6 Unmissable Films At The 2026 Alliance Française French Film Festival
Image: Colours Of Time. Photo: Supplied
The Alliance Française French Film Festival returns in 2026 for its 37th year, with a program consisting of 38 of the finest cinematic offerings including award winning dramas, comedies and documentaries, most of which are Australian premieres.
Alliance Francaise de Sydney’s General Manager Denis Morandet explained that Australians have a long-standing love for French culture, which explains why this festival is the biggest outside of France.
“These films showcased at this festival offer what audiences are craving today: emotion, nuanced stories, and characters who feel real. Over the years, the festival has earned trust as people know they will see films that entertain while also being thoughtful, romantic, and socially aware.”
Colours Of Time opens this year’s festival, the story is set across two eras, described by Morandet as a playful and moving exploration of family, art, and memory.
“Visually, the film feels like stepping into a living painting, full of light, colour, and a gentle sweep of emotion. Its ensemble cast brings warmth and humour to every scene. To me, it is a delightful crowd-pleaser, as charming as it is reflective, blending the romance of Belle Époque Paris with the rhythms of contemporary life.”
French actor François Cluzet who starred in the worldwide comedy hit The Intouchables stars in The Son Of at this year’s festival and Morandet believes he possesses a rare quality that makes him a much in demand actor.
“Cluzet feels profoundly human on screen. His performances are never showy, yet they are deeply affecting allowing audiences to recognise themselves in his characters, whether they are vulnerable, flawed, conflicted, or quietly heroic. He elevates material without overpowering it, and his presence reassures viewers that a film will be grounded, intelligent, and emotionally sincere.”
This year Hollywood heavyweights Jodie Foster and Angelina Jolie star in French dramas A Private Life and Couture respectively. When asked why many American actors are signing on to appear in French productions Morandet paused momentarily.
“French cinema offers many American actors creative freedom, character-driven storytelling, and directors who prioritise performance over spectacle. For actors like Jodie Foster and Angelina Jolie, French productions provide space to explore complex roles that might not always exist within the constraints of Hollywood. These two films are a perfect example of that quest.”
He also added that their involvement helps broaden visibility and media attention, particularly among audiences who may not regularly attend foreign-language films – but will their participation increase local box office?
“French audiences are discerning; star power alone is not enough. When international casting works, it is because the actor genuinely serves the story. In those cases, it can enhance local box office while also reinforcing French cinema’s international prestige.”
This year the festival’s opening in Sydney will be held at the iconic State Theatre, which Morandet enthused is not just a venue; it is a cinematic experience.
“This year’s festival carries a renewed sense of scale and confidence, and the State Theatre provides a setting that matches that vision. It elevates the Opening Night Gala into a true cultural occasion, honouring the films, the partners, and the audiences who have supported the festival so loyally over the years.”
When asked whether non-French speaking audiences should come along and watch a couple of films at this year’s French Film Festival Morandet answered with a definite yes!
“French cinema is not about language; it is about emotion, connection, and storytelling. Subtitles fade almost instantly when a story is well told, leaving behind universal experiences: love, loss, humour, ambition, family, and identity.
“For non-French speakers, this Film Festival is an invitation to travel without leaving Sydney. It offers perspectives that feel refreshingly different yet deeply relatable, reminding audiences why cinema matters, providing both a window into other lives and a mirror to our own.”
Morandet’s 2026 Alliance Française French Film Festival top picks
Morandet has given City Hub a balanced (“and biased,” he jokes) selection of drama and comedy that captures the festival’s richness:
#1 The Richest Woman in the World: A fascinating true story portraying ambition, power, and reinvention, blending drama with subtle social commentary. This entertaining film became a box-office hit in France for good reason!
#2 The Party’s Over: A gripping and sharp dark comedy that examines friendship, secrets, and the consequences of choices, showcasing contemporary French cinema at its most compelling.
#3 Little Amelie and the Character of Rain: Little Amelie and the Character of Rain, nominated for an Oscar this year, is vibrant animated story that captures the magic of childhood. Based on Amélie Nothomb’s short novel, it’s a gentle celebration of life’s small wonders.
#4 What Is Love?: A sensitive, modern exploration of family, faith, and self-discovery, infused with humour and humanity, and brought to life by the remarkable Laure Calamy.
#5 The Stranger: Visually striking in luminous black-and-white, the film brings a contemporary lens to Camus’ classic tale. Audiences will be thrilled to rediscover Benjamin Voisin, who’s proudly featured on this year’s poster.
#6 Out of Love: A tender family drama about sisterhood, absence and the bonds that endure when words fail. Starring Camille Cottin, the film offers a poignant reflection on what it truly means to be there for those we love.
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival runs from 3rd March – 8th April across Sydney. To view the full program or to secure tickets, visit affrenchfilmfestival.org
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