The Five French Films to Watch in January on TV5MONDE

The TV5MONDE January program is simply electrifying, as it includes a documentary that pays homage to French terrain and cheese, a fantastic drama that takes place in the Villa Medici in Rome, and a very popular comedy illustrating the clash between the city (Paris) and countryside (Basque Country).

 

 

Les maîtres du fromage (2019)

January 22  at 9.20PM ET/6.20PM PT, in French with English subtitles

A beautiful tribute to the natural land and to the craftsmen, which also offers a nice tour of the different regions of France. An ideal documentary for spending a peaceful evening. 

 

The majority of cheese production today is industrial, resulting in bland standardized flavors. From the Cantal plateaux to the Alpine meadows of Switzerland and the cheese cellars of Roquefort, we meet the craftsmen and women putting all their energy into protecting their land and producing exceptional cheeses.

 

Director: Éric Bacos
Genre: Documentary

 

L'indomptée (2017)

January 12 at 8.30PM ET/5.30PM PT, in French with English subtitles

An original debut film with a captivating atmosphere bordering on the fantastical, which keeps you in suspense until the final revelation.

Axèle is a photographer, Camille, a writer. They leave for a year in residence at the Villa Medici in Rome. Camille is accompanied by her husband, the renowned writer, Marc Landré. As a strange rivalry settles between them, Camille becomes friendly with Axèle. But who is Axèle really? A complete artist, without concession, who merges with her work? Or the ghost of places? From this year at Villa Medici, where bodies and minds will free themselves, no one will leave unscathed...

“French director Caroline Deruas’ first full-length film surprises with its apparent lightness; a lightness that conceals a profound realism and a series of unsettling twists." – Cineuropa

Mission Pays basque (2017)

January 19 at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT, in French with English subtitles

With a classic narrative (poking fun at the shock between city life and the countryside), Ludovic Bernard shoots a warm film, unpretentious and with humor that hits the bull's eye.

Sibylle, a young, abitious Parisian, intends to shine in her new professional role by buying a hardware store in the Basque Country before setting up a supermarket there. She thinks she has bought out the old owner but he is under guardianship. Sibylle must therefore make do with Ramon, his nephew, to recover her money or sign the agreement as soon as possible. Otherwise, it's the insured ejection seat. She will quickly realize that the Basques do not intend to let themselves be bought by a Parisian, as pretty as she is.

"Florent Peyre turns out to be the major asset of this light romantic comedy." - Le Parisien

Director: Ludovic Bernard
Cast: Elodie Fontan (Sibylle Garnier), Florent Peyre (Ramuntxo Beitialarrangoïta), Daniel Prevost (Ferran Beitialarrangoïta), Nicolas Bridet (Raphael Morales), Barbara Caabrita (Aranxa), Ludovic Berthillot (Altzibar)
Genre: Comedy

Continuer (2017)

January 5 at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT, in French with English subtitles

Virginie Efira once again proves her dramatic acting acumen, a far cry from the light and care-free romantic comedies of her past roles, in this family journey of self discovery through the steppes of Kazakhstan.

On ne choisit pas sa famille (2011)

January 26 at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT, in French with English subtitles