International conference examines Anglo-French film relations

The cinematic relationship between France and Britain is explored in an international conference hosted by the University of Southampton (Friday 14 to Sunday 16 September).

Despite the close geographical, political and cultural links between France and Britain, Anglo-French cinematic relations remain critically understudied.

The conference will fill significant gaps in the knowledge of British and French film and film personnel, and what this reveals about the respective film cultures. It will also have implications for the study of Anglo-French and European relations more generally.

Over 30 experts from around the world, including Australia, France and Canada, will discuss contemporary issues in the distribution, exhibition and promotion of French cinema in the UK. On Saturday 15 September at 9pm, Harbour Lights Picture House in Ocean Village, Southampton will host a special preview of The Singer starring Gérard Depardieu.

The event is linked to a four-year Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded project, which also includes a special exhibition, ‘French Cinema in Britain, 1930-present’ and a series of screenings, both taking place at Harbour Lights Picture House.

The series of screenings, taking place on Sunday afternoons throughout September, October and November, will feature a French film from each decade between the 1930s and the 2000s. Each film will have held a special significance for British audiences, from Drôle de Drame, a French comedy set in Britain, to the recent box office success Indigènes.

Dr Lucy Mazdon, who is leading the project, says: "This project makes an important intervention into the study of British and French film history and the study of transnational cinematic relations. The conference and exhibition are the first in a series of exciting events planned for the next three years, including a symposium and two major publications."

The French film season at Harbour Lights Picture House (All films start at 1pm and will be introduced by a speaker from the University of Southampton) –

Sunday 16 September: 1930s Drôle de Drame
Sunday 23 September: 1940s Jour de Fête and Les Vacances De Monsieur Hulot
Sunday 30 September: 1950s Le Salaire de la Peur
Sunday 7 October: 1960s Paris Nous Appartient
Sunday 14 October: 1970s Le Cercle Rouge
Sunday 21 October: 1980s Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources
Sunday 28 October: 1990s Taxi
Sunday 4 November: 2000s Indigènes

To register for the conference, please call 023 8059 8854 or download the registration form at http://www.film.soton.ac.uk/francebritain/