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Just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of La Nouvelle Vague, the French New Wave, here comes Cinemoi, a UK television network that offers all French films, all the time.
(No, it’s not yet an option in the U.S.)
Full subscription to the network allows viewers to access a first-rate library of French films, subtitled in English — 30 new features and documentaries each month — as well as interviews with filmmakers and actors, and premieres of award-winning releases.
So what’s in the queue?
For starters, 14 films directed by French New Wave master Francois Truffaut — the schedule for the next few days includes multiple screenings of The 400 Blows, Jules et Jim, Antoine et Colette, and Shoot the Pianist.
Then there’s a mini-tribute to the late director/producer Claude Berri (Jean de Florette), with two of his most revered films: Uranus and Lucie Aubrac.
Cinemoi’s menu of movies was chosen by Julien Plante, a renowned curator of French cinema who has programmed more than 1,000 films at festivals, institutes , and independent cinemas.
The programming lineup includes films that fall into nine categories: exclusive, thriller, drama, comedies, classics, family, documentary, ooh-la-la, and seasons (tributes to filmmakers, actors, genres, or themes).
Cinemoi, available on Sky channel 839 in the UK, is now in preview mode — Brit viewers can try a free taster every night until April 6, and they can sign up for a discounted rate until then.
Check out Cinemoi’s official site for more info and high-quality video clips.
Plans are afoot to make Cinemoi available in Europe. Here’s hoping that Bright House Networks (my local cable provider) and/or other cable outlets throughout the U.S. will pay attention, and bring Cinemoi stateside.