State Theatre French Film Fest offers sweet treats

The State Theatre takes guests on a cinematic – and culinary – trip to France for its next special event.

The third annual Mon Petit French Film Fest will be held Sunday, July 12, and offers up two films along with an array of sweets.

As it has been for the previous festivals, the downtown Modesto theater will be decked out in French finery with a selection of free desserts and champagne available in the lobby. The event celebrates Bastille Day, the French national holiday which commemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille and start of the country’s revolution.

State Theatre Executive Director Sue Richardson said the French Film Fest has grown in popularity each year, with just under 100 people attending the first year and more than 150 the second. This time around they’re hoping more than 200 people will sample the treats and the films.

“It’s a charming event that draws Francophiles – and there are many in our area – for an hour of socializing before the start of films, none of which they’d see in our region anywhere but at The State,” Richardson said.

The double-feature presentation highlights two recent French comedies: “Alceste á bicyclette” (“Bicycling with Molière”) and “On a failli être amies” (“The Chef’s Wife”). Both films are in French with subtitles.

In “Bicycling with Molière,” Lambert Wilson plays a famous soap opera star who tries to convince an old colleague and retired stage actor, played by Fabrice Luchini, to join him in a production of Molière’s “The Misanthrope.” An odd-couple comedy ensues as they rehearse, as both men bicycle and spar for the lead role.

In the second film, “The Chef’s Wife,” two women form a friendship when one comes looking for career advice from the other at a training center. It stars Cesar-winning actress Emmanuelle Devos as Carole, a Michelin-starred chef’s wife, and Karin Viard as the career counselor, Marithé. When the latter falls in love with the former’s husband, the stakes are raised for everyone.

To complement the movies and ambiance, State Theatre staff members will dress up and accordionist Bruno Cerri will return to play French tunes in the lobby.

“It’s just a fun, feel-good event that provides a forum for visiting and spending time with friends and fellow film-lovers,” Richardson said. “Really, that’s what The State is all about.”

This story was originally published July 7, 2015 at 5:20 PM with the headline "State Theatre French Film Fest offers sweet treats."