Festivals - The American French Film Festival Celebrates Its 28th Edition in Hollywood: October 29 – November 3, 2024

By Mulder, 03 september 2024

The vibrant city of Los Angeles will once again host one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the year, as the American French Film Festival (TAFFF) prepares for its 28th annual edition, scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 3, 2024, at the prestigious Directors Guild of America (DGA) Theater on Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood.

Presented by the Franco-American Cultural Fund (FACF), a collaborative effort involving the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Motion Picture Association (MPA), France's Society of Authors, Composers, and Publishers of Music (SACEM), and the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), TAFFF stands as North America's largest festival dedicated to French cinema and television series. It continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting French culture and fostering cross-cultural exchange between France and the U.S.

This year’s edition promises to be a grand celebration of French storytelling, featuring an impressive array of U.S. premieres across different genres—drama, comedy, documentary, and animation. Festival-goers can immerse themselves in a carefully curated lineup of films and TV series, many of which will be making their debut in North America. From gripping narratives to innovative visual storytelling, TAFFF showcases the diversity and creative depth of French cinema.

In true Hollywood style, the festival will open with a star-studded red-carpet event, featuring some of France’s most celebrated actors, filmmakers, and industry professionals. The Opening Night film, yet to be announced, is expected to draw a full house as it sets the tone for the five-day celebration of French cinematic excellence. Attendees will also be treated to exclusive cocktail receptions, where they can sample French cuisine, wine, and specialty cocktails, offering a delightful blend of film and French culture.

For film enthusiasts eager to fully experience TAFFF, the festival is offering an exclusive week-long pass for only $40. This pass provides access to all screenings and festival events, ensuring attendees don’t miss a moment of the action. The passes will be available for purchase from September 12 to October 2, 2024, via the official festival website, www.TAFFF.org.

Moreover, the festival includes a unique incentive: audience members who attend screenings are automatically entered into a raffle to win a trip to Paris, courtesy of Air Tahiti Nui. The more films and series you watch, the greater your chances of securing the ultimate prize—an opportunity to experience the magic of Paris firsthand.

Beyond the screenings, TAFFF is renowned for its industry panels, masterclasses, and Q&A sessions. These events offer valuable insights from directors, writers, producers, and actors, providing a rare opportunity for attendees to engage with leading figures in the film industry. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, an industry insider, or simply a lover of cinema, TAFFF’s professional events create a space for rich dialogue and creative collaboration.

TAFFF also takes pride in its robust educational program, which has become a cornerstone of the festival. Supported by ELMA (European Languages and Movies in America), the program reaches over 3,000 students from schools across Los Angeles each year, offering them an unparalleled introduction to French cinema. Through film screenings, educational workshops, and masterclasses with industry professionals, the festival encourages young American audiences to engage with foreign films, broadening their cultural perspectives.

Since its inception, the festival has aimed to bridge the cultural gap between France and the United States, fostering cross-cultural understanding through the medium of film. Over the years, more than 30,000 students and 160 high schools have participated in the festival’s educational initiatives, furthering the festival’s mission of inspiring future generations of filmmakers and storytellers.

While the complete program for TAFFF 2024 is still under wraps, the festival has announced that the Opening and Closing Night films will be revealed soon. On October 2, 2024, a press conference at the French Consulate Residence in Los Angeles will unveil the full schedule of films and special events. Journalists and media representatives interested in covering the festival are invited to register for press credentials on the festival’s official website.

This press conference is expected to generate significant buzz, as industry professionals and film lovers alike await news of the films that will be showcased. With each edition of TAFFF presenting a lineup of premieres and exclusive screenings, the festival has become a critical platform for French films hoping to break into the U.S. market. In previous years, several films premiered at the festival have gone on to be nominated for prestigious awards, including the Academy Awards.

Formerly known as COLCOA (City of Light, City of Angels), the festival was founded in 1997 by the Franco-American Cultural Fund with the aim of promoting French cinema in the U.S. and celebrating the shared artistic heritage of the two nations. Over its 27-year history, the festival has grown to become one of the largest French film festivals in the world, drawing over 20,000 attendees annually and showcasing more than 1,000 French films and TV series.

In 2019, the festival transitioned from its traditional April date to September, aligning with the start of Hollywood's awards season. Since then, TAFFF has continued to serve as a key platform for French films vying for international recognition. Some of the festival's past highlights include the U.S. premieres of acclaimed films such as Les Misérables and I Lost My Body, both of which went on to receive Academy Award nominations.

As TAFFF prepares for its 28th edition, excitement is building among filmmakers, industry professionals, and fans of French cinema. The festival remains a must-attend event for those eager to discover the latest in French storytelling and to experience the vibrant cultural exchange that TAFFF fosters between France and the United States.

With a rich program of premieres, exclusive events, and educational opportunities, the 2024 American French Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema in the heart of Hollywood. For more details and to purchase passes, visit www.TAFFF.org. See you on the red carpet!

(Source : press release)