Isabelle Huppert, Pierre Richard and French filmmakers come to Brazil for the 2025 French Film Festival.
The 16th French Film Festival in Brazil, running from November 27 to December 10, announced its artistic delegation. Guests include actress Isabelle Huppert, directors Fabienne Godet, Valérie Donzelli and Victor Rodenbach, actors Bastien Bouillon and Salif Cissé, and actor-director Pierre Richard, the honoree of this edition. The delegation will visit Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo for screenings and public events, while Isabelle Huppert will also attend a special premiere in Salvador.
Directors and new talents
Recently awarded at the Venice Film Festival for the script of Mãos à Obra (A pied d’œuvre), director Valérie Donzelli is also an actress and screenwriter. Her film O Amor e as Florestas (L’amour et les forêts) won the César Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2024. The new feature, starring Bastien Bouillon, follows a photographer who leaves a successful career to pursue his true passion: writing.
Bastien Bouillon, winner of the 2023 César Award for Most Promising Actor, also stars in O Segredo da Chef (Partir un jour), which opened this year’s Cannes Festival. Actor Salif Cissé appears in the comedies Voz de Aluguel (Le Répondeur) and Os Bastidores do Amor (Le Beau Rôle), both distributed in Brazil by Bonfilm.
Direction and tributes
Director Fabienne Godet, of *Voz de Aluguel*, is also a screenwriter and documentary filmmaker nominated for the César Awards. Debut director Victor Rodenbach presents *Os Bastidores do Amor*, a story about a couple of theater artists whose relationship is tested when one ventures into film. The movie marks his directorial debut after writing episodes of Dix Pour Cent.
Renowned French actor, director and screenwriter Pierre Richard is the festival’s honoree. Married to Brazilian model Ceyla Lacerda, he will present Sonho, Logo Existo (L’homme qui a Vu L’ours qui a Vu L’homme), marking his return to directing after nearly 30 years. A special retrospective will screen classics such as *The Goat*, *The Toy*, *The Fugitives* and *The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe*.
Isabelle Huppert’s participation
Award-winning actress Isabelle Huppert, with 163 films and 19 major prizes, will attend the opening gala at Cine Odeon in Rio de Janeiro, presenting A Mulher Mais Rica do Mundo, directed by Thierry Kliffa. She will also travel to Salvador for a special premiere. Known for her work in *The Piano Teacher*, *Elle* and *8 Women*, Huppert is regarded as one of the greatest actresses in world cinema.
Sponsors and support
In 2025, the festival continues with Varilux, from the Essilor Luxottica Group, as its master sponsor. It also receives support from BNP Paribas, Edenred, Voltalia, Fairmont and Air France, as well as from the Ministry of Culture through the Rouanet Law, and the City of Rio de Janeiro.
The event reaffirms its mission to celebrate French cinema and strengthen cultural exchange with Brazil.
Official channels
Instagram / TikTok / Facebook / YouTube / Giphy / Spotify: @FestCineFrancesBR Official hashtag: #FestCineFrancêsBR
