Our December Selection of French Films on TV5MONDE Cinema on Demand
As always, the holiday season requires a festive lineup on TV5MONDE Cinema On Demand! The month of December brings us popular comedies for ages 7 to 77. We personally suggest that you not miss the zany Christmas tale from the genius mind of Alain Chabat, Santa & Cie.
La ch'tite famille (2018)
In French with English subtitles. Available from December 13.
A bit of a spinoff of Boon's previous project, Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis, the film that catapulted his career, this lighthearted comedy is a really fun look into different dialects and identities within France and how they can define someone's past, try as they might to forget it.
Valentin D, a hotshot designer, is ashamed of his working class family in northern France and pretends to be an orphan to hide his origins, but the truth comes out when an accident leaves him with amnesia.
"Jean Renoir... would have loved this vaudeville unmasking of the ridiculous socialites.." - Fotogramas
Director: Dany Boon
Cast: Dany Boon, Valérie Bonneton, Line Renaud
Genre: Comedy
Santa & Cie (2017)
In French with English subtitles. Available from December 20.
Alain Chabat brings a more absurd and offbeat humor to this Christmas tale, inspired by Tim Burton. The result is a film that will appeal to young and old alike.
When Santa's elves suddenly become sick just days before Christmas, Santa must take to the streets of Paris to find a cure before the holiday is ruined.
"A clever holiday comedy that just about nails the right mixture of offbeat humor and Yuletide cheer." -Hollywood Reporter
Director : Alain Chabat
Cast : Alain Chabat, Golshifteh Farahani, Pio Marmai
Genre : Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Mes stars et moi (2008)
In French with English subtitles. Available from December 20 December.
After her magnificently twisted He Loves me... He loves me not, Laetitia Colombani presents a second entertaining script focusing on uncomfortable obsession, which is, thanks to her, one of our new favorite genres.
When three actresses discover they share the same overly enthusiastic fan, the stars join forces to meddle with his life in revenge for how he has been interfering with their lives.
"A wonderful idea boosted by an amazing cast " - Premiere
Director : Laetitia Colombani
Cast : Kad Merad, Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Béart
Genre : Comedy
Premier jour du reste de ta vie (2008)
In French with English subtitles. Available from December 27.
Rémi Bezançon creates a superb family tableau, tender and melancholy, with unique cinematography.
This moving portrait tells the story of a family of five over twelve years. Following each family member on the most important days of their lives, the film examines how a single day has wide-reaching effects in the future.
"By using such a typical family, it's a film most will be able to relate to, making it an inspiring, uplifting and, at the end, deeply moving mini masterpiece." - U.K. Daily Mirror
Director: Rémi Bezançon
Cast : Jacques Gamblin, Zabou Breitman, Déborah François
Genre : Drama
Le dîner de cons (1998)
In French with English subtitles. Available from December 6.
An extremely popular 90's French classic (think just second place at the box office behind Titanic) with comedic timing and reaction shots so hilarious you may feel like you've had too much Christmas cheer. Just kidding, that's impossible.
Pierre Brochant and his friend have a weekly game they play at their Wednesday dinner parties. Each person must invite an idiot and whoever brings the most spectacular idiot wins the prize.
“Weaves a simple premise into comedy gold." - Variety
Director: Francis Veber
Cast: Thierry Lhermitte, Jacques Villeret, Francis Huster
Genre: Comedy