The American French Film Festival (TAFFF), which had been due to take place in L.A. from October 18 to 22, has been shelved due to the writers and actors strikes.
The Franco-American Cultural Fund (FACF) which oversees the event (formerly known as Colcoa) said it had made the difficult to decision to cancel the 2023 edition after a board meeting.
“The FACF Board of Directors determined this week that it was not possible to continue with business as usual,” the fund said in a statement.
The festival said it would still announce the full 2023 festival slate as originally planned on September 27 to honor the projects that were selected.
Previously announced elements of the program included the U.S. premiere of TV bio-drama Bardot, about the life of Brigitte Bardot, in the presence of co-creator Danièle Thompson.
“The FACF is keenly aware of the impact of this decision on the filmmakers, actors, producers, and distributors of the films and series that were due to be featured, many of them for the first time in the United States. The FACF would like to thank all French cinema professionals for their understanding and for their supportive messages during these difficult times.
The FACF is a joint initiative between France’s Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music (SACEM), Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the Motion Picture Association (MPA).
Established in 1996, TAFFF has long been an important launchpad for French artists in U.S.
More than 650 French filmmakers have participated in the festival over its 27-year history including Jean-Jacques Annaud, Arnaud Desplechin, Claire Denis, Maïmouna Doucouré, Ziad Doueri, Anne Fontaine, Nicole Garcia, Michel Hazanavicius,Mélanie Laurent, Ladj Ly, Maïwenn, Emmanuel Mouret and and Bertrand Tavernier.
French acting talent is also showcased by the event with recent guests including Omar Sy and Marion Cotillard.
“The FACF acknowledges the support of its new and returning sponsors and partners, as well as the tireless efforts of its entire Festival staff, and looks forward to continuing its traditional Festival event in 2024,” the fund said in its statement.
