Best Wishes
Dear French in Motion Members,
2024 has been a year of opportunities, new connections, and the birth of many partnerships. We achieved numerous successful events and fulfilled our unique role in the audiovisual industry with exceptional efficiency. From inspiring gatherings and flagship events to personalized support, we remained dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and championing talent.
This year’s highlights include:
Movie Nights by French in Motion: A series of special screenings celebrating French, Francophone, and international cinema, featuring post-screening discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities with local and international talent.
Highlights included:
“Joséphine Baker: The Story of An Awakening” by Ilana Navaro.
“Rudy Gobert N°27”, N°27”, with a Q&A featuring French professional basketball player Rudy Gobert, introduced by the Ambassador of France, Laurent Bili.
“Saint-Omer” by Alice Diop, followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, moderated by Rokhaya Diallo and hosted at Georgetown University.
Collaborations with Prestigious Events: We proudly supported Rendez-vous with French Cinema in New York for the 9th time, hosting an impactful panel discussion; the DC Environmental Film Festival in Washington, DC, introduced by Congressman Adam Schiff, we brought the festival’s opening film, Antarctica Calling, and welcomed director Luc Jacquet for a Q&A. We accompanied The American French Film Festival in Los Angeles. During Animation First in New York in January, we organized an Industry Day featuring a panel discussion with French and U.S. experts. We presented the premiere of Gaudí, the Atelier of the Divine, a collective VR experience.
US&FR Connection Program: Held during Gotham Week in New York, this program brought together French filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals to develop co-production opportunities. The call for projects, reviewed by a jury, celebrated independent film and deepened French-American collaboration.
New initiative with educational partnerships: as part of our commitment to education through cinema, we proudly hosted an advance screening of 1874, The Birth of Impressionism at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, to celebrate the opening of a prestigious exhibition. It was the occasion to organize a special screening in the presence of the filmmaker Julien Johan, for French and American high school students in the DMV area, fostering cultural exchange and learning. A month later, filmmaker Benoît Cohen made a special visit to the Lycée Français, offering students an exclusive opportunity to engage directly with his work.
Member Support: We showcased our members’ work through special screenings, the inaugural Ma France à Moi directed by Benoit Cohen in Washington, DC, and the second edition of The France USA International Film Festival or French Comedy Club in Los Angeles.
Networking Opportunities: Our monthly events allow professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and foster relationships—an essential way to stay engaged and informed in our industry.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are filled with excitement and determination to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Together, we will continue to celebrate the transformative power of cinema, nurture creative collaborations, and foster meaningful dialogue across cultures. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support and trust of our long-time partners, members, and community.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey—your dedication inspires us to dream bigger and achieve more each year
From all of us at French in Motion: we’re thinking of you, Los Angeles, during this tough time with the wildfires. Stay safe and take care.
Warm regards,
The French in Motion Board
Laetitia Doyle - President
Caroline Maréchal - Vice President
Jean-Aimé Venault - General Secretary