FOR many years, those within range of Maleny have been able to enjoy quality movies every second Saturday. Currently, the ordinary program includes leading contenders for Academy Awards.
The program will be enhanced later this month by the ‘Flavours of France’ Festival, a special weekend of French films.
With one of its aims being to present ‘the best of world cinema’, Maleny Film Society screens movies from many countries. French films are especially popular with local audiences.
Festival director Andrew Wallace said that “looking back at our records over the last quarter century we find that we have screened at least a hundred French films and we felt it was time to celebrate France’s film industry.”
The French do comedy especially well and that is perhaps the dominant flavour of the festival, with the emphasis on entertainment and enjoyment.
Two of the films are recent releases which should have particular appeal to anyone who cares about food and cultivating flowers.
Two others are highly-regarded films from 2002 and 2011, one an intriguing and quirky documentary, the other a brilliant comedy about the early days of cinema. A fifth film, the 1960 classic ‘Breathless’, can be seen by members only (due to special arrangements with the distributor).
There will be a display as well as bar service in the festival hub downstairs.
Festival passes can be purchased for $30 (members) and $50 (non-members) which is excellent value. Pass holders are invited to complimentary drinks and nibbles on the deck of the Community Centre prior to the first film on Friday evening. Tickets to individual films are available at the usual prices.
When: Friday March 25 to Sunday March 26
Where: Maleny Community Centre
Book: Online (including non-members) at malenyfilmsociety.info or at Maleny Visitor Information Centre