For those lacking in French language skills, but possessing the gift of sight, allow me to both relieve and affirm your preconceived notions: All films will be subtitled in English.

So you didn’t get to ride the Concorde, and your drunk roommate thinks he discovered the secret of human flight. Cheer up and follow closely. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union Theatre will proudly host the 11th Annual Festival of Films in French. For those lacking in French language skills, but possessing the gift of sight, allow me to both relieve and affirm your preconceived notions: All films will be subtitled in English.

Contrary to popular thought, good things do come in eleven. This year 11 films will be presented free of charge to both the UWM and the surrounding community.

Also, 11 of the 16 scheduled films are making their Milwaukee premieres. Films to premiere include: “Coeurs (Private Fears in Public Places),” winner of Best Actress (Laura Morante) and Best Director (Alain Resnais), Venice Film Festival (2006); and “Les Amitiés maléfiques (Poison Friends),” winner of Critics Week Grand Prize, Cannes Film Festival (2006).

The festival opens Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., with the Milwaukee premiere of “Maurice Richard-The Rocket” (2005). This biopic tells the story of a well-known hockey player from Quebec. During his career in the National Hockey League, he becomes the target of severe discrimination.

His unwillingness to keep quiet sets the stage for a riot and large-scale social unrest. The film was awarded Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design and Cinematography, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Julie LeBreton), and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Roy Dupuis), Genia awards (2007). The film’s award-winning cinematography will surely captivate its audience.

The “Experimental Tuesday” film series welcomes the Milwaukee premiere of “Corpora Luminum: The Body in New French Experimental Cinema,” 2007. Influenced by 1960s American and 1970s French avant-garde filmmaking, a group of filmmakers from the cinematic workshop L’ETNA engage the audience with an exploration of the human form. Contributing filmmaker Philip Cote will be on hand for discussion following the film. Don’t miss an opportunity to witness far-out filmmaking firsthand.

With less than a week to go before opening night, I suggest you kick back with loved ones over a glass of wine, and allow the anticipation to ferment. Admission to screenings of “The Rocket,” “Private Fears in Public Places,” “Belle Toujours,” “Gabrielle” and “Poison Friends” are $4 for UWM students, $5 for staff and non-UWM students, and $6 for the public. All other screenings are free.

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