French cinema’s rising feminist icon joins Ambassador Marie Fontanel in championing women’s storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration
November 25, 2025 – All eyes are on acclaimed French actress Garance Marillier, French cinema’s fearless feminist ingénue, who arrives in Manila as the guest of honor of the 28th French Film Festival.
The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, led by Ambassador Marie Fontanel, in partnership with SM Supermalls, hosted a press welcome for Marillier, followed by a Gala Screening of Couture at SM Cinema, SM Aura. Her presence underscores the festival’s celebration of feminism, creative collaboration, and the transformative power of cinema, showcasing stories that champion women’s voices both on and off the screen.
Marillier, who embodies the modern feminist spirit of cinema, and French Ambassador Fontanel bring renewed spotlight to feminist cinema, an advocacy that the French Embassy has championed since 2024 under France’s feminist diplomacy. This year’s festival continues the movement, highlighting female perspectives, women-led stories, and the artistic courage of women across borders.
Garance Marillier Champions Women’s Voices in Cinema
Marillier is one of French cinema’s most compelling young voices. She is an actress known for choosing roles that challenge, provoke, and expand the conversation around what women can be on screen. In Couture, written and directed by Alice Winocour, Marillier shines as Christine, one of the women working behind the scenes at Paris Fashion Week. While the story follows Angelina Jolie’s character and two other central women, Christine represents the often times invisible hands and hearts that bring fashion to life, highlighting the strength, talent, and resilience of women whose work is rarely seen.
The film, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and later screened at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, reinforces a feminist spirit by celebrating seamstresses, makeup artists, and other backstage artisans. Christine’s presence threads together these stories, showing that true power and creativity often exist offstage.
Known for fearless performances in Raw, Titane, and Marinette, Marillier continues to champion women’s voices in cinema. In Couture, she embodies a quiet yet radical feminism, bringing depth, authenticity, and visibility to women whose stories deserve to be told.
Women at the Heart of Cinema: A Feminist Celebration
Marillier is celebrated for her bold, emotionally daring performances and her collaborations with women filmmakers who challenge cinematic norms. She first gained international acclaim in Raw (2016), written and directed by Julia Ducournau, earning a César nomination for her portrayal of Justine, a young woman discovering her desires and autonomy. She later reunited with Ducournau in Titane, the Palme d’Or winner at Cannes, solidifying her presence in daring, women-centered cinema.
Marillier continues to champion female voices through roles like Marinette, where she portrays trailblazing football legend Marinette Pichon, and the short film Favours, highlighting women’s struggles in public spaces. Each performance showcases resilience, strength, and the power of women claiming their stories.
These remarkable films, along with Marillier’s latest work in Couture, are featured at the 28th French Film Festival, happening from November 24–30 at SM Aura and SM City Manila; and from December 1 to 6 at the Alliance Française de Manille. Audiences can witness Marrilier’s fearless performances and join the celebration of cinema that champions women’s voices.
A special post-screening dialogue with Marillier will follow three of her films Favours, Couture, and Marinette, giving audiences deeper insight into the feminist themes that drive her work.
A Historic Year for Philippine–French Collaboration
This year also marks a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy. In May 2025, at the Cannes Film Festival, France and the Philippines signed a pioneering Co-Production Agreement, opening new pathways for filmmakers from both countries to create and distribute films globally.
In line with this landmark partnership, the festival will host a two-day Co-Production Conference (Nov 27–28) with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the French National Center for Cinema and Animation (CNC). French and Filipino producers comprised of Michel Plazanet, Franck Priot, Henri de Lorme, and more, will participate in discussions on global opportunities and cross-border filmmaking.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on Elsewhere at Night (Ailleurs la nuit), a 2025 Filipino-Canadian-French co-production featuring Marillier. The film represents a milestone in cross-cultural collaboration, bringing together filmmakers and talent from France, Canada, and the Philippines to create a story that transcends borders. Marillier’s involvement highlights not only her growing international presence but also the strengthening creative ties between French and Filipino cinema, reflecting the festival’s commitment to celebrating co-productions and fostering global storytelling.
Where Film Meets Advocacy, Imagination and Animation
The 28th French Film Festival features a diverse selection of contemporary films, heritage titles, and animation works, including Partir un jour (2025), La Femme la Plus Riche du Monde (2025), Amélie et la Métaphysique des Tubes (2025), Dracula by Luc Besson (2025), Le Roi et l’Oiseau (classic animation) and the Filipino adaptation Call My Agent screened back-to-back with Dix Pour Cent. In partnership with the Animation Council of the Philippines, the festival will also host the ANIMAHENASYON Festival, spotlighting how animation serves as a tool for cultural storytelling and social change.
Celebrating Film, Culture, and Community
The festival extends beyond cinemas through partnerships with UP Film Institute, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, and the Alliance Française de Manille, hosting screenings, roundtable discussions, and cultural exchanges.
A dedicated event, HER CITY, co-presented with the Quezon City Film Commission, will feature gender and cinema dialogues and screenings led by women filmmakers from France and Asia.For the 28th French Film Festival screenings, at SM Aura and SM City Manila, admission is free. For schedules and information on the festival events, visit the French Embassy’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH
