ÉCU's top 5 things to do in Paris in November

Although the beginning of November is another milestone on the way to the deep midwinter, don’t despair! ÉCU has come up with a calendar of great things to do in and around Paris in the world of cinema.

Even though the arrival of autumn spells the end of our Indian summer, thanks to the Festival d’Automne there will be lots to keep everyone’s mind off the gloom outside. Since 1972, the festival has offered challenging contemporary cultural events throughout the autumn, including some special events for cinema. The standout cinematic event starts at the end of the month at the Centre Pompidou is the Béla Tarr retrospective, which will include his famous trilogy, which is a master-class in long takes and black and white cinematography and an unmistakable joy in the creative process.

Always offering a great variety of events, this month the Cinémathèque hosts a homage to the 1927 cult film Metropolis. The exhibition is drawing in a wide and varied audience thanks to its innovative approach of exploring the film through its sequences. Each section of the film is explored individually through projections, original artwork, costumes, props and more. Alongside this exhibition, for the more dedicated fans there is also a series of talks about the film and its place in cinematic history.

As well as celebrating past hit films; this month could mark the birth of a new cult classic, “The Artist”. The film is set in Hollywood, 1927 and recounts the story of silent movie star George Valentin, who is wondering if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, when he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break. The film seems destined for success, having already earned the “Best Actor” award for Jean Dujardin and a nomination for the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival, (Not to mention the dog actor in the film, Uggy, who won the Palm Dog Award for best performance by a canine at the festival!) so catch it in cinemas whilst you can.


Another event set to reignite nostalgia for cinema of the bygone era is Retour de Flamme, which will be back in Paris from 26-27th November with its usual wide range of genres and time periods. The event comprises of 4 screenings across the weekend, each lasting 2 hours and including lots of different clips and styles, creating a magical and unique cinematic experience. As usual, the legendary Serge Bromberg, director, producer and founder of “Lobster Films” will enthusiastically present screenings and accompany the silent films on the piano, but there will also be a secret special guest – you’ll have to go if you want to find out who!

Equally unmissable is the 15th edition of "Cinéma du Québec à Paris”, which will showcase the latest Quebecois cinema from 15-19 November at Forum des Images. The series boasts an impressive line-up, projecting films that typify the diverse and eclectic nature of Quebec cinema. The programme includes the exceptional Le vendeur by Sébastien Pilote, which has already garnered support at the Berlin and Sundance film festivals.

We hope you enjoy our recommendations of things to do in Paris in November - Until next month!