Paris Fetes Cinema

 
With over 300 films showing a week in over 100 movie theaters and a museum dedicated solely to film-making, Paris is one of the film capitals of the world. The city fetes cinéma during July and August with three festivals dedicated to the silver screen. From 1960’s Mexican movies to French classics screened under Parisian skies, this summer Paris promises to be a moveable film feast.

Le Festival Paris Cinéma
Start the summer off with this 11 day celebration of eclectic cinema from around the world. Aimed at discovering new filmmakers through its international competition, as well as honouring established film personalities, this year's festival will focus on Mexican cinema showcasing over 40 Mexican films, including the work of guest of honour, actor Gael Garcia Bernal. A highlight is sure to be the “Nuit du Cinéma” which will launch the festival with an all-night event of cinematic hedonism, featuring 1970’s Japanese erotica, an exploration of feminine vampirism in film and alternative Mexican cinema of the 60’s and 70’s. There will also be a film flea market with vintage posters, old magazines and other trinkets from the cinematic world. Takes place July 3-11 in various theaters around Paris. Individual screenings: €5, Festival Pass: €30, More info: http://www.pariscinema.org/uk/

Cinéma en Plein Air
For a little bit more originality on hot summer nights than an evening picnic on the banks of the Seine, the Parc de la Vilette Open Air Film Festival is where to be. Over a bottle of wine, check out some film classics such as Cedric Klapisch’s "Chacun cherche son chat," (When the Cat's Away (1996) or travel to New York through the eyes of Woody Allen in "Manhattan" or catch Gene Wilder’s acting debut in the iconic "Bonnie and Clyde." Includes a vast range of films from various countries and eras...and all screenings are completely free.  One film each night starting at sundown, Tuesdays to Sundays between the 19th July to the 21st August. http://www.villette.com/


Cinéma au Clair de Lune
The streets of Paris — the setting for so many filmic encounters— are cinematographic in their own right. What better way to pay tribute to them than to use them as the backdrop for a summer film festival? The Moonlight Cinema Festival (August 3-21) takes place at 9:30pm in various locations including Montmartre, Jardins des Champs-Elysées, Place des Vosges, Menilmontant and the Esplanade de Invalides. The festival kicks off with the 1940’s comedy starring Arletty "Fric-Frac" screened in Montmartre ending with Jacques Rozier’s "Adieu Phillipine" in Place René-Cassin by the beautiful gothic church of Saint Eustache. All films are in French.  http://www.forumdesimages.fr
And for a film festival that's already underway, Fete du Cinéma is offering reduced prices for film screenings nationwide. Now in its 27th year running, it works on a simple principle: buy one full priced ticket to any screening, and you are guaranteed €3 entry into all subsequent film screenings over the duration of the festival, at participating theatres.Until 1st July. http://www.feteducinema.com/

Article originally published on www.parisvoice.com