World Cinema Locations: A Profile of France

This month, our film club is screening a film from France. Here’s a detailed look at the country behind the movie.

Key Facts

Capital: Paris
Area: 643,801 km²
Population: ~68 million
Official Languages: French
Currency: Euro (EUR)

Top 10 Tourist Attractions

• Eiffel Tower: An iconic wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, a global cultural icon of France.
• Louvre Museum: The world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, home to the Mona Lisa.
• Palace of Versailles: A royal château in Versailles, famous for its opulent architecture, Hall of Mirrors, and extensive gardens.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: A medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in Paris, renowned for its Gothic architecture.
• Mont Saint-Michel: A tidal island and commune in Normandy, topped by a stunning medieval abbey.
• French Riviera (Côte d’Azur): The Mediterranean coastline of southeastern France, famous for its glamorous resorts like Nice and Saint-Tropez.
• Château de Chambord: A magnificent Renaissance château in the Loire Valley, known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture.
• Arc de Triomphe: A monumental arch in Paris, honouring those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
• Provence Lavender Fields: Vast, fragrant lavender fields that bloom in summer, creating picturesque landscapes in the Provence region.
• Carcassonne: A fortified medieval city in the Aude department, famous for its impressive ramparts and castle.

Timeline of History

• ~600 BC: Greeks found Massalia (modern-day Marseille), one of France’s oldest cities.
• 58-52 BC: Julius Caesar conquers Gaul, integrating it into the Roman Empire.
• 800 AD: Charlemagne is crowned Emperor of the Romans, marking the peak of the Frankish Empire.
• 1337-1453: The Hundred Years’ War between France and England significantly shapes national identity.
• 1789: The French Revolution begins, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the First Republic.
• 1804: Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself Emperor, initiating a period of French dominance in Europe.
• 1958: The Fifth Republic is established under Charles de Gaulle, with a new constitution.
• 1999: France adopts the Euro as its national currency, joining the Eurozone.

Culture

French culture is renowned for its elegance, sophistication, and deep appreciation for the arts, cuisine, and fashion. Gastronomy plays a central role, with meals often being extended social affairs.

The country celebrates numerous festivals, from regional wine harvests to national holidays like Bastille Day, showcasing a rich tapestry of traditions, music, and artistic expression that has profoundly influenced the world.

Politics

France operates as a semi-presidential republic, featuring a strong executive branch with both a President and a Prime Minister. The President, directly elected by the people, serves as the head of state and holds significant powers, particularly in foreign policy and defence.

The Prime Minister, appointed by the President, leads the government and is responsible to the Parliament, which consists of the National Assembly and the Senate.

Film Connection

France, the setting and origin of ‘La Cage aux Folles’, provides a vibrant backdrop for the film’s exploration of identity and societal acceptance. The film’s setting in Saint-Tropez, a glamorous French Riviera town, highlights a clash between traditional values and a more liberal, expressive lifestyle, reflecting broader themes within French society regarding individuality and personal freedom.

The comedic elements, often rooted in misunderstandings and social facades, resonate with a certain French theatrical tradition.

😜Fun Fact: France is the most visited country in the world, welcoming nearly 90 million tourists annually.