The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), inspired by the success of the Festival Tournées in the US and its expertise in developing new audiences among young generations , has decided to customise the festival format to engage with a selection of Universities on the continent. French Films on Campus is developed in partnership with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States, the French Institute in Paris and the Premiers Plans Festival.
The festival aims to bring French cinema to university audiences in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The selected films and series of this first edition of French Films on Campus Africa cross generational and geographical boundaries, offer a wide range of genres and subjects, and present innovations in both style and storytelling. They include films by emerging directors as well as films by respected and renowned figures of French cinema.
A tailor-made festival to fit Universities needs and expectations
Each University that enters French Film On Campus programming can choose their own festival film selection over a catalogue of 20 features films. They can also choose the number of screenings as well as the dates of the festival. IFAS is providing an ultra secured and cutting-edge technology online festival platform, films’ material and is covering copyright fees. IFAS is also providing marketing and communication tools, can facilitate the participation of talents and experts and access to content by providing data.
In the context of the pandemic, IFAS has indeed signed a partnership with the French online festival and screening platform Festivalscope in order for students and academics to access an online version of French Film On Campus.
Wits University first on board
Thanks to a partnership between Wits School of Arts, Film & Television Division department and IFAS, the University of the Witwatersrand will be the first to host the festival for their 40 000 students from September 21st to October 4th, with a program of 5 feature films selected from the French Film On Campus’ catalogue by Wits School Of Arts (WSoA) Film & Television.
“Wits University is delighted to be part of French Films On Campus. It will give students and staff a unique opportunity to watch some of the best recently produced French films online.” WSOA Film & Television.
