We have Valentine's Day and also the International Love Film Festival (Festival International du Film d'Amour de Mons or FIFA) for about a week.
The Festival is based on a broad theme of "Love", far from some outdated romantic clichés and hackneyed.
The program incorporates an international competition, premieres of international releases, exhibitions and performances also many more activities.
Awards are also a big part of the festival. The Festival Grand Prix, Le Coup de Coeur du Jury, Best Screenplay, to name a few.
Almost never missed film festivals for years, so I was very excited going to this event.
I love the French Film Festival back home, but thinking to watch French films without English subtitles in here, seems not a good idea.
A friend even joked.. why in Walloon Region they dubbed most films. He said because the government has too much money. While other friend said it might take one person to dub one character. One day he took his girlfriend to watch one of George Clooney's movie in original version and she complained: "That's not his voice!".
Having this event is very big for the town of Mons and the people.
Event's posters and banners are everywhere.
Shops and restaurants painted their windows promoting the event.
Even it's not as big as Sundance or Cannes, the FIFA which has been held for more than a quarter century has a prestigious reputation amongst the film industry.
Said to be not only the oldest, uninterrupted French-speaking festival (not one year has been missed), but also one of the most innovative, attractive and best-known festivals worldwide.
The opening and closing ceremony usually take place in Théâtre Royal at the Grand Place.
They even have the red carpet!
Just don't expect to see any famous actors like Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts.
They even have the red carpet!
Just don't expect to see any famous actors like Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts.
There are so many movies to choose in the programs.
From Hollywood new releases to rare artworks.
Me and Prince Charming decided to watch New York, I Love you in Plaza Art.
We bought the ticket few days earlier so we don't have to queue before the show.
They probably don't sell the tickets online, so we need to show up in the chosen cinemas to get it.
They probably don't sell the tickets online, so we need to show up in the chosen cinemas to get it.
Plaza Art located in Rue de Nimy, just a stone's throw away from the Grand Place.
The place looks vintage and the theater is small.
The place looks vintage and the theater is small.
But if you wish to watch in the modern and more up-to-date theater, you can go to Imagix in Boulevard André Delvaux, outside the city center.
Make sure you get the program booklet and check which film featured version originale (VO), so you won't be disappointed.
www.fifa-mons.be
www.fifa-mons.be