27th Edition of the French film festival opens in Havana

HAVANA, Cuba, Oct 23 (ACN) — The 27th edition of the French Film Festival opened on Thursday afternoon at the Yara Cinema in Havana with a screening of the film *The Children of the Resistance* (2016), directed by Christophe Barratier—a filmmaker who has been a consistent presence throughout several editions of the event.

The feature film explores the role of young people during a highly complex period in French society.

It follows three children—François, Eusèbe, and Lisa—who decide to carry out clandestine operations during the Second World War, following the mobilization of their parents and relatives.
The story highlights the ingenuity and strength of its young protagonists in a truly commendable way. During the presentation, Luciano Castillo, director of the Cinematheque of Cuba, noted that Barratier is a director whose work has frequently premiered in Havana as part of the festival.

He praised Barratier’s creative talent and his long-standing commitment to the festival, which have earned him the admiration of those who love French cinema and its stories.

"It is an excellent opportunity to have him here—he, along with Nouredine Essadi (the current cultural attaché at the French Embassy in Cuba), is one of the founders of a festival that has truly resonated with the Cuban public," Castillo remarked.

Prior to the screening, Alexis Triana, president of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC by its Spanish acronym), stated that this is one of the most anticipated events for Cuban audiences.

French cinema has secured a special place among local viewers by offering a diverse range of compelling, passionate stories that generate immense popular interest.

Triana expressed his gratitude to the French diplomatic mission in Havana for organizing this event each year and for using the medium of film to create a space where cultures can connect.
He also noted that, very soon, Cuban theaters will host further premieres of national films, alongside international showcases and the 47th edition of the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, which will take place from December 3 to 13.

Meanwhile, Raphaël Trannoy, the French Ambassador to Cuba, expressed his gratitude to the Cuban public and the organizers.

He remarked that cultural events such as this one—which began this Thursday and will run until November 4—are a testament to the robust cultural relationship between the two nations.
He described it as a bridge built to present a curated selection of contemporary French cinema, showcasing the diversity and innovation found in French film productions.

"The Children of the Resistance" (*Les Enfants de la Résistance*) is part of a selection of 17 titles to be screened at the Yara and Charles Chaplin cinemas.

These screenings are intended to foster a space where filmmakers, the audience, and the big screen can come together as part of the 27th edition of the French Film Festival.