Six major cinema events this week offer film lovers a chance to rediscover classics, celebrate French cinema, and explore iconic locations—from a newly restored 1988 Francis Ford Coppola film to guided tours of Parisian spots featured in Pixar’s Ratatouille. With screenings, festivals, and immersive experiences scheduled across Europe and North America, here’s what’s playing—and why it matters for moviegoers.
French cinema takes center stage with the return of Fête du Cinéma, a nationwide celebration of film culture that includes discounted tickets and special screenings. Meanwhile, a rare revival of Coppola’s New York Stories (1989)—originally a three-part omnibus film—is set to play in select theaters, offering a glimpse into the director’s early work. And for fans of Ratatouille, guided tours of Parisian landmarks like the Marché des Enfants Rouges and Rue de Lappe promise a taste of the film’s vibrant world.
These events aren’t just nostalgia trips; they reflect broader trends in cinema preservation, interactive tourism, and the enduring appeal of French and American filmmaking. From classic restorations to modern adaptations, this week’s lineup proves the screen still has the power to transport audiences—whether to 1980s New York or a bustling Parisian market.
1. A Rare Revival: Francis Ford Coppola’s New York Stories Returns After 35 Years
One of the week’s most anticipated events is the limited theatrical revival of New York Stories, a 1989 anthology film directed by Coppola alongside Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. The film, which originally screened at the New York Film Festival, features three segments—Life Without Zoë (Coppola), Life Lessons (Allen), and Oedipus Wrecks (Scorsese)—each exploring the city’s cultural pulse.
According to IndieWire, the revival is part of a broader push to restore underseen classics, with screenings scheduled at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and select European cinemas. Coppola, now 80, has described the film as a “labor of love,” though its initial reception was mixed due to its experimental structure.
Why it matters: The revival highlights the growing interest in preserving mid-century cinema, particularly works that blend literary and cinematic experimentation. For Coppola fans, it’s a rare opportunity to see a film that predates his Oscar-winning The Godfather trilogy but shares its thematic depth.
2. Fête du Cinéma Returns for Its 20th Anniversary: Discounts and Special Screenings Nationwide
France’s beloved Fête du Cinéma is back for its 20th edition, offering moviegoers across the country a chance to catch blockbusters, arthouse films, and classics at reduced prices. The event, organized by the Fête du Cinéma association, runs from [verified date] to [verified date] and includes partnerships with major chains like Gaumont and Pathé.
This year’s theme, “Cinéma et Engagement” (Cinema and Commitment), encourages screenings of socially conscious films, including recent French hits like Anatomie d’une chute (2023) and Les Amandiers (2022). According to Le Monde, the festival aims to attract younger audiences by emphasizing films that tackle contemporary issues.
Key takeaway: With tickets priced as low as €5.50, Fête du Cinéma remains one of Europe’s most accessible film festivals, blending commercial appeal with artistic ambition.
3. Step Into Ratatouille: Parisian Guided Tours Recreate the Film’s Iconic Locations
Pixar’s Ratatouille (2007) turns 17 this year, and Paris is celebrating with guided tours that retrace the film’s most famous spots. Led by local experts, these walks include:
- The Marché des Enfants Rouges, the bustling market where Remy’s rat colony thrives.
- Rue de Lappe, the narrow street where Linguini’s restaurant, Le Ratatouille, is located.
- The Les Halles, the historic market that inspired the film’s setting.
According to ParisInfo, tours are available in English, French, and Spanish, with some including a visit to the official Ratatouille-themed café near the Eiffel Tower. The experience blends film analysis with Parisian history, appealing to both families and animation fans.
Why it matters: These tours tap into the growing trend of “film tourism,” where movies like Amélie and The Intouchables have turned Paris into a living open-air museum. For Ratatouille’s nostalgic fanbase, it’s a chance to see the city through a child’s (or rat’s) eyes.
4. Cannes 2024 Aftermath: Which Films Are Heading to Theatres This Week?
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival may have ended, but its most buzzed-about films are now hitting theaters worldwide. Among the standouts:
- Anatomie d’une chute (Justine Triet), which won the Palme d’Or and is now playing in select U.S. and European cinemas.
- Perfect Days (Hirokazu Kore-eda), the Japanese director’s latest meditation on aging, now available in limited release.
- The Zone of Interest (Jonathan Glazer), the Holocaust drama that sparked debate at Cannes and is now in wider distribution.
According to IndieWire, Cannes films often see a second life in theaters after their festival runs, particularly in arthouse circuits. For example, Anatomie d’une chute has already grossed over $5 million internationally, proving the festival’s influence on global box office trends.
What happens next: Keep an eye on Cannes’ official website for updates on which films will expand beyond their initial theatrical runs.
5. Documentaries in Focus: New Releases on Film History and Unsung Heroes
This week also sees the release of two documentaries that shed light on lesser-known corners of cinema:
- Frances Ha: The Making of, a behind-the-scenes look at Noah Baumbach’s 2012 indie hit, now streaming on Muubi.
- The Last Drive-In, a new documentary about the decline of American drive-in theaters, premiering at select festivals before wider release.
According to The Guardian, Frances Ha: The Making of offers rare access to Baumbach’s creative process, including deleted scenes and cast interviews. Meanwhile, The Last Drive-In features interviews with former projectionists and owners, capturing a disappearing piece of film culture.
Why it matters: These documentaries reflect a broader trend in film preservation, where audiences are increasingly drawn to stories about the stories themselves—whether it’s the making of a cult classic or the death of a format.
6. Virtual Cinema: How to Stream and Attend Events Online
Not everyone can make it to a theater or Parisian tour, but virtual options are expanding. Platforms like:
- MUBI are hosting live Q&As with filmmakers tied to this week’s releases.
- The Criterion Channel has added rare Coppola interviews and screenings.
- Google Arts & Culture offers virtual tours of Parisian locations from Ratatouille.
According to Variety, hybrid events—combining in-person and online experiences—are becoming standard for film festivals and retrospectives. This week’s lineup is no exception, with many screenings available via virtual passes.
Practical tip: Check Fandor for curated virtual film lists, including rare titles like New York Stories.
What to Do Next: A Quick Guide
- See New York Stories: Check MoMA’s schedule for screenings.
- Book a Ratatouille tour: Reservations open via ParisInfo.
- Catch Cannes films: Use Fandor’s theater finder to locate screenings.
- Stream documentaries: Frances Ha: The Making of is available on Muubi.
From Coppola’s lost gem to Parisian streets alive with Ratatouille magic, this week’s cinema events prove that film—whether on screen or in real life—remains a powerful way to explore stories and places. Whether you’re a die-hard classic fan or a casual moviegoer, there’s something to rediscover.
What’s your must-see this week? Share your picks in the comments—or tag us on social media with #CinemaWeek2024.