietnamese filmmaker Phuong Mai Nguyen. Netflix bought it at Cannes.
Deputy director Anouchka van Riel described the project as evidence of growing links between the two countries' creative communities. She sees the festival as a bridge alongside its screening role.
The Franco-American Cultural Fund presents and produces the event with US and French industry organisations. Panels, talks and workshops maintain that professional focus.
Varied programming reaches younger audiences
Executive producer and programmer Francois Truffart said the selection spans documentary, animation, shorts and other forms. The festival has included series since 2015.
This year's titles include Minotaur, All of a Sudden, Coward, Fjord and Strawberries. Truffart emphasised distinctive perspectives for American audiences alongside universal themes.
Free screenings for local high-school students include post-film discussions. Van Riel described morning sessions at the 600-seat DGA theatre as a way to introduce younger viewers to cinema.
Screenings and discussions continue through November 8, combining professional exchange with efforts to broaden public access to French-produced work.