French Film Festival Manila Returns with Feminist Cinema and Animation Focus

French Film Festival Manila highlights co productions, feminist stories and animation at SM Aura and SM City Manila

The French Film Festival Manila returns with new energy and sharp purpose. This edition brings a mix of co productions, feminist stories, and animated works to SM Aura and SM City Manila from November 24 to 30. The Embassy of France in the Philippines and Micronesia partners with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema to deliver a full week of films that push ideas and spark conversations.

For 28 years, the festival opened a path for Filipino audiences to see French cinema up close. The new edition stays focused on collaboration and cultural exchange. You see this in the strong line up of French Filipino co productions, the rise of female voices, and the wide range of animation titles ready to reach new viewers.

Women take center stage this year. The festival highlights stories about identity, choice, and courage. A rising French actress joins the event as a guest. She will speak after select screenings and share insights with audiences who want to understand the stories behind the films. The featured titles reflect themes about independence, equality, and the strength of women in sports, society, and creative fields.

Animation takes a strong role. The festival teams up with the Animation Council of the Philippines for ANIMAHENASYON at Samsung Hall. Screenings and talks celebrate the craft of animated filmmaking. Titles such as Amélie et la Métaphysique des Tubes, La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises, and Maya Donne moi un titre show the range and emotion of French animation.

The festival also marks a major moment for both countries. France and the Philippines signed a Co Production Agreement at the Cannes Film Festival. This agreement builds a future for shared film projects and wider distribution. A two day conference at SMX Aura will gather creators, producers, and partners to explore new work.

Screenings continue at Alliance Française de Manille and partner schools. Admission at SM Aura and SM City Manila is free, giving more viewers access to the full line up.