The French Film Festival Aotearoa 2026 brings a curated selection of contemporary French cinema to audiences across New Zealand. Featuring dramas, comedies, documentaries and award‑winning international titles, the festival continues its mission to showcase French storytelling, culture and artistry to Kiwi film lovers nationwide.
Colours of Time
Festival de Cannes (Out of Competition)
A genuine crowd pleasing story that blends the excitement, wonder and art of Belle Epoque France with present day themes around identity, legacy and connection.
In 1895, young Adele (Suzanne Lindon) leaves Normandy for Paris, a city alive and buzzing with invention, photography and the rise of Impressionism.
Comedy, Drama M Drug use, offensive language & nudity126 Mins
Screenings: Thurs 28 May 6.30pm; Sat 30 May 1.00pm; Sat 6 June 4.40pm; Sat 13 June 1.00pm.
De Gaulle: Tilting Iron
Direct from the world premiere in France.
June 1940. France collapses and signs the Armistice. In the midst of the chaos, one man, Charles de Gaulle, refuses to give up.
Taking the ultimate gamble he flees to London and seeks to convince the world that the battle for France is neither over or lost. What follows next is a triumphant story of faith, audacity and an unshakeable quest for freedom.
Simon Abkarian commands the screen as the titular General,
Sure to be a talking point of the Festival.
Biography, Drama M Violence & wound detail
158 Mins
Screenings: Sat 6 June 1.30pm; Fri 12 June 7.00pm; Sun 14 June 6.45pm.
The Richest Woman in the World
CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Actor – Laurent Lafitte
Few modern scandals have captivated France as the astonishing events surrounding Liliane Bettencourt, the billionaire heiress to the L’Oreal fortune and doyenne of Parisian society.
With several twists too good to spoil, The Richest Woman in the World makes the most of its fabulous ensemble cast, but Huppert and Lafitte simply eat up the screen.
Comedy, Drama M Offensive language, sexual references & nudity122 Mins
Screenings: Sun 31 May 6.00pm; Sun 7 June 2.45pm; Fri 12 June 11.00am.
Case 137
Drama, Crime, Thriller M116 minutes French with English Subtitles – CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Actress – Léa Drucker
Drucker plays Stéphanie, an Internal Affairs police officer who is assigned the case of a young man severely wounded during a tense and chaotic demonstration in Paris. When she discovers that the victim hails from her hometown of Saint-Dizier, the case suddenly becomes far more personal.
This compelling crime drama highlights themes of loyalty and justice that resonate long after the final scene.
Screenings: Mon 1 June 1.45pm; Fri 5 June 7.00pm; Sat13 June 3.30pm.
The Stranger
Drama M123 minutes French with English Subtitles
OFFICIAL SELECTION: Venice International Film Festival
CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Supporting Actor – Pierre Lottin
Summer, 1938. Meursault (Benjamin Voisin, Lost Illusions), a quiet and unassuming clerk in his early thirties, attends his mother’s funeral. The next day he begins a casual affair with Marie (Rebecca Marder), a colleague randomly encountered at the local baths, and quickly slips back into routine. However, daily life is soon disrupted by his volatile neighbour.
Should not be missed.
Screenings: Sat 30 May 3.45pm; Thurs 4 June 3.00pm; Sun 14 June 1.30pm.
Jean Valjean
Drama M99 minutes
Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables is one of the most beloved novels of the 19th century.
1815. Provence, France. In the peaceful village of Digne, rumour spreads that a dangerous man has entered the area; indeed, the hulking Valjean (Gadebois) has just been released from prison.
Screenings: Fri 29 May 7.15pm; Thurs 4 June 11.00am; Sun 7 June 5.15pm
