vOilah! French Film Festival Returns to Singapore in November With 34 Films and Special Appearances by Acclaimed Filmmakers

The 42nd edition of the vOilah! French Film Festival will return to Singapore from 12 to 29 November 2026, bringing 34 films to local audiences, including new releases, acclaimed classics, animated features and stories inspired by French history and culture.

Organised by the Embassy of France in Singapore and co presented by Alliance Française de Singapour, Shaw Organisation and Filmhouse, this year’s festival explores the diversity of French cinema through themes of history, courage, women’s rights, romance and family. Screenings will take place at Shaw Theatres, Alliance Française de Singapour, Filmhouse and participating community venues.

One of the highlights is the two-part cinematic portrait of Charles de Gaulle, featuring De Gaulle I: Tilting Iron and De Gaulle II: The Sovereign Age. The films revisit the life of the French general who became a central figure in the French Resistance during the Second World War, examining leadership, courage and the decisions that shaped France’s future. De Gaulle I: Tilting Iron was also selected for the Out of Competition section at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

The programme also includes Les Misérables, a new big screen adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel directed by Fred Cavayé. Its themes of injustice, redemption and humanity continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

Paris takes centre stage in several films exploring the French capital through romance, mystery and unexpected encounters. Alexandre Castagnetti’s The Phantom Of The Opera unfolds within the historic Palais Garnier opera house, where passion and obsession intersect with the building’s mysterious atmosphere.

The Electric Kiss, which opened the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, transports viewers to early 20th century Paris, blending romance and fantasy against a backdrop of artistic innovation and social change. Meanwhile, Delicacy, directed by David Foenkinos and Stéphane Foenkinos, offers a tender story about love and second chances.

Women’s experiences and the fight for equality form another key part of this year’s selection. Mélisa Godet’s A Place For Her explores women’s experiences and solidarity, with a special screening scheduled at Alliance Française de Singapour on 18 November, ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November.

Women On Trial, also featured in the Out of Competition selection at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, revisits a landmark struggle for women’s rights in France. Malika, meanwhile, tells the true story of a woman who overcomes poverty, discrimination and a childhood accident in pursuit of her dream of becoming a mezzo soprano.

The festival will also feature Violette, the latest film by acclaimed French filmmaker Jean Pierre Jeunet, best known for directing Amélie. The story follows Violette, a cemetery caretaker in a small town in Burgundy who listens to the personal stories of those around her. When a police officer investigates her past, she is forced to confront a long-buried truth.

Filmhouse will pay tribute to the late French filmmaker Marjane Satrapi with a special screening of Persepolis, her award-winning animated film about identity, freedom and resistance.

Families can look forward to nearly 10 family friendly films spanning animation, adventure and classic French storytelling. The selection includes Asterix: The Kingdom of Nubia, Pets on a Train, Mune: Guardian of the Moon, The Choir and Sophie’s Misfortunes. The programme aims to bring children, parents and grandparents together through stories that combine humour, adventure and emotion.

Community outreach remains an important part of the festival. Returning partner People’s Association will support 20 screenings across 10 community clubs and Integrated Community Hubs. Families can also enjoy an open-air screening at Palawan Beach through the festival’s continued collaboration with Sentosa’s Movies by the Beach.

New partnerships with the National Library and Archives Board and Serangoon Garden Country Club will introduce additional screening locations, extending the festival’s reach into libraries, community spaces and residential areas across Singapore.

Ticket prices at regular screening venues are set at S$16 for standard admission, S$11 for students and senior citizens, and S$14.50 for Alliance Française and Singapore Film Society members.

The festival will also welcome several French film talents to Singapore for special screenings and audience engagement sessions. Jean Pierre Jeunet will attend a retrospective featuring at least four special screenings throughout the festival, giving audiences opportunities to meet him and participate in post screening question and answer sessions.

Other visiting filmmakers include Julien Chheng, director of Muyi And The Handsome General and Ernest and Celestine: A Journey in Charabia, Alexandre Castagnetti, director of The Phantom Of The Opera, and David Foenkinos, the French novelist, screenwriter and director behind Delicacy. The presentation of Delicacy will take place in conjunction with the Singapore Writers Festival.

Through its mix of historical dramas, contemporary releases, animated films and community screenings, the 42nd vOilah! French Film Festival aims to make French cinema accessible to audiences of different ages and backgrounds while celebrating the stories and filmmakers that have shaped its cultural influence.

The vOilah! French Film Festival 2026 runs from 12 to 29 November at Shaw Theatres, Alliance Française de Singapour, Filmhouse and participating community venues.