FULLERTON, Calif. — Fullerton College will kick off its 2022 French Film Festival starting March 29, the first of four nights filled with flicks.

The festival first arrived at the school in 2010, funded through a series of partnerships including the French American Cultural Exchange and the Fullerton College Humanities Division.

What You Need To Know

  • The Fullerton College French Film Festival will return for four nights starting March 29

  • The films, shown on campus, will include one German film, "Balloon," previously made by Disney in 1982 under the name "Night Crossing"

  • Some free food samples from nearby restaurants will be available before each show, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

  • Tickets are $10, while students pay $7 with parking running $3

COVID-19 shut the program down in 2019, but it’s back now, bringing students and anyone else with interest a chance to watch films of a different linguistic and artistic flavor.

Films begin at 6:30 p.m. on March 29, 30 and April 5 and 6. Tickets have been on sale since March 1 at the box office for $10 plus $3 for parking.

And there will be food. Complimentary samples from local restaurants will be available for nibbling, including from Crêpes Bonaparte, Zombee Donuts, Bourbon Street Bar and Grill, Les Amis Restaurant, Crepes de Paris and Pandor Bakery.

Among the sponsors supporting the program are Vista Higher Learning and the International School of Orange County.

The films slated for screening are:

Tuesday, March 29

"Pupille"/ "In Safe Hands" (2018)
Rated G

This film examination the adoption system, splitting the perspective three ways. The Guardian wrote in a review: “In Safe Hands is a little too quick to let its characters successfully process, in its eagerness to proclaim that fostering works. But this intelligently performed film is still a welcome look at a vital and underappreciated duty of state.”

Wednesday, March 30

"Ballon"/ "Balloon" (2018)
Rated PG-13.

The film tells the story of two families who made a dramatic escape from east Germany by hot-air balloon in 1979. First covered in the 1982 Disney film "Night Crossing" starring John Hurt, the film has been remade for the first time in German.

The Hollywood Reporter called the film “competent, adding “Lacking the nail-biting suspense that the story would seem to call for, Balloon quickly deflates.” 

Tuesday, April 5

"Un Triomphe" / "The Big Hit" (2017)
Rated PG-13.

The film follows the comedic story of Etienne, an out of work actor who teaches prisoners about the craft. The rogues gallery of actors prepares Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, building toward a last performance in Paris.

Wednesday, April 6

"Au bout des doigts"/ "In Your Hands" (2018)
Rated PG-13

Brought to you by director Ludovic Bernard, this film follows a musical prodigy. A Hollywood Reporter review said the film found “quite a few."

Attendees must show a vaccination card or a recent negative test.