Discover the richness of French cinema with Mardi Cinéma, a monthly event dedicated to classic films and
expert-led discussions. Each session features a renowned French film, offering a unique opportunity to explore its artistic, cultural, and
historical significance.
🎥 How does it work?
Deborah Walker
Deborah is an Associate Professor of French at Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland, specializing in cinema and translation. Her
research spans French, New Zealand, and Māori cinema, with a growing focus on Indigenous film. She has subtitled Māori and NZ films,
translated a Māori novel into French, and co-directed a documentary on Kanak writer Déwé Gorodey. Since 2018, she has co-directed the Wairoa
Māori Film Festival, curating and translating Māori short films for international festivals.
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Pierre Pillet
French cinema enthusiast and language teacher, Pierre Pillet has a passion for exploring how film reflects and questions our humanity. Through the lens of powerful storytelling, he guides audiences in uncovering the ethical dilemmas, emotional landscapes, and social contexts that define iconic French films. His insightful approach invites us to examine our own moral compass, confront uncomfortable truths, and appreciate the enduring force of memory, empathy, and resilience. In times of global uncertainty, cinema becomes more than art — it becomes a mirror and a call to reflection.
For our fourth cycle, we explore Nouvelle Vague, a major turning point in French cinema at the end of the 1950s. Characterised by its freshness, spontaneity, and desire to break away from traditional filmmaking, the movement introduced new ways of filming and storytelling that continue to influence directors today.
With its handheld cameras, natural locations, playful editing and youthful energy , Nouvelle Vague cinema embraced freedom, both artistic and narrative. Through films such as Jean-Luc Godard's Á bout de souffle and other emblematic works of the period, this cycle highlights a moments when cinema opened itself to experimentation, personal expression, and a more direct connection to real life.
A vibrant, intentive era that reshaped the possibilities of filmmaking and still feels remarkably modern.
Jean Luc Godard(1930–2022) was a pioneering French-Swiss filmmaker and one of the central figures of the Nouvelle Vague. Renowned for his bold experimentation and uncompromising artistic vision, Godard challenged traditional storytelling through inventive editing, playful narration, and constant reimagining of cinema's possibilities.
Known for landmark films such as À bout de souffle (1960) and Le Mépris (1963), he blended intellectual depth with visual innovation, creating works that questioned society, art, and the medium itslef. His influence remains profound, as he opened new paths for modern filmmaking and expanded the expressive language of cinema.
À bout de souffle
A bold and innovative French film directed by Jean-Luc Godard that captures the restlessness of youth, the allure of
freedom, and the fragility of love. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg, this New Wave classic has become one of
the defining works of modern cinema.
Synopsis: Michel, a small-time criminal on the run after killing a police officer, drifts through Paris in search of
escape and meaning. He reconnects with Patricia, an American journalism student, hoping to convince her to flee with him. As the police
close in, their relationship wavers between charm, uncertainty, and betrayal. Through their intense, unpredictable days together, the
film reveals a portrait of two lovers caught between desire, danger, and the impossible quest for a life without consequences.
Session info:
📅 Tuesday 3rd February
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Alliance Française Auckland
🎬 French film with English subtitles
🎟️ Tickets:
Session info:
📅 Tuesday, 3rd March
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Alliance Française Auckland
🎬 French film with English subtitles
🎟️ Tickets:
We explored the work of Claude Sautet, a master of intimate, human-centered storytelling. Known for his subtle exploration of relationships and everyday emotion. Sautet's films reveal the beauty and complexity of ordinary lives with elegance, warmth, and remarkable sensitivity.
1st session
2nd session
3rd session
We dived into the world of Louis Malle, one of France’s most influential filmmakers. Known for his versatility and bold
storytelling, Malle’s films capture the complexities of human nature and society with a striking visual style.
1st session
2nd session
3rd session
1st session
2nd session
3rd session
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Culture Fest 2026
We'll be part of the festival on 6 April 2026!
Come visit our French-themed stand and explore a little piece of France in the heart of Auckland.
Enjoy a vibrant day celebrating cultures from around the world, with food, crafts, performances and more. And make sure to stop to say Bonjour!
📍 Festival location
📅 6 April 2026
Auckland Philarmonia | Boléro
L'Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra présentera le célèbre Bolero de Ravel le samedi 2 avril, à l'Auckland Town Hall, sous la direction du chef
d'orchestre Eivind Aadland.
Le concert mettre également en lumiére la talentueuse violoniste Amalia Hall.
L'Alliance Française Auckland est ravie de soutenir cet événement et proposera très bientôt une offre speciale pour ses membres.
Plus d'informations à venir!
🗓️ Thursday 2 April 2026
🕔 7:30 pm
📍 Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall
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When : Saturday 14 March 2026
Where: Stanley bay Petanque Club
20 Stanley Point Road Stanley Point 0624 Auckland
Cost: Adults: from $20 (members) / $30 (non-members)
Kids (8–12): from $15 (members) / $25 (non-members)
Early Bird opens Januray 5! 🎯
Read More…
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