Co-organised by the Alliances Françaises de Malaisie and the French Embassy in Malaysia, Le French Festival 2025 is introducing a new format. Instead of focusing on a few weeks, the festival will take place over nine months, from March to November. This change will improve the visibility of all events, reinforce the identity of our six highlights, and maintain a steady French cultural presence in Malaysia year-round. As in past editions, the festival will visit Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kuching.
Le French Festival 2025 offers a vibrant selection of entertainment for every interest, including cinema, digital art, photography, painting, literature, performing arts, and gastronomy. This year’s meaningful theme is the preservation of our oceans and the environment, aligning with the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025.
Here is an overview of six highlights of the 2025 edition:
- March – Francophonie. The year began with celebrations of the French language and the diversity of Francophone cultures. Highlights included the second Francophone Authors Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and the French School, along with the Écrire en français exhibition, featuring 100 authors from around the world. The movie Rise was also screened as part of the Europe in Cinema programme with EUNIC Malaysia.
- May – French Film Festival. A key component of our cultural activities, The French Film Festival returns in May with 13 films screening in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kuching. Our selection for 2025: Sugar and Stars (A la belle étoile), The Marching Band (En fanfare), Flow (Flow, le chat qui n’avait plus peur de l’eau), Beating Hearts (L’Amour ouf), Night Call (La nuit se traîne), Sailing Home (La vallée des fous), The Count of Monte Cristo (Le Comte de Monte-Cristo), The Rapture (Le ravissement), Chicken for Linda! (Linda veut du poulet !), Monsieur Aznavour (Monsieur Aznavour), Rosalie (Rosalie), A Little Something Extra (Un p’tit truc en plus), Infested (Vermines).
- June – Music Month & Fête de la Musique. June focuses on music, featuring concerts by Euroasia Sinfonia and Vox Suara Choir. The main event, Fête de la Musique, will be held on Saturday 28 June at Titiwangsa Park, in partnership with DBKL. Expect a fun, free, and family-friendly experience!
- September – Le Petit Festival. This year, children and families take center stage with Le Petit Festival, offering creative workshops, hands-on activities, and fun learning experiences for young audiences.
- October – Gastronomy Month. October will celebrate French cuisine with workshops supported by Paul Bakery, along with baking sessions, food-themed film screenings like Sugar and Stars and Delicious, and special menus from partner restaurants.
- November – Digital November. The year concludes with Novembre Numérique, exploring the intersection of technology and culture through virtual reality, gaming, digital art, webtoons, and more — a bold and creative finale to the festival.
Le French Festival 2025 showcases the hard work and talent of the artists and partners involved. Support their creativity during the festival!
Please look forward to Le French Festival 2025’s movie screenings at Golden Screen Cinemas in the following cities and dates:
- Kuala Lumpur : 15 May – 25 May
- Penang : 22 May – 1 June
- Johor Bahru : 29 May – 1 June
- Kuching : 15 May – 18 May
Mr. Laurent Elisio Bordier, Executive Director of Alliance Française of Kuala Lumpur and Co-Director of the 2025 French Festival introduced the new format of Le French Festival for 2025, “Rather than concentrating everything into just a few weeks, we are now spreading Le French Festival across nine months, from March to November. This new format enhances visibility and strengthens each component, while placing a meaningful spotlight on the preservation of our oceans and the environment, in alignment with the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference.”
Ms. Mathilde Tallin, Cultural Manager of Alliance Française of Kuala Lumpur and Artistic Director of the 2025 French Festival talked about the program of this year’s festival, “Le French Festival invites everyone to experience the richness of French cinema, visual and performing arts, interactive and family-friendly events, and, of course, the pleasures of French gastronomy. This year, we are proud to present a carefully curated selection of 13 French films”.
Mr. Michel Gonçalves, Director of Alliance Française de Penang, said: “We believe that culture lives through encounters — between languages, between arts, and most importantly, between people. This is exactly what Le French Festival allows us to achieve: to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and celebrate friendship between Malaysia and the French-speaking world.”
Le French Festival 2025 is made possible with the support of its valued sponsors and partners:
Sponsors
For this year’s festival, Cartier, Safran, and Paul return to promote French art and culture worldwide, reinforcing their commitment to artistic excellence and innovation.
Partners
- Cultural, artistic, and educational partners: Institut Français, Lycée Français de Kuala Lumpur, Euroasia Sinfonia, and Vox Suara
- Beverage partners: Evian, Martell, and Monin
Ticket Booking
You may book your movie tickets starting on 8 May via the GSC app, website www.gsc.com.my or through the e-kiosks in participating GSC cinemas.
For more information on other activities, please visit https://www.alliancefrancaise.org.my/cultural-events/le-french-festival/