In 2024, Films on the Green returned to celebrate ‘Sports and Cinema’ with a captivating selection of French and international cinema. From May 31 to September 6, the 16th festival edition showcased 11 stunning features across eight beautiful parks in Manhattan and Brooklyn, celebrate the thrill, competition, and triumph of sports.
Check out the 2024 NYC booklet:
All the screenings were free and open to the public. All films were shown with English subtitles.Curated by Nathalie Charles, Program Officer, in charge of Films on the Green.
Sink or Swim (Le Grand Bain)May 31, 2024 | Central Park – Cedar HillIn their local swimming pool, Bertrand, Marcus, Simon, and their comrades—men in their forties teetering on the brink of mid-life crises—gather under the somewhat stern guidance of Delphine, a former swimming champion. Together, they embark on an unconventional journey: mastering synchronized swimming, a discipline predominantly associated with women. Despite facing skepticism and ridicule from their peers, this audacious challenge becomes a beacon of purpose in their lives.
Final Set (5ème Set)June 7, 2024 | Washington Square ParkOnce hailed as a young tennis prodigy, Thomas’ dreams of a successful career in the sport never fully materialized. Now, at 37, he resolves to make a comeback at the prestigious French Open in Rolland Garros, despite his declining physical fitness and a shattered knee. Defying the warnings from his wife Eve and mother Judith, Thomas persists, confronting his inner demons and navigating the fiercely competitive qualifying rounds to earn his place in the tournament.
The Odyssey (L’Odyssée)June 14, 2024 | Washington Square ParkSummer 1946. The Cousteau family—Jacques, his wife Simone, and their two children Philippe and Jean-Michel—reside in their beautiful house by the Mediterranean Sea. By day they dive, exploring the depths of the ocean, while by night they watch the stars. It’s paradise on Earth. But Jacques is never content. He longs to explore the world beneath the sea and believes in the virtues of progress. With his invention, the Aqualung, his recently acquired vessel, the Calypso, and a crew of free-spirited adventurers led by his wife, Jacques is ready to delve where no man has been before…
My Donkey, My Lover & I (Antoinette dans les Cévennes)June 21, 2024 | WNYC Transmitter Park, BrooklynAntoinette, a dedicated schoolteacher, eagerly awaits her summer holiday with Vladimir, her married lover, and the father of one of her students. But when Vladimir cancels due to a surprise hiking trip planned by his wife in the Cévennes National Park, Antoinette’s disappointment turns into determination. Following in their footsteps, she sets off on an adventure, with an unlikely companion, a protective donkey named Patrick, by her side.
The Triplets of Belleville (Les Triplettes de Belleville)June 28, 2024 | J. Hood Wright ParkChampion, a melancholy boy adopted by his grandmother, Madame Souza, discovers his passion for cycling. Under her guidance, he trains relentlessly, becoming a cycling prodigy. When he competes in the Tour de France, he’s kidnapped by two mysterious men. Determined to rescue him, Madame Souza and her faithful dog Bruno embark on a journey to find him, leading them to the bustling city of Belleville.
MarinetteJuly 5, 2024 | Seward ParkMarinette Pichon has soccer in her blood. Raised by a courageous mother who had to cope with a violent husband, she overcomes difficulties and forges an unfailing determination. While juggling odd jobs with her sporting career, she is selected for the French national team and then spotted by a major American club. And so, Marinette sets off for the United States with her mother, to pursue her dream of becoming the best player in the world.
Air of Paris (L’Air de Paris)July 12, 2024 | Seward ParkIn 1954 Paris, Victor Le Garrec, a retired boxer, pours his unfulfilled dreams into training young talents at his gym. His hopes soar when he spots potential in André Ménard, a railway worker. Offering to mentor him, Victor faces resistance from his wife, Blanche. Meanwhile, André becomes entangled in a passionate affair with Corinne, a wealthy woman, diverting his focus from training. As his heart and ambitions clash, André must weigh his love against his boxing aspirations.
Les Cinq Tulipes Rouges (Five Red Tulips)July 19, 2024 | Riverside Park – Pier IA police investigator named Colonelle and Commissaire Honoré Ricoul team up to unravel the mystery behind five murders during the 1948 Tour de France. Each victim, a champion wearing the yellow jersey, is found with a red tulip—the killer’s chilling signature—by their side. Colonelle and Ricoul must race against time to stop the elusive killer before they strike again.
The Golden Ball (Le Ballon d’or)July 26, 2024 | Riverside Park – Pier IIn the heart of Guinea, 12-year-old Bandian, known as “Turbo Makono” for his lightning speed, dreams of soccer stardom. Gifted a genuine leather ball by a visiting French doctor, Bandian’s journey kicks off as he flees to Conakry, the capital. There, his remarkable talent catches the eye of scouts, propelling him onto the national team. With his eyes set on the horizon, Bandian is determined to chase his soccer dreams to the fullest.
Ride Above (Tempête)September 4, 2024 | Riverside Park at 116th Street OverlookRaised among horses on her parents’ stud farm, Zoé dreams of becoming a jockey. She finds pure joy in riding, especially with Belle-Intrigante, the prized mare. With the birth of Tempête, Zoé sees her chance to become a champion. However, tragedy strikes when Tempête accidentally injures Zoé, leaving her unable to walk. Now facing her darkest moment, Zoé must summon the strength to turn her shattered dreams into a triumphant reality.
Racetime (La Course des Tuques)September 6, 2024 | Msgr. McGolrick Park, BrooklynFrankie-Four-Eyes and Zac, the new kid on the block, go head-to-head in a traditional sled race through the village. When Frankie loses miserably due to a fault with his supercar, he is convinced that his opponent has cheated and is determined to prove it. When Zac challenges him to a rematch with high stakes, Frankie must confront his pride and overcome betrayal to emerge victorious. In a race that goes beyond sleds and snow, Frankie learns the true meaning of going beyond oneself.
Films on the Green Festival is produced by Villa Albertine, The French Embassy, and Albertine Foundation.
OFFICIAL SPONSORS: BNP Paribas, JCDecaux, The Louis Roederer Foundation, and TV5MONDE
FESTIVAL FRIENDS: agnes b., The Columbia Maison Francaise, The Quebec Government Office in New York, Maman NYC, Nine Orchard, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, The Seward Park Conservancy, Summer on the Hudson, The Washington Square Park Conservancy.
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