Comedie-Française to Open Creme de la Creme French Film Festival in Bratislava

Bratislava, 27 May (TASR) - Comedie-Française, an energetic ensemble comedy, which takes viewers behind the scenes of the legendary Paris theatre, will ceremonially open the 11th annual 'Creme de la Creme' French film festival in Bratislava on Wednesday. Until 3 June, the festival will offer a selection of the very best of contemporary and classic French cinematography at 47 cinemas in 37 towns and cities across Slovakia. The programme of the festival, which is a celebration of French film as well as French culture, art and lifestyle, features 11 outstanding titles, including The Ballroom. The opening film, presented in an exclusive preview by distribution company Film Europe, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Paris theatre during three hectic hours leading up to the premiere of Shakespeare's Macbeth. "It's an exclusive preview screening — the film hasn't yet been screened even in France," Dominik Hronec of Film Europe has told TASR. The screening will also be exceptional thanks to the personal attendance of the film's lead actress, Pauline Clement, a talented representative of a new generation of French cinematography and a member of the prestigious Comedie-Française theatre company. The French Film festival will also present classic cinema in the form of the famous movie 'The Ballroom' by Italian director Ettore Scola, a pioneer of 'storytelling through dance'. The Oscar-nominated film was based on a stage production that was later performed with great success for many years by the Drama Company of the Slovak National Theatre, directed by Martin Huba, with Ladislav Chudik starring in the leading role. "Mr. Huba himself will take part in a discussion following one of the screenings at Edison Filmhub, which will also serve as the festival centre, hosting a wide range of accompanying events," said Hronec. The festival's programme also includes a series of expert introductions, discussions and masterclasses designed to deepen the audience's experience of French cinematography. ko/df