As autumn fades into winter, cinema lovers in Edinburgh and across the UK are preparing for a celebration of French and francophone filmmaking. The 33rd French Film Festival UK will light up more than 40 cinemas from 6 November to 14 December 2025, bringing an array of films — from hotly anticipated new releases to rediscovered classics that shaped the golden age of French cinema.
This year’s fête boasts 62 films, including 32 UK premieres. The line-up reflects the full spectrum of French-language cinema, from intimate debut features to sweeping historical dramas.
Among the directors featured are household names like Cédric Klapisch, François Ozon, Diane Kurys, Hafsia Herzi, Julia Ducournau, and Lionel Baier.
On screen, audiences will see many familiar faces including Jodie Foster — delivering flawless French — alongside Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Benjamin Voisin, Roschdy Zem, Mélanie Thierry, Cécile de France, Sandrine Kiberlain, Louis Garrel, Franck Dubosc, and Camille Cottin, among others.
In one of the festival’s standout titles, Richard Linklater—the American indie icon—pays homage to French New Wave legend Jean-Luc Godard with a nostalgic, monochrome take on the making of Breathless. Meanwhile, François Ozon brings his own black-and-white interpretation of Albert Camus’s classic novel The Stranger, adding philosophical edge to this year’s selection.
The festival’s scope is as ambitious as ever, spanning highlights from Cannes, Venice, and beyond. Audiences will be treated to documentaries, animations, and tributes to cinematic greats.
Retrospective
This year’s spotlights include a salute to Gaumont Studios, celebrating its 130th anniversary, and a heartfelt homage to Marcel Pagnol, born 130 years ago, with screenings of timeless works like Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources.
The Gaumont tribute will open in Edinburgh with a live musical performance accompanying the silent-era thriller Fantômas, performed by Jane Gardner and Caroline Salmon — a gothic masterpiece brought vividly back to life through sound and shadow.
Festival screenings will take place in Edinburgh at Filmhouse, the Dominion Cinema, and the Institut Français d’Écosse. The Glasgow Film Theatre is also taking part.
Film from "la belle province"
Across the Atlantic, Québec takes centre stage with five films, from Denys Arcand’s final work Testament, through best Canadian feature Shepherds, to Valérie Lemercier’s musical biopic Aline, inspired by the life of Céline Dion.
Of course, the festival’s tradition of balancing box office favourites with arthouse gems continues. This year’s lineup includes actor-comedian Franck Dubosc’s directorial turn in How to Make a Killing — a darkly comic, Fargo-esque thriller with a French twist.
Beyond the silver screen, the festival’s Schools Programme will reach more than 25,000 pupils nationwide, giving young audiences a taste of French language and culture through film. Community cinemas in rural and coastal areas will also be part of the celebration, ensuring that the magic of French cinema extends well beyond the big cities.
Festival Director Richard Mowe captures the spirit of the event best:
“With this 33rd edition, the true diversity of French-language cinema has never been as strong and vibrant as in this year’s selection. There is an embarras de richesses — an overwhelming choice. We’re delighted to partner with so many incredible cinemas and cultural institutions across the UK to showcase the brilliance of French and francophone cinema.”