Francofonia has one of the most interesting premises of the available films at this year’s Dubai International Film Festival. Set in 1940, during the Nazi occupation of France, it tells the story of Louvre director Jacques and Nazi officer Franz Wolff-Metternich. Through a mutual appreciation of art they collaborate to preserve the Louvre’s treasures in one of history’s most turbulent times. Having recently been educated on art repatriation and artefact restitution by a colleague, I was curious to see if the film covered any of these themes. However Alexander Sokurov’s film, I soon discovered, was more documentary then drama.
The film begins with a mysterious Sokurov monitoring the progress of a shipping freighter transporting valuable artworks. Sokurov then transitions to the role of narrator as he covers the events leading up to France’s occupation and the plot involving the men in charge of the Louvre. I will admit to being both confused and intrigued as the film subverts the expectations I placed on it after reading its synopsis. The cinematography feels very experimental with modern-day footage intercut with black-and-white photographs, Louvre paintings and archival footage of the Nazi arrival. There is also a present sense of self-reference as the narrator Sokurov is also a director and clappers are visually present at key moments. The audio is often used as a point of contrast with wartime sirens and old radio static played over the present-day segments in order to give weight to history.
I do feel at some points that the recreation footage started to show the film’s budget. Recreation footage is common in the later half of the film and some wide shots do feature people in contemporary clothing. It’s not a deal-breaker; however, it does temporarily interrupt the strong immersion the film presents.
This film’s strongest selling point is its themes of the value of art and the context it can spread to future generations. Despite its slow pacing at the beginning, Francofonia is a must-watch for history buffs and those with a passion for paintings. Its detailed analysis of art in society and the well-composed long shots of paintings alone merit a viewing.
Don’t miss it!
Francofonia screens at Vox, Mall of the Emirates, on December 13 at 10.15pm.
— Daniel James Shepherd is an aspiring media student, currently studying journalism in Dubai. He is one of the UAE-based students taking part in the Diff-tabloid! Young Journalist Award programme.
