Embassy of France
When:
Decenver 1, 9 & 10, 2015
Where:
Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Rd NW
Washington DC 20007
French Tribute to William Wyler
 
When: December 1, 9 and 10, 2015
Where: Embassy of France
            4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007

The Cultural Services of the French Embassy, with the support of the National Gallery of Art, present the special French Cinémathèque series French Tribute to William Wyler, as an introduction to the upcoming 2016 Retrospective organized by the Cinémathèque française and dedicated to the American filmmaker.

By presenting three different works from William Wyler’s filmography, French Tribute to William Wyler evokes the audacity of the forward-looking filmmaker and acknowledges his essential contribution to cinema. Margaret Parsons, Head of Film Department at the National Gallery of Art will introduce the retrospective on December 1st on the occasion of the opening reception in the presence of Catherine Wyler.


The Children’s Hour (1961)
December 1, 2015 | 6:30 p.m

Longtime friends Martha and Karen are the two headmasters of a boarding school for girls. When an irresponsible and troublemaking child, Mary, finds herself punished for lying, she concocts a story that the two female schoolteachers are romantically involved. Based on Lillian Hellman's play entitled These Three and William Wyler’s first film version in 1936, this second perspective evokes the devastating effect of malicious slander and implied guilt, denouncing society’s cruelty.

The screening will be followed by a cocktail reception in the presence of Catherine Wyler.

Register online here.


Friendly Persuasion (1956)
December 9, 2015 | 7:00 p.m

The Birdwells, a peace-loving Quaker family living in Indiana in 1862 begins to reexamine their own pacifist values when the Civil War threats the community. As Confederate forces draw nearer, the Birdwells must face life-altering decisions, torn between their beliefs and the realities of the war. Based on Jessamyn West's novel of the same name, Friendly Persuasion explores the ethical dilemma caused by the realities of war. 

The film was awarded with the Palme d’Or during the 10th edition of the Festival de Cannes.

Register online here.


Roman Holiday (1953)
December 10, 2015 | 7:00 p.m

On a visit to Rome during a goodwill tour of European capital cities, Princess Ann takes off for a night to blend in and experience the City incognito. When she falls asleep on a park bench, she is rescued by Joe Bradley, an American reporter assigned to do a story on her, but romance gets in the way. William Wyler uses comedy as a frame to the game of love, exploring the role of subterfuge and accident in relationships, while introducing Audrey Hepburn to the audience.

Register online here.

All films will be screened at the Embassy of France, in English with French subtitles.

Online registrations are required for the three free admission screenings.






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