There is a certain magic that settles over Canberra as the leaves begin to turn, and through the years, that magic has been underscored by the arrival of the Alliance Française French Film Festival. Currently lighting up the screens at Palace Electric from now until April 22nd, the 2026 circuit is a masterclass in why French cinema remains the gold standard for storytelling.
This year’s program celebrating the festival 37th anniversary is particularly stacked with Australian premieres and cinematic craftsmanship.
A Program of Legends and Lawbreakers
This year’s lineup feels like a deep dive into the soul of French literature and history. For those craving high-stakes drama, look no further than The Stranger, François Ozon’s elegant adaptation of the Albert Camus classic set in 1930s Algeria, or the poignant Jean Valjean, which re-teams director Éric Besnard with Grégory Gadebois to explore the origin story of Victor Hugo’s most iconic protagonist.
If you prefer your cinema with a side of sharp wit, the legendary Isabelle Huppert is reportedly in top form in The Richest Woman in the World, a film freely inspired by the real-life L’Oreal fortune drama. And, for a bit of a local “political” laugh, The Son Of offers a comedy about power and ambition that might feel all too familiar to those of us living in the heart of the ACT.
From Cannes to the Cobblestones
The festival isn’t just about the classics; it’s also a launchpad for the next generation of French auteurs. Leave One Day holds the distinction of being the first-ever debut feature to open the Cannes Film Festival, offering a heartfelt “dramedy” about a rising chef forced to reconnect with her roots.
Between the comedy of manners in The Musicians, where clashing egos derail a wealthy heiress’s concert plans, and the deeply moving single-mother drama Six Days in Spring, there is truly a film for every mood this autumn. Grab a glass, find your seat, and let the subtitles take you away.
EVENT INFORMATION:
Palace Electric Cinema, NewActon
Ends 22 April 2026
Tickets: Available now at the box office or online.
Find out more HERE
