CinéSalon Series

Shining a Light: New French Documentaries

May 2–May 30, 2023
Tuesdays at 4pm & 7:30pm

FIAF Florence Gould Hall
Free for FIAF Members & Guests*

This series features five new and inspiring French documentaries, each an insightful and intimate portrait of life, that transport audiences across decades and around the world to France, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and New Orleans. Offering a fresh perspective on gender, race, class, and community, these filmmakers provide a voice to ordinary people who not only question their place in the world, but also challenge it.

The series kicks off on Tue, May 2 with the US premiere of Feminist Riposte featuring a Happy Hour and a Q&A with directors Simon Depardon and Marie Perennès.

*In celebration of May Members’ Month, FIAF Members can bring a guest for free to CinéSalon screenings in May!


Past Screenings


Film + Q&A

Feminist Riposte

Riposte féministe

US Premiere and Q&A with directors Simon Depardon and Marie Perennès

Tuesday, May 2
4pm: Film only
7:30pm: Film + Q&A
Happy Hour from 5:30–7:30pm

FIAF Florence Gould Hall


Dir. Simon Depardon & Marie Perennès, 2022
87 min, In French with English subtitles

Using simple white paper and black paint, women throughout France are plastering the streets with feminist messages to denounce misogyny and sexist violence. The film shines a light on four of the feminist activists in their daily fight to make their voices heard.

CinéSalon

Atlantic Bar

Tuesday, May 9
4pm & 7:30pm

FIAF Florence Gould Hall


Dir. Fanny Molins, 2022, 77 min
In French with English subtitles

When faced with the closure of the beloved Atlantic Bar and the world as they know it, owner Nathalie, along with bar patrons, are confronted with a deep loss of community.

CinéSalon

Returning to Reims (Fragments)

Retour à Reims (Fragments)

Tuesday, May 16
4pm & 7:30pm

FIAF Florence Gould Hall


Dir. Jean-Gabriel Périot, 2021, 83 min
In French with English subtitles

Returning to Reims relays the personal story of author Didier Eribon’s mother and grandmother within the larger political context of the French working class.

CinéSalon

Colette and Justin

Colette et Justin

Tuesday, May 23
4pm & 7:30pm

FIAF Florence Gould Hall


Dir. Alain Kassanda, 2022, 89 min
In Lingala & French with English subtitles

Determined to understand the colonial legacy from which he comes, Kinshasa-born filmmaker Alain Kassanda convinces his grandparents—Colette and Justin—to sit for a series of interviews to reveal what life was like for them under the colonial administration.

CinéSalon

Last Dance

NY Premiere

Tuesday, May 30
4pm & 7:30pm

FIAF Florence Gould Hall


Dir. Coline Abert, 2022, 100 min
In English

After 30 years of living and teaching drag in New Orleans, Vince decides to call it quits. Before saying goodbye to his drag persona Lady Vinsantos, he realizes his dream of having one last show in Paris.