Language Comes Alive at the French Film Festival

March 31, 2025

Recently, students in Years 10, 11 and 12 French stepped out of the classroom and into the world of Francophone cinema, attending the 2025 Alliance Française French Film Festival. Held annually in Perth, the festival offers a window into the culture, humour, music and diversity of the French-speaking world.

Here’s a look at what made the experience so memorable.

Two Films, One Cultural Journey

Students were treated to two very different but equally engaging films. The first, Monsieur Aznavour, explored the life of legendary French Armenian singer Charles Aznavour. The documentary-style film was not only captivating but directly connected to the Year 12 ATAR curriculum, which covers French music and cinema. Students gained valuable insight into Aznavour’s contributions to music and his enduring impact on French culture.

“The film we watched was very educational and had powerful storytelling. The mesmerising dance and singing also created an atmosphere that left me deeply inspired.” Tenille, Year 12

The second film, Tous Toqués! (translated as All Stirred Up!) was a light-hearted comedy set in the French-speaking province of Québec. This culinary-themed film was full of flavour, quite literally – offering students a taste of regional culture and cuisine while showcasing the warmth and humour of everyday life in Québec.

Beyond the Classroom

Excursions like this one are about more than language comprehension. They give students the chance to build confidence, experience culture in context, and see the real-world value of their learning. Watching native speakers, following along with subtitles, and picking up new vocabulary in an immersive setting helps deepen both understanding and curiosity.

“The French movie helped me learn the language in a natural environment. It made me excited to start Year 11 French and keep learning!” Hallie, Year 10

“It was a great way to put my French skills to the test in a fun way. And it was nice catching up with all my French friends outside of class.” Zara, Year 10

A Memorable Experience with Lasting Impact

The French Film Festival was an enriching opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding, build their confidence and enjoy the beauty of language in action. Experiences like these show how Languages can inspire curiosity and broaden horizons. For many students, it was a reminder of why they chose to study French – and we can’t wait to see where their language learning takes them next.

Apprendre une langue, c’est vivre mille vies.
(‘To learn a language is to live a thousand lives’)

CulturalImmersion, Featured, FrenchClass, FrenchCurriculum, FrenchFilmFestival, FrenchLanguage, HighSchooFrench, StudentExcursion

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.