Elevator to the Gallow takes place over one night in Paris. A self-assured businessman murders his employer, with help from the employer's wife, who is his mistress. The act unintentionally provoked an ill-fated chain of events.

JSA: I chose this film because it is simply a masterpiece of French cinema: Jeanne Moreau is my favourite actress. She often interprets fallen angels, women with a dark fate and, ultimately, she acts as a kind of godmother to the French New Wave. She represents a free and extraordinary woman.

Then, there is of course the groundbreaking score that was recorded in one night. It was recorded by Miles Davis and four other musicians, as they improvised the score over the film footage, directly. The film is also a great example of noir movies of the late 1950s.

Screening schedule: May 29 and June 6

This biopic follows the French cult hip-hop duet uprêmes NTM in the late 1990s. It tells their story of living in the Paris suburbs amidst the protests and police brutality. Find out how Joey Starr and Kool Shen’s music became the voice of a generation.

JSA: Suprêmes NTM is an important voice in French rap music, representing a phenomenon that is still influential 30 years after its inception. The duo was marginalised because of social injustice and they represent the birth of a highly talented musical generation in contemporary France, as portrayed in this feature film.

Screening schedule: May 27 and June 1

Baraba tells the story of an actress, Brigitte (Jeanne Balibar) who is preparing to portray the famous French singer Barbara. She studies the real Barbara’s gestures, manners and intonations, mimics her facial expressions and learns her music. Slowly, she being to merge with the character she’s supposed to be playing.

JSA: Barbara is a myth for most French people. This iconic singer stayed away from trends and followed her own path of exigence and talent. The movie is an extraordinary accomplishment by Amalric, a well-known actor and here, he is a talented director. Jeanne Balibar is just stunning as she interprets a dreamy interpretation of the great French singer.

Screening schedule: May 26 and June 4

Interstella 5555 revolves around the abduction and rescue of an interstellar pop band. The four musicians from another galaxy are kidnapped by an evil manager to ultimately become the biggest band on Earth.

JSA: This movie is like its title, a UFO landing in our cinemas. The film is an animated musical, based on Daft Punk’s landmark album Discovery, released in 2001 in collaboration with the renowned [Japanese animation and comic artist] Leiji Matsumoto and director Kazuhisa Takenouchi.

It’s been said that the film is a “visual and aural treat of intergalactic proportions”, so we know you’ll be bopping along in your seat. You won’t be able to help yourself when it comes to the French superstar duo Daft Punk, who is one of the most influential acts in dance music history.

Screening schedule: May 28 and June 5

French May Cinema Programme 2022 runs from May 25 to June 7, screening will take place in Pacific Place, ifc and Bradway Cinematheque.

NOW READ

9 New Netflix Shows and Movies to Watch in May 2022

8 Most Inspiring Korean Dramas to Watch This Mother’s Day

6 Movies by Ryusuke Hamaguchi You Should Watch After ‘Drive My Car’