Toasting the French Film Pioneers

A hush is falling over St. Louis as audiences prepare for the fourth annual Classic French Film Festival at Webster University's Winifred Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood Avenue). Over the course of the next three weekends, Cinema St. Louis and the Webster University Film Series are showcasing the crème de la crème of the French New Wave movement, a double feature from short-lived auteur Jean Vigo and a tribute to one of film's founding fathers, Georges Méliès, whose work has undergone a renaissance thanks to Martin Scorsese’s recent 3D wonderwork Hugo. This weekend’s centerpiece comes on Sunday -- a double feature from Eric Rohmer, one of France’s most esteemed filmmakers. The Green Ray (originally released in the USA as Summer) will screen at 7 p.m. followed by Four Adventures of Reinette and Mirabelle at 9:15 p.m. Former RFT film critic Robert Hunt will lead discussions of both films. Admission has been discounted to $15 for the double bill, though separate admissions will be available for $8 to $10. For all of the details and a complete festival schedule, go to: www.cinemastlouis.org/classic-french-film-festival.
Saturdays, Sundays. Starts: July 15. Continues through July 29, 2012