The Five French Films to Watch on TV5Monde in July

This July on TV5MONDE don't miss two thrillers with a very different approach: the clever and surprising Un beau voyou, a crime drama about  a cop fascinated by the robber he's trying to catch, and the dark and suspensful Toril, about the son of a farmer selling drugs to keep his dad's business afloat.

Je suis la fête des vignerons (2019)

July 20 at 6:30PM ET/3:30PM PT, with English subtitles

A fascinating documantary on this magical wine festival launched over 200 years ago. No doubt you'll want to party after watching this film, responsibly of course!

The Fête des Vignerons is a miracle organized just five times each century since 1797. It liberates the people of Vaud and transforms the region between Chablais and Lavaux into one big celebration. Generation after generation, it is organized by the guardians of viticulture tradition, the Confrérie des Vignerons.

Director: Raphaël Guillet
Genre: Documentary

Et au pire, on se mariera (2017)

July 21 at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT, with English subtitles

Adapted from Sophie Bienvenu's best-seller, Et au pire, on se mariera (Worst case, we get married) is a sensible and touching drama about a love that seems impossible, yet inevitable.

Much like hell, the road to love is paved with good intentions. WORST CASE, WE GET MARRIED is the story of 14 year-old Aïcha, those who love her, and the type of love that consumes and destroys you. Living with her mother, Isabelle whom Aïcha can't forgive for leaving her stepfather. Aïcha meets Baz, a man twice her age, and it is love at first sight for her. Baz only intends to help this lost young girl, but her desire proves relentless. 

“A tour de force by Léa Pool with this intense et fierceful film that will keep you guessing long after viewing."– Cinoche.com

Director: Léa Pool 
Cast: Sophie Nélisse (Aïcha Saint-Pierre), Jean-Simon Leduc (Baz), Karine Vanasse (Isabelle Saint-Pierre), Isabelle Nélisse (Young Aîcha), Mehdi Djaadi (Hakim) 
Genre: Drama 
Runtime: 1h 31m

Toril (2016)

July 28 at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT, with English subtitles

Provence is a character of its own in this dark thriller that beautifully uses the dry landscape and stuffy summer in south of France to build on its suspense and tension.

In the South of France, Philippe lives between two worlds: Cannabis trafficking and the family farm. When his over-indebted father tries to end his life, Philippe decides to save their last land. In order to do so he has to find a lot of money quickly. Philippe joins a big drug traffick ring in the region to install a vast network of narcotics at the heart of the regional market. A trafficking ring that will be difficult to leave...

"An intriguing little crime thriller about a struggling young farmer who starts cultivating marijuana, among other cash crops, in order to pay the bills." - Hollywood Reporter

La fête est finie (2016)

July 14 at 8.40PM ET/5:40PM PT, with English subtitles

The Party's Over brings a very naturalistic approach to addiction and relationships, and manages to feel both sad and hopeful, dark and upbeat. A well-executed coming of age drama with two remarkable actresses, Clemence Boisnard and Zita Hanrot.

THE PARTY’S OVER is the story of a revival, that of Céleste and Sihem. Arriving on the same day at a rehab facility, they create an indestructible friendship. Their friendship is both a force as an obstacle when they are left on their own after getting expelled from the facility. Now facing the temptations of the outside world, their real fight for sobriety, freedom, and a better life begins. 

"A well-performed drama of mutual dependence." - Hollywood Reporter

Director: Marie Garel-Weiss 
Cast: Zita Hanrot (Sihem), Clémence Boisnard (Céleste), Michel Mullet (The Psychologist), Christine Citti (Catherine), Marie Denarnaud (Céleste's mother), Pascal Rénéric (Jean-Louis), Inès Fehner (The Therapist), Martine Schambacher (Madeleine)
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 1h 30m