COLCOA French Film Festival Announces Focus On A Composer and Television Selections For 22nd Edition

Today the Franco-American Cultural Fund has announced the Focus on a Composer and selections for the Television section at COLCOA French Film Festival, which runs from Monday, April 23 through Monday, April 30 at the Directors Guild of America.

Focus on a Composer: Laurent Perez Del Mar

French composer Laurent Perez Del Mar will meet the COLCOA audience on Saturday April 28, for a one-hour discussion about his career. Del Mar is critically acclaimed for his work on the score for the Academy Award nominated feature film THE RED TURTLE / La Tortue Rouge, which was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film. The Sony Pictures Classics film was produced by the world-renowned Studio Ghibli.

Del Mar won the prestigious International Films Critics Association in 2017 for Best Original Score for THE RED TURTLE. He also received a nomination for their Film Score of the Year, as well as an Annie Award, an International Cinephile Society Award and a Lumiere Award for THE RED TURTLE SCORE.

His recent works include scores for MY SON / Mon garcon written and directed by Christian Carion and MRS MILLS / Madame Mills, une voisine si parfaite written and directed by Sophie Marceau. Focus on a Composer is made possible with the support of SACEM.

COLCOA Television Competition

This year the Television section includes 12 selections competing for the COLCOA 2018 Television Awards given by both audience and a professional jury. This year's Television section is comprised of television series and TV movies, including the International Premiere of PROUD, a three-part miniseries that spans three generations with each generation dealing with a crucial gay rights moment in France. The section is presented in association with TV France International and TITRAFILM with the support of AMC Networks, Arte Distribution, Endemol Shine International, Film & Picture, France TV Distribution, Gaumont, Lagardère Studios, Leonis, Scarlett Productions, StudioCanal, Tetra Media, TF1 Studio, Walter Presents.

BEYOND SUSPICION / Insoupçonnable (TV Series – Season 1) – North American Premiere

This highly anticipated series is an unexpectedly chilling thriller that follows gifted Parisian criminologist Chloé Fisher, who is sent to Lyon to investigate the murder of a powerful politician's daughter-in-law. The perp in question is Paul Brodsky, a loving family man, perfect in every way and beyond reproach — shrink by day, abominable serial killer by night. And he's just spotted his next victim. An adaptation of the Belfast-based BBC series THE FALL. Written by Virginie Brac; directed by Fred Garson, Christophe Lamotte; with Emmanuelle Seignier, Melvil Poupaud, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Claire Keim, Patrick Chesnais.


Mr. & Mrs. Adelman, A Woman’s Life, A Bag of Marbles, Call My Agent, Thank You Mister Imada All Win at COLCOA French Film Festival


THE AGE OF STATELESS / Le Temps des Egarés (TV Movie) - North American Premiere

Sira is a former refugee. She speaks six languages and works as a translator for OFPRA, the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons, which is responsible for applying the dictates of the Geneva Convention. Unscrupulous and extremely lucid, Sira doesn't hesitate to extort huge sums of money from displaced foreigners seeking asylum in France. While the story is fictional, the dramatic fate and cruelty imposed upon refugees rejected by OFPRA are approached with great accuracy. Written by Virginie Sauveur, Gaëlle Belland; directed by Virginie Sauveur; with Claudia Tagbo, Biyouna B, Jean-Pierre Lorit, Hadja Traore, Alice Belaïdi.

THE ART OF CRIME / L'Art Du Crime (TV series) - North American Premiere

Booted off the Paris police force for insubordination, Antoine Verlay is transferred to a government task force fighting the illegal trafficking of cultural artifacts. A hothead and keen investigator, he teams up with Florence Chassagne, a renowned art historian at the Louvre. As Antoine and Florence solve a series of modern-day crimes that take place in France's storied museums and landmarks, they unveil some of the great mysteries of the country's cultural and historical heritage. Created by Angele Herry-Leclerc, Pierre-Yves Mora; directed by Charlotte Brandstrom and Nicolas Guicheteau; with Benjamin Egner, Eleonore Gosset-Bernheim, Nicolas Gob, Philippe Duclos.

BARON NOIR (TV Series – Season 2) - North American Premiere

This second season of this critically-acclaimed political thriller returns with the election of France's first female president and an unprecedented institutional crisis. Will Philippe Rickwaert's tactical genius be enough to reconcile the irreconcilable or will he have to accept his own destiny and reveal the true nature of the Baron Noir? Created by Eric Benzekri and Jean-Baptiste Delafon; directed by Ziad Doueri; with César Award-winner and International Emmy nominee Kad Marad, Anna Mouglalis, Astrid Whettnall. (Season 1 screened at COLCOA 2017 and is available in the U.S. on Walter Presents platform.)

BEAUTIFUL LOSER / Irresponsable (TV Series – Season 2) - North American Premiere

Exasperating, charming, disarming... Julien is back! And so is BEAUTIFUL LOSER, which last year's Season 1 won the COLCOA 2017 Best Series Award. Incurable slacker, perpetual teenager, improbable father, Julien is ever improvising his life with as much poetry as he can conjure up. Season 2 opens with Julien spending his days hanging out at his son Jacques' middle school, where his ex-girlfriend, Marie, works. Julien is thrown a curve ball when an unexpected turn of events suddenly threatens his carefree, cozy existence of squatting at mom's place. Julien is forced to look for an alternative living situation and is finally determined to become self-sufficient. But learning to live as a responsible adult at 32 is apparently not as easy as it seems. Created by Frédéric Rosset; with Sébastien Chassagne, Théo Fernandez, Nathalie Cerda, Sam Karmann.

THE CONSOLATION (TV Movie) - North American Premiere

Based on French TV host Flavie Flament's autobiographical novel of the same name, the film recounts the story of Flavie, a successful TV host suddenly stricken with dizzy spells. In an attempt to avoid fainting on-air, she decides to see a psychiatrist, who suggests she bring a photo album of childhood pictures to their session. When a particular Polaroid of Flavie at 13, taken by celebrated British photographer David Hamilton, tumbles out of the album, horrific obliterated memories suddenly flood her consciousness. "He raped me," the stunned woman mutters. As a footnote, despite his denials, one week after Flament publicly identified Hamilton as the character in her novel, the photographer — famous for his soft-focus photos of nude young girls — famously committed suicide. Written and directed by Magaly Richard-Serrano, based on the novel by Flavie Flament; with Lou Gable, Émilie Dequenne, Philip Schurer.

I LOVE YOU 2 / J'ai Deux Amours (TV series) – North American Premiere                        

Hector's life is nice and neat. He's gay, a doctor, and has been living with Jérémie for five years now. They're even planning to adopt a child. Then he runs into his first love, Louise and he is head-over-heels all over again. Suddenly his cup runneth over. He truly loves them both and refuses to give up either one. So what's a boy to do? Your classic triangular romantic farce, with more than a dash of Marivaux thrown in, this original miniseries offers a refreshingly relaxed, delicate and, at times, very funny take on homosexuality, bisexuality, shared parenting, love and family. Created by Olivier Joyard, Jérôme Larcher; directed by Clément Michel; with Francois Vincentelli, Julia Faure, Olivier Barthelemy.

ISKLANDER / Maroni Les Fantômes du Fleuve (TV Series) - North American Premiere

Thriller Rookie cop Chloé is transferred to Cayenne in French Guiana where she's partnered with Dialo, a local cop with a prickly personality. Despite their mutual dislike, they'll have to work together to solve the brutal, ritual murder of a French couple from the mainland. When the murdered couple's son is discovered missing, and all clues point to a group of descendants of African slaves who worship a forest spirit called Iskander, Chloé and Dialo will have to double their efforts—and the time they spend together. Iskander takes us on a relentless journey from tin-shack favelas and mysterious hallucinogenic drugs to voodoo rituals and a troubled past that will not stay buried. Created by Olivier Abbou, Aurélien Molas; directed by Olivier Abbou; with Stéphane Caillard, Adama Niane, Jérémie Laheurte, Issaka Sawadogo. Presented at COLCOA before its U.S. release by AMC Networks.

INFIDELITY / Un Adultère (TV Movie) – International Premiere

The tale of duplicitous husband and father Julien, a real estate agent who falls in love with Alice, a young client who, it turns out, works in Julien's wife Marie's tea shop. Written by Eric Assous, Stéphanie Vasseur; directed by Philippe Harel; Isabelle Carré, Xavier Lemaître, Roxanne Arnal, David Stone.

PROUD / Fiertés (TV Series) - International Premiere

This three-part miniseries is a family saga spanning three generations — Charles, Victor and Diego. Each episode coincides with a crucial gay rights moment in France. Episode one begins in 1981, with the election of François Mitterrand, at a time when the WHO still considered homosexuality a mental illness. That's when Victor comes out. Episode two takes place in 1999, with the creation of the PACS domestic partnership agreement. Now, Victor is living with Serge and hoping to adopt a baby. Episode three unfolds in 2013, with the ratification of gay marriage, when Diego must come to terms with the fact that he has two fathers. While a chronicle of our changing times, the series is, first and foremost, a love story, captured with quiet restraint and the quivering exhilaration of first love. Created by José Caltagirone, Philippe Faucon, Niels Rahou; directed by Philippe Faucon; with Emmanuelle Bercot, Chiara Mastroianni, Jérémie Elkaïmm, Frédéric Pierrot, Samuel Theis, Stanislas Nordey, Nicolas Cazalé, Benjamine Voisin.

 

SPECIAL HONORS / Mention Particulière (TV Movie) - North American Premiere

Laura, 20, is determined to earn her high school diploma just like anyone else except Laura has Down syndrome. As she faces her own difficulties, she must also deal with the doubts of her loved ones and the occasional cruelty of her peers. Overcoming challenge after challenge between emotion and laughter, Laura battles for every inch of an opportunity that life tries to keep from her.   A movie in which disability brings a fresh perspective on life's challenges and the pursuit of happiness. Based on a true story. Written by Nathalie Hugon, Vincent Robert; directed by Christophe Campos; with Bruno Salomone, Hélène De Fougerolles, Jonathan, Lambert, Marie Dal Zotto, Maïra Schmitt, Gaspard Meier-Chaurand.

THROUGH THE MILL / La Mélancolie Ouvrière (TV Movie) - International Premiere

Born into a family of peasants in 1870, Lucie entered the silk mill, as an apprentice, at 12. She married at 20 and was widowed soon thereafter. Working 12 hours a day and struggling to support two children on her meager salary, Lucie is devastated when bosses decide to increase working hours and slash wages. Fired up and supported by unionist Auda who educates her politically and woos her romantically, she launches her first major strike in 1905. An exceptional, intelligent, courageous woman, Lucie throws herself, body and soul, into the struggle against the slavery of women. Written and directed by Gérard Mordillat (based on the novel by Michelle Perrot); Virginie Ledoyen, Philippe Torreton, François Cluzet, François Morel.

Focus on a Composer and part of the COLCOA Television Competition are free to the public, as are the previously announced COLCOA Classic series and COLCOA Short Competition.

As Previously Announced

Writer, director and actress Mélanie Laurent will be honored as the "Focus on a Filmmaker." On Thursday, April 26, her film THE ADOPTED/LES ADOPTÉS will screen as part of the COLCOA Classic series and, following the first screening of the film, she will participate in a Happy Hour Talk dedicated to her career. The evening will conclude with the U.S. Premiere of her latest film DIVING/PLONGER.

THE DINNER GAME/LE DINER DE CONS, THE FLESH OF THE ORCHID/ LA CHAIR DE L'ORCHIDEE, GET OUT YOUR HANDKERCHIEF/PREPAREZ VOS MOUCHOIRS and PEPPERMINT SODA/DIABOLO MENTHE complete the COLCOA CLASSIC line-up.

The Documentary section includes four films competing for the 2018 COLCOA Best Documentary Award. ALAIN DUCASSE gives the audience insight into one of the world's most acclaimed chefs, MAKALA highlights the aspirations of a young farmer in Congo hoping for a better future, NOTHINGWOOD showcases Salim Shaheen, Afghanistan's most prolific actor-director-producer, and PLOT 35 confronts a mystery from the filmmaker's childhood.

The Shorts section, presented in association with Unifrance and TV5 Monde, is comprised of an exclusive selection of 23 films, which will be in competition for the COLCOA Short Awards on April 29. This year, more than half of the selections are by women filmmakers and a quarter of the section are animated films. The COLCOA Shorts Competition will be available in the U.S. after the festival from May 4 to May 31, on the cinema-on-demand program of TV5 Monde, an Official Partner of COLCOA. GARDEN PARTY, which was presented in this section last year at COLCOA, received an Oscar® nomination in 2018 for Best Animated Short Film.

ACIDE, CREATURE FROM THE LAKE / La Créature du lac, FIST / Prends mon poing, GRANDPA WALRUS / Pépé le morse, HYBRIDS, HITCHIKER (THE) / L'Autostoppeuse, I HAVE ARRIVED / Je suis venu, I AM A WOUND / Je suis une blessure, INDES GALANTES (LES), INTERFERENCES, JUNE 19 / 19 juin, LITTLE GIRLS / Petites Filles, MARLON, ORDEAL, OUR CHILDREN / Nos Enfants, OVERRUN, PIONEERS / Les Pionniers de l'Univers, NOTHIN' SPECIAL / Rien d'spécial, RISE OF A STAR, UNDER MOM'S SKIRT / Les Trompes de ma mère, UNDERSTUDY (THE) / La Doublure, VOYAGERS, WINKLES (THE) / Les Bigorneaux make up the Shorts section.


A Bag of Marbles Review – Magnificent, Heartwarming, A Sure Winner


The full line-up including films competing for the COLCOA Cinema Awards 2018 will be announced on April 3rd.

COLCOA French Film Festival is presented by the Franco-American Cultural Fund, a unique collaboration between the Directors Guild of America, the Motion Picture Association, the Writers Guild of America West, and France's Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music (SACEM). COLCOA is also supported by France's Society of Authors, Directors and Producers (L'ARP), the Film and TV Office of the French Embassy in Los Angeles, the CNC, TV France International, and Unifrance.

COLCOA French Film Festival is sponsored by Air Tahiti Nui, TV5MONDE, Variety (Official Sponsors); Admirable Malibu Wines, Airstar America, Barnstormer, France Télévisions, KPCC 89.3, Los Angeles Times, Champagne Trésor de France (Premier Sponsors); Club Culinaire of Southern California, ELMA, LA Confidential, Sunset Marquis, Titra Film (Major Sponsors); Alliance Française de Los Angeles, Cinando, D'Alessio Law Group, Discover Hollywood, Duverger, Laemmle, Marché du Film/Festival de Cannes, Miraval/Vineyard Brands/La Vielille Ferme, Office de Tourisme Epernay, Paul M. Young Fine Wines, (Platinum Sponsors); Cinelife, Delair Labs, Gayot, Hénaff Gonidec, La Chouquette, Le Grenouille Selections/The Source Imports, Locations Wines, Lycée International Los Angeles, Mademoiselle M, MAC, Petit Pot, Rosenthal, Samsung, Sharingbox, Tealeaves (Supporting Sponsors).

COLCOA French Film Festival is presented by the Franco-American Cultural Fund, a unique collaboration between the Directors Guild of America, the Motion Picture Association, the Writers Guild of America West, and France's Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music (SACEM). COLCOA is also supported by France's Society of Authors, Directors and Producers (L'ARP), the Film and TV Office of the French Embassy in Los Angeles, the CNC, TV France International, and Unifrance.

For additional information visit: www.colcoa.org

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