Fans of French cinema are in for a treat as the French Film Festival makes its comeback to Manila, offering all screenings for free.
The festival opened Monday and runs until Nov. 30 at SM Aura in Taguig and SM City Manila. Now in its 28th year, the event brings a curated mix of new releases, classics and cross-cultural films that highlight the long-running creative relationship between France and the Philippines.
This edition shines a light on women’s stories and animated filmmaking, echoing France’s push for feminist diplomacy. A rising French actress with recent Hollywood work is expected to join audiences for select screenings and lead conversations on women’s representation in cinema.
Animation also takes the spotlight through ANIMAHENASYON, a two-day showcase at Samsung Hall on Nov. 25–26 featuring screenings, talks and an awards program. Among the highlighted titles are “Amélie et la Métaphysique des Tubes” and “La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises.” The showcase is presented in partnership with the Animation Council of the Philippines.
The main lineup for the festival includes Partir un jour by Amélie Bonnin (2025), 13 jours 13 nuits by Martin Bourboulon (2025), La Petite Dernière by Hafsia Herzi (2025), Coutures by Alice Winocour (2026), Elsewhere at Night by Marianne Métivier (2025), Luc Besson’s Dracula (2025), Michel Hazanavicius’ La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises (2024), the classic Le Roi et l’Oiseau by Paul Grimault (1980), and Michel Ocelot’s Le Pharaon (2022).
A newly formalized France–Philippines Co-Production Agreement, signed in May at the Cannes Film Festival, is a major focus this year. To support it, a Co-Production Conference will be held Nov. 27–28 at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, bringing together French and Filipino filmmakers and producers.
Local audiences can also watch the Filipino adaptation of Call My Agent alongside the French original Dix pour cent. Additional screenings run
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said the company is honored to host the festival again, adding that this year’s films celebrate the “richness of French cinema” and the “vibrancy of storytelling” shared by both countries.
Festival schedules and updates are available on the French Embassy’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH
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