Focus on French Cinema, presented by the Alliance Française of Greenwich, begins its 22nd edition with an exciting new chapter: a year-round celebration of the best in new French and Francophone cinema at its new home, The Bruce Museum in Greenwich.
The 2026–2027 season opens on Sunday, September 27, with the U.S. Premiere of Pascal Bonitzer’s HUGO (Victor comme tout le monde), the acclaimed French director’s latest film, released in France earlier this year.
The screening will begin promptly at 2 pm at The Bruce Museum at 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich CT followed by a Q&A and reception.
A moving and witty tribute to Victor Hugo, HUGO blends literature, family and redemption. The film stars Fabrice Luchini as Robert Zucchini, a celebrated actor whose life revolves around performing the words of the great French writer. Offstage, however, Robert leads a solitary existence. When the daughter he never knew unexpectedly enters his life, he is forced to reconsider love, fatherhood and the place of literature in his own story.
FFC Director of Programming Joe Meyers says” I am thrilled that our new festival is opening with ‘‘Hugo’ starring the great French actor Fabrice Luchini in one of his finest performances. Luchini sets
himself up playing a stage actor increasingly obsessed with the work of Victor Hugo as he performs a one man show devoted to the great writer’s work. Funny and charming, the movie takes us behind the scenes of a hit Paris play, as it also demonstrates the continuing relevance and power of Hugo’s poetry.”
The screening marks the beginning of Focus on French Cinema: A Season of French and Francophone Cinema, which will run from September 2026 through June 2027 at The Bruce Museum, bringing
audiences newly released French-language films, U.S. premieres and special cinematic events throughout the year.
Following the screening, FFC Director of Programming Joe Meyers will lead a discussion with Professor Sylvie Kandé, a Victor Hugo expert, exploring the film, Hugo’s enduring cultural legacy and the relationship between literature and cinema.
A reception will follow the Q&A.
Advance ticket purchase is required. No tickets will be sold at The Bruce Museum on the day of the screening. Tickets:
https://focusonfrenchcinema.eventive.org/welcome