For 25 years, the French Film Festival has earned acclaim, in the U.S. and in France, for introducing more than 450 French and francophone films to American audiences. Since 2003, it has been recognized formally by former French Ambassador to the U.S., His Excellency Jean-David Levitte, as the most important French film festival in the country. This festival, founded and organized by Drs. Peter an
d Françoise Kirkpatrick, professors of French literature, culture and film studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond respectively, has distinguished itself over the years with numerous North American première screenings and several world premières. Each year, the Annual French Film Festival will continue its tradition of showcasing a diverse sampling of France’s newest feature films by established, award-winning directors complemented by a screening of short films, by France’s next generation of groundbreaking filmmakers. All films are presented by their directors and/or starring actors. A question-and-answer session with directors and actors follows each film. All movies have English subtitles, and discussions are in English or in French with an interpreter. Films are screened at the historic Byrd Theatre in Carytown, in Richmond, Va. An official reception with the French celebrities is held each year during which festival attendees have even more time to meet and speak with the French stars.
