French Film Panorama 2025 launches in town

This year’s French Film Panorama kicked off yesterday evening at the Broadway Circuit outlet at MixC World in Nanshan District with the screening of La Prisonnière de Bordeaux (Visiting Hours) by French filmmaker Patricia Mazuy.

The film, a subtly intricate repackaging of familiar themes, premiered at the Director’s Fortnight during the 77th Cannes Film Festival last year.

A snapshot of two characters meeting at pivotal moments in their lives, the film is anchored by standout performances from Isabelle Huppert and Hafsia Herzi. Alma (Huppert), a wealthy white woman, is making a routine visit to her imprisoned husband. 

On the same day, Mina (Herzi), a poor North African woman, attempts to visit her husband but is turned away. Alma notices and offers Mina a ride, sparking a fast-moving friendship. Eventually, Alma invites Mina and her two children to live in her home — driven by a mix of empathy, pity, and boredom.

Mina and her children’s arrival becomes Alma’s first meaningful connection in years, and the two initially bond effortlessly. Yet beneath their chemistry simmers a one-sided class tension, and as Mina settles into Alma’s world, both realize how little they truly understand each other.

Alma (C) and Mina (L) meet a paintball coach during an outing to a beach in the suburbs of Bordeaux. File photo

While the premise isn’t groundbreaking, the film shines through its formidable parts: Huppert and Herzi deliver layered, silent depth that leaves the audience grasping for unattainable truths. This is elevated by masterful cinematography and sound design.

The screening concluded with warm applause, followed by a short video in which director Mazuy shared insights about her dramedy.

Running until June 29 at Broadway and Palace Cinema in Nanshan, this year’s Panorama showcases 10 French films spanning comedy, drama, thriller, sci-fi, and animation, offering a window into contemporary French cinema.

Huppert serves as this year’s promotional ambassador, alongside Chinese actress Zhao Tao as image ambassador.

Several featured films have screened at major festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Annecy, with many earning accolades, including César Awards.

Organized by Unifrance with support from the French Embassy in China, the Panorama has been a pillar of Franco-Chinese cultural exchange since its 2004 debut under the Festival Croisements.

Over 21 years, it has hosted icons like Sophie Marceau, Jean Reno, Juliette Binoche, Léa Seydoux, and director Claude Lelouch, as well as industry leaders such as Pathé CEO Jérôme Seydoux.

Audiences can look forward to a carefully curated lineup, immersing themselves in French storytelling on the big screen.

All films are presented in French with Chinese subtitles (some also include English subtitles).

Film listings for the 2025 edition in Shenzhen：