November 18, 2009
The 27th International Festival for Environmental Film runs from November 18 – 24 at La Pagode, the left bank’s famed artsy cinema house. Thirty-six countries are represented with 104 films, so there should be something to suit every eco-leaning movie lover’s taste. The HiP Paris crew has selected a few highlights that will be screened in English.
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August 3, 2009
August in Paris is all about slowing down and appreciating life’s little pleasures. In other words, you have an excuse to do absolutely nothing. In that spirit, the Forum des Images invites you to sit back and let them do the work, as they bring classic and contemporary films to you — for free!
The much awaited 9th annual Cinéma au Clair de Lune festival runs from August 5th-23rd and takes place in various arrondissements throughout Paris. The festival’s outdoor film projections take advantage of Paris’ naturally cinematic backdrops, and all films are free and open to the public. The 2009 film line-up spans époques and locations, featuring classic films and futuristic thrillers. This year’s festival is dedicated to Claude Berri, the famed French director, writer, and producer who died in January of this year. The festival kicks off with a screening of Jacques Becker’s Casque d’Or and includes a diverse selection of films, most of which are set in Paris or France. Continue Reading »
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July 27, 2009
Sunbathers in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont. Photo by Tory HoenYou may have heard rumors that Paris empties out in August. As it turns out, the rumors are largely true. But before you start envisioning a Parisian ghost town—tumbleweeds rolling down the Champs-Elysées—take it from us: August is a wonderful time to be in Paris. As many locals head to the coast and many businesses close up for the month, you can feel the city’s pulse slow down. Traffic decreases, picnickers multiply, people become friendlier, they linger in parks and enjoy balmy evenings on café terraces throughout the city. In August, Paris settles and simply enjoys itself.
In the past, many tourists have avoided the month of August, deterred by the fear that many restaurants and businesses might be closed, or that Paris in August is not the “real” Paris. Nowadays, there is no need to worry about such things. While the “August atmosphere” is more relaxed and unhurried, there is plenty to do during this wonderful month; and many locals believe it’s actually the best moment to take advantage of the city. In addition, visitors can often find special deals and lower rates at this time of the year. Continue Reading »
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July 11, 2009
Now that summer is in full swing, Parisians will seek out any excuse to loiter outside for as long as possible. Luckily, the Cinéma en Plein Air festival at the Park de la Villette gives them an excuse to do just that! Back for its 19th year, the film series runs from July 15th-August 16th and features a different film every night (except Mondays) at approx. 9:00pm (or whenever night falls) on a large outdoor screen located in the Prairie du Triangle (Metro: Porte de Pantin, Line 5). The vast lawn provides ample space for film-goers to stake out a spot, throw down their picnic blankets, and spend the evening lounging beneath the glow of the silver screen. The theme for this year’s festival is traversées, or crossings, and each film in the series will explore the significance of a journey — literal, metaphorical, or otherwise — and the process of discovery. Continue Reading »
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