The first major cinema event of the year, the 26th International Comedy Film Festival of Alpe d’Huez, in Isère, will take place from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 January. This year, ten feature films in competition will be judged by a jury chaired by actress Karin Viard. Access to screenings is always free and open to the public.
Get ready to laugh at the top! Having become a reference through the discovery and promotion of numerous comedies and box office successes, the Alpe d’Huez comedy film festival returns this Monday, January 16 with a program rich in novelties.
As every year, a jury of professionals will be responsible for deciding between the films in competition. For this 26e edition, it will be chaired by Karin Viard, who will be accompanied by Camille ChamouxBerengere KriefAntoine Bertrand and Stéphane Foenkinos.
In particular, they will have to decide between the 10 feature films of the official selection, two of which were shot in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
In The frosted heads, accomplished by Stephane Cazesthe Lyonnais Clovis Cornillac play the role of a teacher in a college located at the foot of Mont Blanc. With his students, he embarks on a crazy project: protect a glacier and prevent it from melting.
Filmed largely in Ain, The more beautiful to go dancing tells the story of a 14-year-old girl who decides to dress as a man in order to hang out at a party. When she realizes that she is taken for a boy, she then decides to invent a male double named Leo to finally live her teenage life.
As always, the Alpe d’Huez Festival screenings are free for the general public (subject to availability). During the last editions, more than 15,000 entries were counted by the organizers.
No accreditation, invitation, or entry ticket is required to attend the various events and screenings (with the exception of the gala screenings in the main hall in the evening, which are reserved for accredited and Festival Pass holders).
The organizers advise festival-goers to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the start of the screenings and/or events.
Monday, January 16: the opening night!
This year, it is the new film of “La bande à Fifi” which opens the festivities. Philippe Lacheau and his entire team present Alibi 2, which will be broadcast at 9 p.m. in the main hall of the Palais des Sports. It is rumored that surprise guests, who make appearances in the film, could make the trip to Alpe d’Huez for the evening, such as Gad Elmaleh and Didier Bourdon…
Christophe Beaugrand and Hélène Mannarino will be at the helm of the opening and closing ceremonies.
Tuesday, January 17: let the competition begin!
The first two films of the official competition will be screened. See you at 5 p.m. to discover At our ages, directed by Robin Sykes, with Thierry Lhermitte, Patrick Timsit. And at 8:15 p.m. to view The most beautiful to go dancing, by Victoria Bedos. Both screenings will take place in the main hall of the Palais des Sports.
Wednesday, January 18: Children’s Day
The third day of the festival opens with a special youth morning. Having become a must, it will again this year allow many middle and high school students and students from Isère and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to become festival-goers for a day.
On the program: a preview with the screening of 10 more days without mom by Ludovic Bernard (out of competition) with Franck Dubosc and Aure Atika, followed by a discussion with the film crew.
On the official selection side, the competition will resume in the afternoon with the preview screening of Frosted Heads at 4:15 p.m., then Good heaven ! at 8:15 p.m. This comedy by Laurent Tirard tells the story of five nuns who are a little crazy and ready to do anything to save the local nursing home which is falling into ruins. Including to take part in a cycle race in order to win the prize. Only downside: they suck on a bike…
Thursday January 19: at the cinema with your feet in the water
The excuse is yours”Sorry, I can’t, I have aqua-cinema!“. Put on your best swimsuit to head to the Palais des Sports swimming pool. At 5.30 p.m., the Disney Pixar animated film Lucas will be broadcast in front of the large basin. You will be in the theme to appreciate this film which takes place in a coastal town of the Italian Riviera. It tells the story of a young boy who lives an unforgettable summer, filled with Italian ice cream, pasta and countless scooter rides. Until he discovers a deep-buried secret: there are otherworldly sea monsters just below the surface of the water.
More seriously, three feature films in official competition will also be released to the general public. To start with December 23, by Myriam Bouchard, at 2 p.m. Movie follow-up The small victories by Mélanie Auffret at 5 p.m. And finally toA happy man at 8:15 p.m., highly anticipated comedy by Tristan Séguéla with Fabrice Luchini and Catherine Frot.
Friday, January 20: movies galore
Friday promises to be a particularly busy day, with many special and out-of-competition screenings. In the morning, fans of Jean-Pierre Bacri will be able to rediscover the cult comedy my best buddiesby Jean-Marie Poiré.
In the evening, Michaël Youn will present BDE, which will be released later this year on the Amazon Prime video platform. The story of a group of childhood friends, once kings of parties and excesses, who find themselves much calmer 20 years later. They decide to go for the weekend to Val Thorens to get back to the game of student life.
Not to mention two films in official competition. Under the stars, by Sébastien Tulard, will be broadcast at 2 p.m. Directed by Cecilia Rouaud, The partners in crime will be screened at 5 p.m.
Saturday, January 21: it’s already over!
If you have followed correctly, there is still a film in official competition which has not yet been broadcast. 38°5 quai des orfèvres, by Benjamin Lehrer, will be screened at 10:30 a.m. Worn by Didier Bourdon, it tells the story of a criminal squad responsible for investigating a serial killer, nicknamed Le Vers Solitaire for the alexandrines left at the crime scenes…
Throughout the day, latecomers will be able to attend rerunssions, just to wait until the awards ceremony, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. Those who have not obtained a seat in the main room will still be able to follow the evening, which will be broadcast in the Philippe de Broca room and in the Belledonne room. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on Alpe d’Huez TV.
Sunday January 22: will you be going back to the cinema?
When there are no more, there are still some! All afternoon, the winning films will be shown again in the great hall of the Palais des Sports. Three sessions are scheduled: 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. It remains to be seen what feature films it is… Suspense!
The complete program of the festival can be found on the official website of the event, or by clicking here.