Institut Français d’Ecosse: Offer for Community Cinemas

The Institut Français d’Ecosse is offering Film Hub Scotland members access to a wide catalogue of French films, free of charge.

The Institut Français d’Ecosse facilitate cross-cultural exchange and present the best of French culture, including film screenings, library collections, kids activities, festivals, talks and exhibitions.

They are offering Film Hub Scotland members based the chance to show the Institut’s brilliant selection of French films, available with English subtitles.

Key info

• Available to FHS members based out-with Glasgow and Edinburgh
• Available for non-commercial screenings
• The films are available for free, however please fill out the feedback form after each screening

How do I access the catalogue?

To access the catalogue, create an account with Institut Français d’Ecosse: https://ifcinema.institutfrancais.com/en/registration.

• Select : “Cultural partner” and fill in the form
• When asked Type of Organisation, select “Arts Centre”
• “Number of films you wish to order” – we recommend asking for 2 to 3 credits max to start (once they are used, you will be able to ask for more)

How do I navigate the catalogue?

The catalogue features films that are available to French Institutes worldwide. To pick a film, you need to verify two criteria:

• The film is available in the United Kingdom
• The screening rights are running in the period when you wish to show the film

Tick those two boxes on the left side of the page to only show films which check the above criteria. Once you have selected a film, always check when the screening rights end.

Recommended films

You will have access to hundreds of films, which can be a bit daunting, so don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here is a selection of films we think you and your audiences might like. If you wish to screen a film from the catalogue but are not sure where to start, feel free to contact the Institute at culture@institut-francais.org.uk.

Modern Drama

The Story of Souleymane, Boris Lojkine 2024, 1h33
As he pedals through the streets of Paris to deliver meals, Souleymane repeats his story. In two days, he has to go through his asylum application interview, the key to obtaining papers. But Souleymane is not ready.

Period Drama

Délicieux, Eric Besnard, 2020, 1h52
The prestige of a noble house depends above all on the quality of its table. At the dawn of the French Revolution, gastronomy still is a prerogative of the aristocrats. When talented cooker Manceron is dismissed by the Duke of Chamfort, he loses the taste for cooking. Back in his country house, his meeting with the mysterious Louise gets him back on his feet. While they both feed a desire of revenge against the Duke, they decide to create the very first restaurant in France.

Film and Music

The Marching Band by Emmanuel Courcol, 2024, 1h43
Thibaut is an internationally renowned conductor who travels the world. When he finds out he was adopted, he discovers the existence of a younger brother, Jimmy, who works in a school cafeteria and plays the trombone in a small marching band. Everything seems to set them apart, except their love of music. Sensing his brother’s exceptional talent, Thibaut decides to remedy the injustice of fate. Jimmy begins to dream of a different life…

Divertimento, Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, 2022, 1h50
Classical symphonic music is everything for 17-year-old Zahia Ziouani and her twin sister, Fettouma. Nevertheless, living in underprivileged Parisian suburbs in 1995 with their Algerian background, they struggle arduously to approach their dreams – becoming an orchestra conductor and a cellist. Driven by determination, passion, and courage, they create their own orchestra, Divertimento. It will be a game-changer. DIVERTIMENTO is inspired by the life of Zahia Ziouani, one of the few worldwide renown female conductors.

Film and Sports

Marinette, Virginie Verrier, 2022, 1h36
Marinette Pichon is one of the world’s greatest stars of football, having held for almost two decades the record for the number of goals and caps for the French team (men/women combined), before becoming a FIFA Legend by being the first French player to have a career in the US. Pioneer of French women’s soccer, the film follows her fight to spread awareness on women’s rights in sport. A path full of pitfalls, from a childhood ravaged by an alcoholic and violent father to the heavy burden of coming out in an era where there is no such thing as LGBTQ+ rights. Her success in sport will fuel her desire to make a difference in the recognition of French women’s soccer, homosexuality, and equal opportunity.

A Classic

Max and the Junkmen, Claude Sautet, 1971, 1h55
Max is a Paris detective, aloof, independently wealthy, and frustrated by gangs of robbers whom he cannot catch. To re-establish his stature and save face, he decides to inveigle a group of petty thieves (led by an old acquaintance) to rob a bank. What could go wrong with Max’s cold plan?