THE 23rd edition of the French Film Festival is officially underway in Penang, running from May 22 to June 1 at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Gurney Plaza.
Alliance Française de Penang president Pauline Goh described this year’s festival as a milestone, marking a new chapter with a refreshed format.
She mentioned that this year’s edition represents a turning point — a bold new approach that sees the festival evolve throughout the year across six thematic highlights.
“And at the heart of it all remains cinema — the origin and soul of this festival since its very beginning.
“For the 23rd edition of the French Film Festival this year, we are proud to present a selection of 12 French films, carefully curated to reflect not only the diversity of genres and voices in French cinema today, but also the deeper themes that matter — to us, and hopefully, to you.
“One of those themes — and the guiding thread of this year’s entire festival — is the protection of our oceans and the environment.
“This theme echoes the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France and several of our films speak directly or metaphorically to this relationship between human beings and nature,” Goh said in her speech during the opening ceremony of the French Film Festival at GSC Gurney Plaza tonight.
According to Goh, tonight’s opening film, Flow, is a perfect example.
“It is a beautifully animated story about a cat who learns to overcome his fear of water — a simple premise that unfolds into a profound and poetic meditation on courage, adaptation, and environmental change.
“Winner of both the César and the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Flow speaks to audiences of all ages and sets the tone for a reflective, inspiring festival.
“Another standout is La Vallée des Fous (Sailing Home) — a drama set against the backdrop of the Vendée Globe. It explores not only the ocean but also human resilience, addiction, and redemption. It offers both a literal and emotional journey that ties beautifully into this year’s theme,” she said.
The remaining 10 French films that will be screened during the festival are Un P’tit Truc en Plus (A Little Something Extra), Le Comte de Monte-Cristo (The Count of Monte Cristo), Rosalie, L’Amour Ouf (Beating Hearts), Le Ravissement (The Rapture), La Nuit se Traîne (Night Call), Vermines (Infested), Monsieur Aznavour and Linda veut du poulet (Chicken for Linda!).
Goh extended her heartfelt thanks to GSC for their unwavering support.
“This festival would not be possible without GSC’s partnership.
“Through these twelve films, we invite audiences to laugh, reflect, feel, and dream — and to experience the vibrancy and creativity of modern French cinema.
“May this year’s festival spark not just emotion, but also connection and conversation,” said Goh.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who officiated the opening ceremony, said French Film Festival 2025 proudly holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s longest-running foreign film festival.
“Through festivals like this, Penang is fast becoming a regional hub for international film and cultural festivals.
“Beyond the French Film Festival, we are proud to host a diverse array of cinematic celebrations – including the Latin America Festival, the Japanese Film Festival, Korean Film Festival, Iranian Film Festival, and the Penang-Xiamen Amphibia Film Festival, as well as the upcoming China-Malaysia Film Festival, which will take place right here next week.
“These festivals not only foster cultural appreciation, but also attract tourists, filmmakers, and creative professionals to our state – boosting both our creative economy and tourism sector.
“This aligns with our broader vision to position Penang as a cultural and creative capital of the region,” he said.
Wong also emphasised that these efforts align with Penang’s broader vision of becoming a regional cultural and creative capital.
“Our Unesco World Heritage Site in George Town remains a key driver of cultural tourism, and we continue to champion initiatives in film, design, digital arts, festivals, and heritage conservation,” he said.
Also present during the opening ceremony were Alliance Française de Penang patron Datuk Tengku Idaura Tengku Ibrahim and Alliance Française de Penang executive director Michel Gonçalves.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat