In Blaye, the Zoetrope cinema holds its comedy festival … and makes a mayor slam

A dozen films will be shown in the two large theatres of the Zoetrope, with 289 seats in theater 1 and 119 seats in theater 2. For the first time, the audience will be able to vote for their favorite film and choose the winner of the Audience Award. The opening film will be “The Boy Who Made the Hills Dance” by Georgi M. Unkovski, shown with original subtitles (VOST), kicking off with an animated session hosted by Marion Souquet from the Association of Local Cinemas of Gironde (ACPG) on Wednesday at 2 p.m. “Getting entrusted with previews is difficult because it requires the support of distributors,” explains Thomas Giraud.

Another preview will take place on Saturday, May 23, featuring “Everything is Going Great,” a dramatic comedy by Patrick Cassir. The goal is to attract a diverse audience beyond just the film. This edition will include two new elements, on Friday and Saturday, starting at 7 p.m. with live musicians and complimentary buffet.

Hidden Heritage

In addition to Japanese and Italian films with original subtitles, the festival celebrates cinematic heritage, focusing on art house films throughout the year,” says Édouard Siviére. The Italian comedy became a globally recognized genre in the 1950s and 1960s. The lesser-known “Seduced and Abandoned,” on Friday, May 22 at 9 p.m., is one of the gems of this genre. Journalist and cinema lover of Italian cinema, Charles-Édouard Woisselin, will present this screening and discuss this rich period.

On Sunday at 4 p.m., in between three short film screenings, the Mayor of Étauliers, Louis Cavaleiro, will step up to the big screen to perform slam poetry. “It’s a first for me, and solo. The idea is to offer a journey through personal and socially engaged texts, focusing on current events, especially those explored in the Rock Slam School of Étauliers.” A mix of humor, activism, and a touch of poetry.

With this diverse program, the festival hopes to reach an even wider audience, while establishing a lasting presence, supported by the municipality through the dedication of cultural affairs by the First Deputy, Audrey Brown, who will be present during the organizers’ discussions.