For the first time in 21 years, a French film took the top prize at Cannes, signaling that French cinema, which once led the world in quality films, is back on top. You can see some of the finest in contemporary French cinema at the fifth annual Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, a festival that just opened at the Lev Dizengoff and Dizengoff cinemas in Tel Aviv, and which will run through Saturday. Adding to the excitement, a number of France’s top directors and actors will be visiting Israel to introduce their new works.

The opening attraction this year is Cedric Klapisch’s Paris, which stars two of France’s biggest (and most stunning) stars, Roman Duris and Juliette Binoche. Duris plays a dancer at the Moulin Rouge who suddenly discovers he has a serious heart condition and may die if he doesn’t receive a transplant. Binoche is his sister, with whom he has never been close, who comes to Paris to care for him. The movie, which takes place during a single day, shows how the city itself helps bring the ailing man closer to life when he becomes aware, for the first time, of its vitality and diversity. Several critics noted in their reviews that the film made them want to jump on the next plane to Paris. Read more… »