The Arras Film Festival is an annual event held in the Pas de Calais region of France. This year, the festival takes place in November every year (e.g. from November 4 to 16 for the year 2022). The festival presents a variety of films, including features, documentaries and shorts. In addition to screenings, the festival also hosts a number of events, such as Q&A sessions with directors, previews and workshops. Particular attention is usually paid to films dealing with social issues, and theArras Film Festival represents an excellent opportunity in Europe to see a wide variety of films from all over the world and learn more about the filmmaking process. If you don’t know what to do in Arras at this time of year, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Belfry!
The guest of honor principle
Every year, an actor or director is honored. The guest of honor at the 23rd edition of the Arras Film Festival (2022) is Valérie Donzelli, who perfectly deserves to be in the spotlight. Before finding success as a director, Valérie Donzelli first studied architecture, then made a name for herself as an actress in films such as Sandrine Veysset’s Martha, and on television. But she always dreamed of getting behind the camera, and finally made her directorial debut with the short film “Il fait beau dans la plus belle ville du monde” in 2007. Her feature films such as “La Reine des pommes” and “La Guerre est déclarée”, a deeply personal story co-directed with Jérémie Elkaïm, have been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. While continuing to act, Donzelli is pursuing her passion for directing, most recently with the 2019 release of Main dans la main. From architecture to comedy to filmmaking, Donzelli has proven her versatility and skills in many fields.
The event takes place on the Grand’Place
Former Festival guests of honor
There have been many since the event was first held in Arras :
Fanny Ardant and Claude Lelouch in 2021:
Fanny Ardant is one of the most respected and acclaimed actresses in French cinema. She has captivated audiences with her versatility and nuanced performances. She began her career working with legendary director François Truffaut and won acclaim for her role in La Femme d’à côté in 1981. More recently, she was awarded the César for Best Actress for her complex performance in Pédale douce in 1997. In addition to acting, Ardant has also enjoyed success as a director and screenwriter. Her innovative work continues to push boundaries and challenge perceptions, making her a veritable powerhouse in the French film industry. Claude Lelouch is one of the most prolific filmmakers in the history of French cinema, having made over 50 films in a career spanning several decades.
He attracted worldwide attention with his 1966 romantic drama “Un homme et une femme”, for which he won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.
Over the years, Lelouch has tackled a variety of subjects, from crime (“Le Voyou”) to music (“Les Uns et les Autres”). His film “Les Misérables” was nominated for the César for Best Film, and he received another nomination in the same category for “Les Uns et les autres” Despite his long list of credits, Lelouch shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to create thought-provoking and emotional films. His latest project, “One Plus One”, was released in 2015.
Nicole Garcia in 2019
Nicole Garcia’s story is one of determination and perseverance. Born into a Pieds-Noirs family in Algeria, she arrived in France as a teenager and worked hard to pursue her passion for acting. Despite the obstacles she faced as a person of color in the entertainment industry, she managed to land roles both on stage and screen. She won acclaim for her performance in 1975’s Let the Party Begin, and continued to impress with her dynamic range throughout her career. In addition to her acting talents, Nicole Garcia has also made a name for herself for her work behind the camera, directing several films, including Alice et Martin (1998) and Chère Louise (2019). Nicole Garcia is a true source of inspiration for all those who have faced challenges on the road to success in the Seventh Art.
The marquee for discussions on CInéma (opposite the screening rooms)
Three major French stars at the Arras Film Festival
Here again, the big names are jostling for position, but we’ve chosen the most recent ones for the moment:
Gad Elmaleh
Gad Elmaleh, one of France’s best-known and most popular comedians, has been entertaining audiences for decades. Born in Morocco and raised in France, he incorporates his unique cultural origins into his comedy routines, often performing in both French and English. In addition to stand-up, Gad Elmaleh has also enjoyed success on the silver screen, starring in films such as La Doublure, L’écume des Jours and Minuit à Paris. He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Grand Prix at the 2003 Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. Whether performing stand-up or on screen, Gad Elmaleh never fails to make his audiences laugh with his witty humor and charming charisma.
Clovis Cornillac
It’s rare to see a young actor break into the industry at such a young age, but Clovis Cornillac was clearly destined for stardom from an early age. He began his career at the age of thirteen in a TV series alongside his mother, then quickly developed a passion for theater, leaving home in his teens to devote himself fully to it. He honed his skills in street theater, subsidized theater and singing lessons, which led to a string of auditions. Cornillac’s determination and dedication to perfecting his craft have paid off, as he has appeared in countless films and TV shows over the course of his career, including Asterix and the Olympic Games, Brice de Nice, Les Chevaliers du Ciel and La Grande Boucle. Clearly, this talented actor is not about to rest.
Michèle Mercier
Although best known for her iconic role as Angélique in the film series of the same name, Jocelyne Mercier, known professionally as Michèle Mercier, is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with. Born in Nice in 1939, she began her career as a ballerina, before moving into acting and singing. But her passion for performing didn’t stop there; she was also involved in writing and directing projects throughout her decades-long career. Known for her immense beauty and grace both on and off the screen, Ms. Mercier continues to inspire audiences around the world with her talent and determination. Her legacy as an actress is cemented not only by her performance as Angélique, but also by many other notable roles, such as in “Les Felins” in 1964 and “Archimède le clochard” in 1962. Although she has since retired from the stage, Mercier’s impact on French cinema remains undeniable, and she came to the Arras Festival in 2015.
To conclude
Along with the Main Square, the Arras Film Festival is probably one of the biggest cultural highlights on the city’s calendar. On the Grand Place in particular, and at the cinema in particular, you’ll see a host of well-known and lesser-known artists and directors presenting their films.
R.C.
