A taste of finest French films
By James Kon

Prince Abdul Qawi delivering a speech.

Prince Abdul Qawi with French Ambassador to Brunei Mr Borja De Mozota.

Guests at the launch of the French Film Festival.

French film enthusiasts in Brunei Darussalam will be able to watch some of the finest selection of French movies at the French Film Festival.

Yesterday evening saw the launch of the French Film Festival at the Empire Cinema of the Empire Hotel and Country Club. The chief guest was Prince Abdul Qawi, the Executive Deputy Chairman and Director of QAF Brunei.

Before he officially launched the festival, Prince Abdul Qawi gave a welcoming speech saying that the French Film Festival is a special and most welcome feature of art and culture in Brunei Darussalam and now in its fourth year, it is expanding to include Seria.

He added that French cinema has always sought to marry entertainment with cinema as a very important modern art form, whether dealing with comedy, social realism or high tragedy.

He added that French movies have been the inspiration of many artists and directors in the developing world from Asia to the Middle East and to North and West Africa.

French films have also done an enormous amount to strengthening traditional cultures and give pride to the people of developing nations, not least to Muslim societies throughout the French speaking World.

In his speech, Mr Borja De Mozota, the French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, said that the French Film Festival is in its fourth year and is becoming a well established event in Brunei Darussalam, the increasing success reflects the enthusiasm of cinema lovers in the country who will be delighted at the six movies being shown this year.

He then recapped on some of the French related events that had happened during the past months.

He also said that Alliance Francaise is extending the film festival to Kuala Belait this year and next year maybe to Tutong and Temburong.

To cap off the special evening, Prince Abdul Qawi, Mr. Borja De Mozota and guests viewed the first movie of the French Film Festival entitled "Ridicule".

The basic aim of the French festival is to develop the awareness of French culture through its movies. Cinema in France is inherent with its cultural identity. As film is a powerful medium, when people watch a French movie, people will get the chance to get to know France better, for example, how French people live and their life.

Since all the movies contain English subtitles, people who don't speak French can also enjoy the film.

Three French movies will be on show, namely, "Ridicule", "Place of Vendome and "Tout Va Bien, on s'en va" today and Sunday.

Then the festival will move on to the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre, Seria where three more French movies will be featured like Sur mes Levres, Un Air de Famille and Les Enfants du Marais from 18 until 19 October.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin