A master class with French filmmaker Benoit Jacquot, direrctor of Farewell, My Queen, will be held in Johannesburg on 9 August at 10am at AFDA Johannesburg, within the framework of the French Film Festival in South Africa.
Attendees will be afforded the unique opportunity to meet with Jacquot and discuss Farewell, My Queen, which screens on 8 August at the Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein.
This is the opening night film for the French Film Festival in South Africa which runs in Johannesburg until 12 August at Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau Rosebank Mall. The festival runs in Pretoria from 9 to 12 August and moves to Port Elizabeth from 15 to 18 August and then Durban from 23 to 26 August.
Farewell, My Queen stars Diane Kruger, Lea Seydoux, Virginie Ledoyen and Michel Robin. Set in 1789 on the eve of the French Revolution, those living at the Court of Versailles continue to lead carefree, uninhibited lives, far from the growing unrest in Paris. When news of the assault on the Bastille reaches the court’s ears, the nobles flee along with their servants, deserting the palace. But Sidonie Laborde, a young reader of the Court who is devoted to the Queen, refuses to believe the rumours. She is certain that under Marie-Antoinette’s protection she will come to no harm. Little does she know that these will be the last three days she will spend at her queen’s side.
The Benoit Jacquot master class commences on 9 August at 10h00 at AFDA, 41, Frost Avenue, Auckland Park. This class is free but bookings are essential. To book email Gina@afda.co.za.
Born in Paris, Jacquot began his career as assistant director of Marguerite Duras’ films including Nathalie Granger and India Song. He was also as an actor in the 1973 short film La Sœur du cadre. Jacquot turned to writing and directing with the 1975 film L’Assassin Musicien (The Musician Killer) which starred Anna Karina.
During his career Jacquot has directed nearly 30 films of which the most notable to foreign audiences are La Desenchantee (1990) and La Fille seule (1995). In 2003, he directed Massenet’s opera Werther, conducted by Antonio Pappano at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
For more information about the French Film Festival in South Africa log on to www.fff.org.za
The French Film Festival in South Africa is organised by the French Institute of South Africa and the network of Alliance Française in South Africa, as part of the France – South Africa Seasons 2012 & 2013 with the support of Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau and Unifrance Films.
