Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

His Excellency Herman Portocarero Ambassador of Belgium (left) with His Excellency Francis Hurtut Ambassador of France at the launch of the Francophone Film Festival in association with the diplomatic missions of Belgium Canada and France at the Bob Marley Museum. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

For the past 30 years French movies have been presented to local audiences through the Francophone Film Festival.

Pierre Lemaire, president of the the Alliance Francaise de la Jamaique, the festival's organisers, says each year the event is welcomed with a packed theatre, and this year the expectations are high.

"There is a lot more interest in French films. This year we are hoping to start things with the film makers in Jamaica, to go to the next step. French movies are not made for the market, they are an art form. French film makers make films to express themselves," Mr. Lemaire said while addressing patrons at Tuesday's launch of the festival at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.

"We want to show this side of the world a different type of film. In Jamaica people are exposed to Hollywood movies."

This year, the Alliance will be working in association with the diplomatic missions of Belgium, Canada and France, as well as the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) to stage the event, which will run from November 28 to December 9, at the Bob Marley Museum.

As part of the year's celebration, along with the films, will be some panel discussions on film topics of interest to the Jamaican film fraternity. The discussions will include some of the more knowledgeable film aficionados such as Lennie Little Whyte founder of Media Mix, Steven and Stephanie James film makers from Guadeloupe and many more.

Lemaire also commented that the effort is being made to "create a link with CARIMAC, where there are the Jamaican film makers of tomorrow."

There is limited seating so patrons are advised to reserve tickets either at the Bob Marley Museum or the Alliance Francaise.

Among the films to be featured are: I Always Wanted To Be A Saint, The Red Violin, Rising Tide, The Great Seduction and more. Every feature film will be preceded by a local showcasing of talent Portrait of A Caribbean Woman by Shakti Productions. For the children, French cartoons such as The Frog's Prophecy and Black More Island.