The French invented cinematography, and they have pioneered important developments in cinema ever since. This one-hour presentation will discuss twenty of the most successful and influential French films from the silent era to the present day, and describe why you should see them. The talk will communicate the richness, power, variety, and beauty of French cinema in all its genres, including comedies, dramas, musicals, histories, art films, gangster films, and film noir. We won’t watch the films during the talk, but all are available on DVD, and every attendee will receive a list of the twenty selected films for future reference. If you’ve ever been moved by the indefinable je ne sais quoi of French cinema, or is you want to learn more about Jean Gain or Catherine Deneuve, or if you are looking for a good existential drama for a cold winter night, then this is the talk for you.

* This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library