Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival's

Ninth Annual Perrier French Film  Festival Offered a Taste of France Through Cinema and Cuisine

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) in conjunction with The French Consulate-Miami completed an extremely successful run with a number of sold out houses and special events.

Fifteen (15) films were presented during the four-day fest featuring an eclectic array of dramas, scenic adventures and side-splitting comedies.

The fest opener July 29th was the street-smart comic adventure, PARIS EXPRESS. Michaël Youn (Iznogoud, Around The World In 80 Days) stars alongside Heroes' Jimmy Jean Louis and two of France's hippest, sexiest young actresses, Géraldine Nakache (Comme t'y es belle) and Catalina Denis (Go Fast).  Following the film, FLIFF hosts their popular Opening Night Soiree catered this year by internationally renown Chef Kim Naimoli. The sumptuous buffet of classic French cuisine will include Salad Nicoise, Pommes Dauphine, Coq au Vin and deserts including crepes.

Film and food pairings continued throughout the film festival.  Wine, baguettes and brie were served July 30th between the comedy LES SŒURS FÂCHÉES starring Isabelle Huppert and Catherine Frot and the wildly entertaining MICMACS from director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet's (Amélie).  Refreshing Sorbets and cupcakes, provided by Gelato Station & Gelati Martini Lounge, was enjoyed by the crowds on July 31 between COCO CHANNEL & IGOR STRAVINSKY - the "sumptuous recreation of '20's France and the mad affair between two the century's most iconic figures" (Hollywood Reporter) and the romantic comedy MA VIE EN L'AIR starring Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (Nine, La Vie en Rose). The monthly Sunday morning Cafe Cinematheque International brunch went French with croissants, pastries and French roast coffee or tea before the irreverently funny road movie AALTRA.

On Saturday, July 31st, FLIFF'S Summer MAKE-A-MOVIE Camp concluded as FAB! Films for Kids presents a screening of the campers final film projects with a French flair..

Closing the fest on August 1 was LET IT RAIN, an endlessly charming and a sharp-witted battle of the sexes from the celebrated director Agnes Jaoui (Look at Me and the Oscar® nominated The Taste of Others).  FLIFF's  Wrap Party followed with light French fare including Soup d'Oignon, Ratatouille, Quiche Lorraine and for dessert, a Chocolate Fountain with fruit and cake.

Additional film highlights included: TWO IN THE WAVE an absorbing look at French directors François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard,  THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN Winner of the Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, DREAMS OF DUST which will transport audiences to a world few have seen, and DUMAS a fascinating and gorgeously told tale of French author Alexandre Dumas and his relationship with Auguste Maquet, the little known co-author of such classics as The Three Musketeers and  The Count of Monte Cristo. DUMAS stars Gerard Depardieu and Benoit Poelvoorde.

For news and information: www.FLIFF.com or 954-525-FILM (3456)

Venue:  Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6 Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale, one block east of Broward County Courthouse on south bank of New River.