Christchurch cinephiles will be the first in the country to sample this year’s French Film Festival Aotearoa. The annual event will this year feature 23 of the best films to come out of France in the past year.

With a varied menu of drama, comedy, thrillers, romance and true stories, there’s something for everyone.

Festival films will screen at the Academy Gold, Deluxe and Lumière cinemas. The festival runs from Thursday 25 May to Sunday 11 June.

Highlights of this year’s programme include the sexy and oh-so-French Masquerade, directed by Nicolas Bedos and starring the ageless Isabelle Adjani; Éric Besnard’s bucolic buddy movie A Great Friend; Sugar and Stars, which tells the true story of champion pastry chef Yazid Ichemrahem; demi-sec romcom The Tasting;  and laugh-out-loud heist spoof The Innocent.

Pick up or download your festival programme and start booking if you don’t want to miss out.

frenchfilmfestival.co.nz