Friday, February 12, 2010
San Joaquin Film Society announces 2nd French Cinema Day, March 27, 2010, with "The Girl on a Train" by André Téchiné and "Welcome" by Philippe Lioret

San Joaquin Film Society announces 2nd French Cinema Day, March 27, 2010, with "The Girl on the Train" by André Téchiné and "Welcome" by Philippe Lioret

Published: Friday, February 12, 2010

Stockton, CA - The San Joaquin Film Society (SJFS), the benchmark cinema arts organization of California's Central Valley, celebrates an illustrious 2010 year by kicking-off its Spring Season with its 2nd French Cinema Day (FCD): Set to take place Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 2:00PM to 11:00PM, at the Stockton Empire Theatre (1825 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204).

Programmed by SJFS as part of its year-round, acclaimed World Cinema Series, FCD 2010 will feature new, celebrated, and award-winning works from French filmmakers sharing contemporary experiences, historical events, insightful perspectives and innovative creations.

The first two films announced:
• "Welcome" directed by Philippe Lioret (4:00PM)
• "The Girl on the Train ("La fille du rer") directed by André Téchiné (7:00PM)

"Welcome" - the 10-time César Award (French Academy Award) nominee and the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival Prize of the Ecumenical Jury winner by Philippe Lioret - will captivate the afternoon screen with a story about: Bilal, a 17 years old Kurdish boy from Iraq who sets off on an adventure-filled journey across Europe for the love of his life.

"The Girl on the Train," from revered French director Andre Téchiné, and starring Emilie Dequenne, Catherine Deneuve, Michel Blanc: is an absorbing drama, based on true events, centered on a young woman who claims she was the target of an anti-Semetic attack and the subsequent media sensation it creates.

Full synopses for both films are below. Yet to be announced are the selected films of the shorts programs of short-length narratives and animations.

For film line-up, showtimes, and information: www.sjiff.org/fcd10

Advance tickets for select shows now on sale starting at $7.50.
Online box office: www.sjiff.org/tickets

DETAILS ON "WELCOME"

Bilal, a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee, has struggled his way through Europe for the last three months, trying to reunite with his girlfriend, who recently emigrated to England. But his journey comes to an abrupt halt when he is stopped by authorities in Calais, on the French side of the Channel. Left with no other alternatives, he decides to swim across. Bilal goes to the local swimming pool to train, where he meets Simon, a middle-aged swimming instructor in turmoil over his imminent divorce. Simon agrees to help Bilal, hoping to win back the affection of his wife, who does volunteer work helping immigrants. But what begins as a relationship based on self interest, develops into something much bigger than Simon could ever have imagined, as he too will ultimately risk everything to reach happiness. (source: Film Movement)

DETAILS ON "THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN"

Based on a play by Jean-Marie Besset, "The Girl on The Train" is inspired by one of the most media-blitzed and polarizing events in recent French history: a young woman’s lie about being the victim of an anti-semitic attack on a Paris suburban train.Jobless, soul-searching and rollerblading Jeanne (Rosetta’s Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Winner Emilie Dequenne,) lives in a Paris suburb with her widowed mother Louise, (Catherine Deneuve,) who makes a living as a baby-sitter. Louise helps her daughter get a job with her old flame Samuel Bleistein (Michel Blanc, Monsieur Hire, Grosse Fatigue), now a famous lawyer and Jewish activist. When Jeanne’s budding relationship with aspiring wrestler Franck (Nicolas Duvauchelle) is shattered by a violent turn of events, Jeanne and Bleistein’s opposite worlds get set on a collision course, as the film becomes a complex psychological drama raising issues of race, religion and identity. (source: Strand Releasing)

For still images and press kits, visit http://www.sjiff.org/downloads.html

ABOUT THE FILM SOCIETY

The San Joaquin Film Society, Inc. (SJFS) is the benchmark cinema arts organization in California's 400-mile Central Valley. The Film Society is home to the annual San Joaquin International Film Festival and the year-round World Cinema Series. The Film Society celebrates cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation, and global outreach through year-round productions of festivals and educational programs.The Film Society is dedicated to celebrating the artistry, diversity, and power of filmmaking, bringing the world's best, rarest, and newest works in cinema arts and media discoveries to the Valley. The Film Society presents over 100 shows and events annually, featuring over 200 films from 40+ nations. The Film Society welcomes over 100 visiting directors, actors, luminaries and cinema arts educators; along with social events and galas, special screenings, and workshops for filmmakers and filmgoers. The Film Society's illuminating programs reach diverse and multi-cultural audiences of over 20,000 people annually.

Official Website: www.sjiff.org

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CONTACT

Sophoan Sorn
Email: ssorn@sjiff.org
Phone: (209) 423 4719
Official Website: www.sjiff.org

For still images, visit http://www.sjiff.org/downloads.html

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THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
• Press Kit
• Film Still One
• Film Still Two
• Film Still Three
• Film Still Four
• Director's Headshot

WELCOME
• Press Kit
• Film Still One
• Film Still Two
• Film Still Three

HYMEN (short film)
• Film Still One
• Film Still Two
• Film Still Three
• Director's Headshot

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