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.

Pierre Pillet

French cinema enthusiast and teacher of languages, Pierre Pillet has taught the work of Louis Malle for several years, notably Malle's autobiographical masterpiece Au revoir les enfants which brings a fresh, subtle and poignant light to the cruel reality of Nazi occupied France seen through the eyes of the teenage school boy he was at the time. In this unique work, Malle intimately shares with us the life and moral challenges he, as a child brought up in catholic haute bourgeoisie, had to face and invites us to reflect on our own moral compass, our complex yet shared humanity as well as on the long lasting power of friendship and memory. A story that transcends time and places. In the face of current global affairs, a film has rarely felt so needed!

Louis Malle (1932–1995) was a renowned French filmmaker known for his versatility and willingness to challenge conventions. His work spanned multiple genres, from intimate character studies to bold social critiques, often blending French and international influences. Malle’s films explored themes of youth, identity, and morality with a distinctive mix of realism and poetic storytelling. Recognized for his artistic freedom and innovative approach, he left a lasting impact on both French and global cinema.

1st session : Tuesday 11th March

Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows, 1958)

A stylish film noir starring Jeanne Moreau, with an unforgettable jazz score by Miles Davis. A suspenseful and visually stunning masterpiece

Synopsis: A self-assured businessman murders his employer, the husband of his mistress, which unintentionally provokes an ill-fated chain of events.

Session info:

📅 Tuesday, March 11
⏰ 6:15 PM
📍 Alliance Française Auckland
🎬 French film with English subtitles
🎙️ Special Guest: Deborah Walker

🎟️ Tickets:

• AF Members: Free
• Non-Members: $10

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2nd session : Tuesday 8th April

Zazie dans le métro (Zazie in the metro, 1960)

A colorful and surreal comedy following a young girl's chaotic adventure through Paris, showcasing Malle’s playful and experimental side.

Synopsis: With her mother away for the weekend, a brash and precocious ten-year-old country girl sets out to explore Paris during a Métro strike under her uncle's not-so-watchful eye. But can a little girl cause so much chaos in the city centre?

Session info:

📅 Tuesday, April 8th
⏰ 6:15 PM
📍 Alliance Française Auckland
🎬 French film with English subtitles
🎙️ Special Guest: Deborah Walker

🎟️ Tickets:

• AF Members: Free
• Non-Members: $10

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3rd session : Tuesday 13th May

Au revoir les enfants (1987)

A deeply moving, autobiographical film about friendship, innocence, and the tragic reality of Nazi-occupied France.

Synopsis: A French boarding school run by priests seems to be a haven from World War II until a new student arrives. Occupying the next bed in the dormitory to the top student in his class, the two young boys begin to form a bond.

Session info:

📅 Tuesday, May 13th
⏰ 6:15 PM
📍 Alliance Française Auckland
🎬 French film with English subtitles
🎙️ Special Guest: Pierre Pillet

🎟️ Tickets:

• AF Members: Free
• Non-Members: $10

Book my ticket Book my ticket