This month, the East Lansing Film Festival is showing the French language film “Frantz” as part of its Spring Indie Film Series. The film was nominated in multiple categories at this year’s César Awards (the French version of the Academy Awards), including a win for Best Cinematography.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful movie, and something that definitely needs to be seen on the big screen,” says festival co-founder Susan Woods. “It captures an incredibly wide range of feelings, and the performances feel very much grounded in reality.”
The film is set just after WWI, and focuses on Anna (Paula Beer), a young German woman whose fiancé was killed in the trenches in France. When a handsome French stranger arrives in her town with a connection to her fiancé, Anna’s life is turned upside down. The film also explores the impact that war takes on both soldiers and their families, a theme that still rings true today.
“Even thought this takes place almost 100 years ago, the movie has this vibrant sense of timelessness,” Woods said. “I’m really eager to see how people react to this.”
The film will play at Celebration! Cinema, 200 E. Edgewood Blvd.
Lansing through the end of June. For dates and showtimes, go to celebrationcinema.com/location/Lansing or call (517) 393-7469.
“Frantz” (114 minutes)
Rated PG-13
Directed by François Ozon
In French and German with English subtitles.
WATCH THE TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oop8_CgSgmo