A sensation at Cannes and one of France’s biggest box office and audience favourites of the year (achieving over two million admissions and entry into the top five of 2024), writer/director Emmanuel Courcol’s wildly entertaining new film follows two very different siblings separated by fate and reunited by their love of music. Thibaut (the exceptional Benjamin Lavernhe, Delicious) is a beloved and internationally celebrated orchestra conductor who travels the globe. When a health crisis and subsequent DNA test inadvertently reveals he was adopted as an infant, Thibaut discovers the existence of a younger brother, Jimmy (rising star Pierre Lottin), who lives in more modest circumstances; he works in a school cafeteria, cares for his mother and plays the trombone in a community brass band. The pair seem to have little else in common other than a love of performance, but sensing his sibling’s exceptional talent, Thibaut decides to remedy the injustice of fate and try to help nurture his brother’s untapped gifts. An eruptive crowd favourite wherever it has premiered (notably receiving the highest audience score in the 51-year history of the San Sebastian Film Festival), My Brother’s Band is a rousing, feel-great trip to the cinema, expertly striking the perfect harmony between laughter and tears. Bring your family, your friends, and some tissues.

One of France’s most beloved and awarded actors, the remarkable Daniel Auteuil is also an accomplished writer and director in his own right, and the engrossing new legal thriller The Thread finds him once again in top form. Auteuil stars as Jean Monier, a well-past his prime defence lawyer who – ever since discovering he was responsible for a killer being exonerated – now prefers to work as a prosecutor. But one evening Jean agrees to help his over-committed wife and fellow counsel Annie (Sidse Babett Knudsen) by meeting with Nicolas Milik (Grégory Gadebois), a shell-shocked father of five who has just been arrested for the murder of his troubled wife. Milik’s predicament inexplicably touches Jean; the more he pieces together the events of the night in question, the more he becomes convinced of Milik’s innocence. Soon Jean rediscovers his passion for his vocation, and becomes obsessed with exposing the killer. Characterised by typically first-rate performances from its stellar cast, this pulled-from-the-headlines drama is a gripping exploration of guilt, conceit and the slippery nature of justice. A major word of mouth hit at the French box office in late 2024, The Thread packs a genuine punch, with a conclusion that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

Adèle Exarchopoulos (Blue Is The Warmest Colour) and François Civil (The Three Musketeers) – arguably French cinema’s brightest young talents – devour the screen in Gilles Lellouche’s vibrant, genre-spanning romantic epic that follows a romance tested by social boundaries, betrayal and circumstances beyond all control. Love makes one crazy. Just ask Clotaire (Civil) and Jackie (Exarchopoulos), who meet in their teens in their Northern France working-class neighbourhood in the 1980s. Despite their differences - she is a diligent student from the middle class, he a charming troublemaker with a complex family life - an intense and unmistakable connection is sparked. But tragedy soon pulls them apart. A decade later, Clotaire tries desperately to win back his lost love. But has his chance passed? Driven by a kinetic soundtrack by Jon Brion, indelible production design and all-star supporting cast, Beating Hearts pays homage to the US independent film wave of the 80s and early 90s but creates an impact truly of its own. Delivering another massive, crowd-pleasing blockbuster result at the French box office with an extraordinary 5 million admissions, Lellouche reaches for the stars and rewards all who strap in for the ride.

Hot on the heels of its two wins at this year’s César Awards, and over one million admissions in France, the Cannes Youth Prize winner Holy Cow is set to take this year’s Festival by storm! Set in France’s picturesque Jura region, renowned for its Comté cheese, the film follows the carefree 18-year-old Totone. Accustomed to his teenage life of drinking and dancing, Totone suddenly finds himself the sole carer for his 7-year-old sister Claire (Luna Garret) after a devastating tragedy. Struggling to make ends meet, Totone hatches a plan to follow in his family’s cheesemaking footsteps, in the hope of winning a €30,000 Comté cheese prize. The only problem is, Totone knows nothing about making cheese... This heartfelt coming-of-age debut from Louise Courvoisier recently earned her the Best First Film César Award. The young cast (including Best Female Revelation César winner Maïwene Barthelemy) deliver touching performances that bring a raw authenticity to the film. Holy Cow is an engaging ode to community, resilience, love... and cheese. Don’t miss it!

Inspired by remarkable true events, acclaimed writer/director Pascal Bonitzer’s sharp and hugely engrossing new dramedy The Stolen Painting follows a self-assured auctioneer whose professional and personal integrity is challenged by the discovery of a long-lost masterpiece. Paris, present day. André Masson (César Award-winner Alex Lutz), a hotshot modern art appraiser at prestigious high-end auction house Scottie’s, receives word that a painting by Egon Schiele may have been found in a young factory worker’s home in the Alsatian city of Mulhouse. Though highly sceptical, André travels to view the canvas with his ex-partner Bettina (the superb Léa Drucker, Roxane) who is also an expert valuator, only to be convinced of its authenticity as a masterwork long-assumed destroyed by Nazi officials during WWII. For André, the ramifications of this once-in-a-lifetime find for his career and for his contentious relationship with his less-than-reliable intern Aurore (Louise Chevillotte), will prove both unexpected and transformative. Skilfully brought to life by an array of endearing and duplicitous characters, The Stolen Painting is a thrilling exploration of the often cynical world of art dealing and collecting, where the jaw-dropping prices aren’t always related to the rarity of the object or the desire of potential customers.

Every 15 minutes, someone somewhere in the world plays Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero”... Raphaël Personnaz delivers an unforgettable performance as the titular composer, grappling with inner turmoil and artistic insecurity. Tasked by the eccentric dancer Ida Rubenstein (Jeanne Balibar) to craft a passionate and intoxicating score for her new ballet, Ravel finds himself creatively paralysed and marginalised by his contemporaries. Seeking solace and inspiration, he leans on his confidantes: the pianist Marguerite Long (Emmanuelle Devos), his loyal friend Cipa (Vincent Perez), and Cipa’s captivating sister, Misia (Doria Tillier), for whom he harbors deep affection. Against the lavish backdrop of 1920s Paris, Ravel must fight to redeem his raw musical genius, or risk being consumed by it completely... From celebrated director Anne Fontaine (Coco Before Chanel, The Innocents), Bolero is a powerful exploration of Maurice Ravel’s unique life, and his journey to complete the now iconic 17-minute composition. Sumptuously staged and showcasing lavish performances, don’t miss this stunning tribute to the lasting power of Ravel’s masterpiece.

Experience the magnificent life of French actress Sarah Bernhardt, the first international star and an eternal icon, in all its dramatic glory - just as “La Divine” herself intended! Set in the dizzying theatrical world of stage lights, opulent wealth and delicious scandals, Bernhardt is expertly brought to life by Sandrine Kiberlain (November) in this decadent biopic from director Guillaume Nicloux. Shot amidst lavish and beautiful production design, but always focused on its protagonist, Nicloux’s decadent biopic is an experience like no other. Crossing paths with Alexandre Dumas, Sigmund Freud, Victor Hugo and more, Bernhardt’s fascinating story is told across three distinct time periods (1915, 1896 and 1886). Uncover the life of the world’s first celebrity in this vivid and compelling chronicle of a chameleonic actress who defined her generation.

Emmanuel Mouret, the award-winning director of Love Affair(s), returns to contemporary stories of love, loss, and entanglement with effortless style. Three Friends follows Alice (Camille Cottin, Call My Agent!), Rebecca (Sara Forestier), and Joan (India Hair, Annie’s Fire), all going through major relationship crises at the same time. Joan has fallen out of love with her husband Victor, and while Alice tries to reassure her, her own relationship has plateaued. Meanwhile Rebecca is in the thick of an affair... that happens to be with Alice’s husband Eric. When Joan decides to end her marriage, Victor suddenly goes missing. Joan, Alice and Rebecca begin to find their charades unravelling. How much longer can the truth stay hidden? Three friends, three lies, three truths. Weaving between funny and poignant, Three friends is a compelling story you won’t want to miss!

The phenomenal Mélanie Laurent and Guillaume Canet take centre stage in writer/director Gianluca Jodice’s transfixing historical drama, evocatively depicting the last days of the French Revolution and the fates of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI.

1792. The official Parisian residence of the king, the Tuileries Palace, has been stormed. Louis, Marie Antoinette and their children have been arrested and confined in the Tour du Temple, a mediaeval chateau in the city centre. Far from the splendour of Versailles, where the family and their retinue had lived until only a few years earlier, they are vulnerable for the first time in their lives. While the King naively tries to keep spirits high and manners intact, his pragmatic and imperious wife is far more realistic about their predicament, and the destiny that likely awaits them…

Drawn from the diaries of Louis XVI’s personal valet, this exceptionally crafted drama features not only marvellous production design and cinematography, but incredible costumes by twice Oscar-nominated designer Massimo Cantini Parrini, transporting the audience with its depiction of a period from which our modern world was born.

From Éric Besnard (director of the previous Festival hits Delicious and A Great Friend), this historical drama offers an intimate look at rural life in the beautiful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. In 1889, Parisian teacher Louise Violet (Alexandra Lamy), is sent to a small village to impose the free, compulsory and secular schooling of the French Republic. Miss Violet is met with a hostile reception from the locals and their stern mayor Pierre Lecomte (Grégory Gadebois), fearful of change and apprehensive of anything that might distract their children from farm work. If Louise is to win the villagers over, she’ll have to speak their language... As tensions rise, confronting the villagers also means confronting herself. Louise may be the teacher, but maybe the village has something to teach her... With rich period costuming and breathtaking vistas on display, Miss Violet is a compelling exploration of how tradition and progress can collide. A must-see for anyone who believes in the transformative power of education.

Festival favourite Laure Calamy (Antoinette in the Cevennes, Two Tickets to Greece) is back! In Franck Dubosc’s dark crime comedy, married couple Cathy (Laure Calamy) and Michel (Frank Dubosc) lead a quiet life in the picturesque Jura mountains. When a bear bursts out in front of Michel’s car, accidentally killing two criminals and revealing illicit money in the process, their life takes an unpredictable turn, especially when they decide to cover up the incident and keep the money. But their stumbling plans leads to an unexplained trail of confusion. More used to being honest than crooked, Michel and Cathy’s clumsy cover-up efforts soon start attracting attention. With over one million admissions, How to Make a Killing is the third highest grossing French film of 2025 to date. Don’t miss Laure Calamy at her best in this winning combination of dramatic suspense and unfolding comic disaster.

Winner of the Special Jury Prize at l’Alpe d’Huez Film Festival 2025. After the theft of the century, the madness begins... On the night of May 19th, 2010, five paintings were stolen from the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris. The five artworks, from artists including Matisse, Modigiliani and Picasso, were estimated to be worth more than 100 million euros. While the paintings have never been recovered, this outrageous comedy tells a frenetic and madcap tale of what could have happened to these famous works. Melvil Poupaud (Jeanne du Barry) plays Yonathan, whose monotonous life is turned upside down when he encounters Eric (Sofiane Zermani), a brash, smooth-talking con artist/fence. When Eric hires Jo (Steve TIentcheu, Neneh Superstar), a skilled thief known as “The Spider Man of Paris”, to steal the paintings from the Museum of Modern Art, the three men’s lives are intertwined in an uncontrollable spiral. Anchored by a star turn from Melvil Poupaud as the perpetually anxious watch expert turned in circles by a fast talking criminal, this wonderfully told story takes audiences on an entertaining ride through one of the most famous art heists of recent times.

In 1930, the free-spirited Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Louis Garrel, The Innocent) is a pilot for the French airmail service, flying alongside legendary aviator Henri Guillaumet (Vincent Cassel, La Haine). During one fateful journey, Guillaumet vanishes in the Andes. With the help of Guillaumet’s wife, Noëlle (Diane Kruger, Inglourious Basterds), and driven by hope and unwavering determination, Saint-Exupéry embarks on a perilous quest to find his lost friend. Along the way, he discovers that his incredible imagination might be his greatest strength. The true story of the author behind the French classic The Little Prince.

Premiering to rave reviews at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize for Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Performance for Pierre Lottin, When Fall is Coming is an evocative drama from the acclaimed director François Ozon (Everything Went Fine). The film follows loving grandmother Michelle (Hélène Vincent, The Extraordinary) who enjoys her peaceful retirement in a small village in Burgundy. When her terse daughter Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier, Swimming Pool) drops off grandson Lucas for the school holidays, nothing goes to plan...
Book now for this “elegant game of bait-and-switch” (Variety).

Near a village on the border between Quebec and the United States, customs officer Sonia confiscates kitchen knives and gourmet food from the charming French chef, Victor. Meanwhile, Sonia’s daughter Lili-Beth has entered a “Mini-Chefs” competition, where she seems to be the underdog with no chance of winning. Perhaps Sonia can convince Victor to help her? However, community tensions are bubbling beneath the surface of this rural town, and the unlikely team of Sonia, Victor and Lili-Beth will have to bring together the entire village to put aside their differences and get a taste of what is essential. Directed by Manon Briand, this delicious comedy with mouth-watering dishes and beautiful Canadian scenery will leave you hungry for more...

François (André Dussollier, The Crime is Mine) and Annie (Sabine Azéma) have been married for 50 years, and are happily enjoying their retirement. While decluttering the attic one day, François discovers a shocking secret - a stash of love letters revealing his wife’s affair from 40 years ago. François is faced with a tough decision: Does he take the high road and let bygones be bygones? Or does he call in favours from his past life as a French general to track down the man who has humiliated him? Deciding on the latter, François heads to Nice - where Annie’s ex-lover Boris now lives - for some French Riviera-style revenge! Will François’ ill-conceived quest for vengeance destroy his and Annie’s relationship in the process? This mischievous romantic comedy from director Ivan Calbéra (The Tasting) features stunning vistas, hilarious physical comedy and a whole lot of heart. Guaranteed to make you both laugh and cry, Riviera Revenge is a trip worth taking at this year’s Festival!

One island, 40 inhabitants, two scammers. On a picturesque island in Brittany, lifelong friends Jean-Jean (Didier Bourdon) and Henri (Gérard Darmon, Employee of the Month) find their quiet existence disrupted when one of their fellow villagers wins millions in the national lottery. The pair hatch a plan to befriend the lucky local and hopefully share in the winnings... only to find the winner has died of shock - ticket in hand! Jean-Jean and Henri must devise another scheme. In order to claim the prize, the friends will simply steal the unlucky winner’s identity... However, the pair soon realise that to fool the lottery officials in such a small town, they’ll have to convince the villagers - who all want a piece of the pie - to back their daring plan. Jean-Jean and Henri are out to prove that you’re never too old to raise a little hell in this crowd-pleasing comedy, a remake of the Irish classic Waking Ned Devine. With a winning blend of absurdity and heart, you’ll fall in love with the stunning sights of Brittany and its colourful characters. This charming story shows what a community can achieve when they come together (yes, even fraud).

Winner of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival SACD Best Screenplay award and opening night film of the Director’s Fortnight section, This Life of Mine is a witty and moving take on midlife crises from late director Sophie Fillières. The film follows Barberie “Barbie” Bichette (Agnès Jaoui), once a devoted mother, now struggling with the challenges of her chaotic home/work life. On the brink of her 55th birthday, Barbie must decide whether to conform to society’s dismissive view of aging women or break the mould. What follows is a funny yet poignant journey of self-discovery, as Barbie escapes to the Scottish Highlands to reclaim her identity.

Underpaid and overworked, Justine (Sandrine Kiberlain, November) is sick of the grind. When her pretentious boss Franck (Daniel Auteuil, Farewell Mr. Haffmann) asks her to put together a luxurious romantic getaway for him and a mystery “woman of his dreams”, Justine has an idea... Given free creative control and €14,000 cash up front, Justine and her unemployed husband Albin (Denis Podalydès, The President’s Wife) devise the perfect solution: they’ll give Franck their own version of a “love boat” experience, and pocket a portion of the profits! The couple gather a motley crew of friends, also keen to make a quick buck, to pull off this grand plan. What could go wrong? When Franck reveals that it is in fact Justine that’s his dream woman, this trip looks like it’s about to go overboard. Love Boat will have you laughing with its dynamic cast of characters and their chaotic schemes. Don’t miss it!

The brilliant therapist Doctor Béranger (Christian Clavier, Employee of the Month) has had a very successful career - with the exception of one client, the desperately needy Damien Leroy (Baptiste Lecaplain). In an attempt to finally reach a breakthrough on Damien’s relentless clinginess, Béranger convinces him that true love will cure him. The plan initially seems to have worked, until on a family getaway Béranger’s daughter reveals she has a new boyfriend... none other than Damien Leroy. Béranger’s idyllic holiday has suddenly turned into his worst nightmare. This high-energy slapstick comedy will have you in stitches!