Filmfest DC Opening Night: Widow Clicquot
Film
Widow Clicquot, 2023 (c) Thomas Q. Napper
Villa Albertine DC is excited to host the opening night of Filmfest DC 2024 at the Maison Française with a screening of the 89-minute drama Widow Clicquot, followed by a reception.
Synopsis: Set in France during the Napoleonic Wars, Thomas Napper’s film tells the true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” otherwise known as Veuve Clicquot. At the age of 20, she became Madame Clicquot after marrying the son of a winemaking family. Though their marriage was arranged, a timeless love blossomed between Barbe-Nicole and her poetic, unconventional, and erratic husband, François.
In the weeds after her spouse’s untimely death, and a mother to Clémentine, Barbe-Nicole maintained her love and fascination with François’ avant-garde experiments. Named Veuve (the French word for widow), at age 27, she was determined to protect her family’s legacy and boldly challenged men — as well as the state — set on stripping her of her vineyards.
This event is made possible thanks to the support of TV5Monde and is organized in partnership with FilmFest.
About the Festival: Every year, the Washington, DC International Film Festival features many new and exciting films from across the globe, including from local filmmakers. This year, the festival returns with a fervor that reflects a collective love for films. The heart of the festival has always been driven by its attendees’ vibrant energy, each of whom has a unique perspective and a shared passion for films. The DC Filmfest celebrates the spirit of community and connection with this year’s edition. Each film has been selected for its artistic merit and its power to transport, enlighten, entertain, and remind the audience of the profound way artworks can impact our lives and the world.
Security Rules: Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID matching the name on the reservation in order to enter the Embassy. Print tickets are not required. Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time and allow for extra time for security screenings. Tickets will be available for sale at the door.
In partnership with
La Maison Française
Unique among French diplomatic missions, La Maison Française at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., offers an environment that encourages friendly relations between states, promotes outreach and cultural events, and serves as a center for professional and educational activities.
TV5MONDE
TV5MONDE is a global French language entertainment network that showcases premium films and programs from across the world. With more than 1.5 million viewers nationwide in the USA, TV5MONDE is a renowned leader in French language entertainment.
Filmfest D.C. 2024
Filmfest DC showcases new films from around the globe – from premieres, comedies, thrillers, dramas, to social justice documentaries, as well as new films by Washington filmmakers, it seeks to bring people together to celebrate the power of cinema.