Smile Politely. Speak Directly. Champaign-Urbana's Alternative Daily

In conjunction with the University of Illinois, Greg Boardman’s Art Theatre will host the 4th Annual Tournees French Film Festival and as with similar programs in the past, the slate is filled with an eclectic mixture of films that will appeal to a wide variety of viewers. While the notion of seeing a foreign film may be as appetizing as eating broccoli to some, the collection of films here sports accessible eye-opening films that effortlessly break through cultural barriers.

There are six different movies on a revolving schedule throughout the week of Oct. 31 — Nov. 6. A visit to the festival web page provides all the information patrons need regarding when each film will be screened and ticket prices. What follows is a thumbnail guide to the fest.

Click the jump for the guide.

Blame it on Fidel (2006)
Anna, a young girl whose father has left to help revolutionaries in Chile and whose mother has devoted herself to fighting for abortion rights, is a quietly humorous tale that looks at how a drastic change in her lifestyle leads to a more open way of thinking about the world. As she is exposed to different people and cultures, Anna’s worldview changes radically, as does her vision of herself. Simultaneously funny and touching, the film is buoyed by the performance of Nina Kervel as Anna, who gives a performance that belies her years.

Dry Season (2006)
This revenge tale is set against the background of the country Chad — a nation struggling to recover from civil war. The focus is on a young teenager, Atim, who finds the man who killed his father and ingratiates himself into his life. A tense cat-and-mouse game ensues, as the teen bides his time, seeking the proper time to exact h is vengeance, but all the while having it tempered as he comes to know his target.

Her Name is Sabine (2008)
This pseudo-documentary, as made by French actress Sandrine Bonnaire, examines the life of her sister Sabine, a 38 year-old autistic woman whose trials in life were made all the more difficult by the doctors who cared for her and a medical system ill-prepared to address her needs. Eye-opening and engaging, this is a passionate plea for greater awareness of this condition as well as an intimate look at a family desperately searching for answers to an elusive medical mystery.

Inside Paris (2006)
This family comedy looks at the family dynamic in a new way. Two brothers, both adults, find themselves living together, with their father, attempting to come to terms with how each of them have changed and how it effects their own sense of self. Added to the mix is the boy’s mother, whose sense of independence leaves all three men a bit off kilter.

The Last Mistress (2007)
Asia Argento stars in this sordid tale of intrigue in the 19th century French royal court. As Vellini, she’s been involved in a decades-long affair with Ryno Di Marigny, the new fiancé of Hermangarde, a vision of purity among the aristocracy. The triangle that ensues between these three is shocking and in keeping with the best royal soap operas.

The Red Balloon (1956) / White Mane (1953)
These two classics will be shown as a double feature and each remains as fresh and vital as when they first premiered over 50 years ago. The Red Balloon tells the tale of a young boy who discovers a balloon that leads him all about the streets of Paris. Simple in structure, this wondrous film is a delight to behold as well as a poignant reminder of the innocence of youth. White Mane concerns a wild stallion that’s tamed by a young man, who then has to help it retain its freedom.

Photo by Justine Bursoni