2015 Films on the Green report

filmsON THE GREEN8th ANNUAL FILMS ON THE GREEN2015 FESTIVAL REPORT

FRENCH EMBASSYIN THE UNITED STATES

HIGHER EDUCATION,ARTS, FRENCH LANGUAGE

PRESENTED BY THE FRENCH EMBASSY, NYC PARKS & FACE FOUNDATION

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REEN 1 - 2015 FESTIVAL

2 - FILM SELECTION & DJ LINE-UP

3 - OPENING RECEPTION

4 – PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

5 - HERMIONE & REGIONAL FESTIVALS

6 – SCHEDULE, LOCATIONS & ATTENDANCE

7 - COMMUNICATION

8 - MEDIA COVERAGE

9 - SPONSORS

10 - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

For all inquiries relating to Films on the Green, please contact:

Nathalie CharlesProgram Officer [email protected](212) 439 – 1425

Mathieu FournetHead of Film, TV& New Media Dept. [email protected](212) 439 – 1440

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8 - MEDIA COVERAGE

9 - SPONSORS


2015 FESTIVAL

The Cultural Services of the French Embassy, FACE Foundation and the City of New York Parks & Recreation presented the 8th annual Films on the Green Festival from May 29 to September 10, 2015.

SHOWCASING FRANCOPHONE CULTURES

Characterized by cinematic excellence, a diverse program, and accessible screenings, Films on the Green presents the best French and francophone cinema experience to thousands of New Yorkers all over the city.

This year’s festival featured classic and contemporary French films and showcased the cultural vitality of Mediterranean cinematography with the theme La Méditerranée. From Lebanon’s Caramel to Corsica’s Queen to Play, Tunisia’s Goha and the French Riviera’s And God Created Woman. Films on the Green presented 11 films in 7 different locations to 6,000 viewers.

CREATING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS

Invaluable relationships with many longstanding sponsors and patrons enable the festival to continue each year and pave the way to new successful collaborations. In 2015, Films on the Green welcomed many new supporters and teamed up with local sponsors and partners to organize special events such as evening celebrations centered on Lebanon and Corsica.Our many partners benefitted from brand recognition and visibility while supporting the Festival, which

reached New Yorkers far and wide in seven diverse communities.

STRENGTHENING AND ENRICHING OUR COMMUNITIES

Since its inception in 2008, Films on the Green has become a not-to-miss free summer event amid the vibrant New York City summer cultural offerings. Much more than a film festival, Films on the Green celebrated French and francophone art and culture in New York City this season. The engagement and participation of the francophone and Francophile communities in New York was widespread and unprecedented.

In keeping with its mission to promote cinema among a young audience, the festival developed and expanded its online community. Strong growth was enjoyed across all the festival’s social media platforms, especially Facebook, which saw a +99% increase in likes (from 2490 to 3820).

The success of the 8th edition confirms Films on the Green’s status as an integral cultural event in New York, acclaimed by its multiple, varied sponsors and the public at large.

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7 - COMMUNICATION

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9 - SPONSORS


LA MÉDITERRANÉE

Rich with the vibrant colors, flavors and culture of the Mediterranean, Films on the Green 2015 brought viewers on an adventure spanning the European continent, from the French Riviera to the Coast of Algeria and from Lebanon and Tunisia to the island of Corsica.

All films were screened with English subtitles.

...And God Created Woman by Roger Vadim, 1956, France

Caramel by Nadine Labaki, 2007, France-Lebanon

Pépé le Moko by Julien Duvivier, 1937, France

Priceless by Pierre Salvadori, 2006, France

Zarafa by Rémi Bezancon & Jean-Christophe Lie, 2012, France-Belgium

Goha by Jacques Baratier, 1958, France-Tunisia

Queen to Play by Caroline Bottaro, 2009, France

La Dérive by Paula Delsol, 1963, France

La Collectionneuse by Eric Rohmer, 1967, France

The Rabbi’s Cat by Joann Sfar & Antoine Delesvaux, 2011, France

DJ LINE-UP

Before the screenings, guest DJs from WNYU, New York University’s radio station, and Hunter College’s WHCS played a variety of classic and modern French and francophone tunes and set the tone for a night of French and Mediterranean culture.

Located in Greenwich Village, WNYU broadcasts on 89.1 FM 7 days a week online. WNYU reaches over 300,000 listeners a month.

WHCS, Hunter College’s #1 radio station broadcasts live from the Hunter College café located on the Upper East Side.

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The Films on the Green Opening Reception was held at the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in New York on Fifth Avenue at 79th Street, on Friday, May 29.

The French Embassy, FACE Foundation and the City of New York Parks & Recreation greeted hundreds of guests, including sponsors and supporters of the festival, journalists, and cinema lovers.

The reception was followed by a screening of … And God Created Woman by director Roger Vadim across the street at Central Park’s Cedar Hill.

This year, over 200 people attended the reception. Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy Bénédicte de Montlaur and Commissioner of NYC Parks Mitchell J. Silver introduced the festival and highlighted the solid partnership between the French Embassy, FACE Foundation and the City of New York.

WNYU DJs played French tunes while guests enjoyed Mediterranean food provided by Claudette and traditional cocktails from the South of France supplied by Lillet.

Guests also received Films on the Green tote bags containing French film DVDs, key chains, beauty product samples, gift cards, and other promotional materials from sponsors and partners.

This opening reception marked an exciting start to the 8th annual Films on the Green Festival.

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7 - COMMUNICATION

8 - MEDIA COVERAGE

9 - SPONSORS


OPENING RECEPTION

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Films on the Green partnered with governmental institutions and other organizations to highlight Francophone territories and Mediterranean culture through film. This year’s theme specifically appealed to a diverse group of young viewers from all corners of New York and the Francophone world. A targeted communication strategy that included e-newsletters and social media tailored to sponsors’ and partners’ objectives for the festival brought together a diverse group of Films on the Green fans.

06.05.15 | LEBANESE NIGHTCo-sponsored by the Fondation Liban Cinéma, the screening of Caramel by Nadine Labaki was presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Lebanon in New York. Maya de Freige, President of the Fondation, introduced the film and talked about Lebanese cinema before a large, engaged audience.

06.26.15 | YOUNG AUDIENCE SCREENING Co-sponsored by the Poitou-Charentes Region as part of the Hermione Film Festival (see section 5), Films on the Green presented the new English version of the animated film Zarafa. Our partners at the New York International Children’s Film Festival introduced the film before an audience of enthused families.

07.10.15 | TRIBUTE TO OMAR SHARIFA screening of Goha by Jacques Baratier presented an ideal occasion to pay tribute to legendary actor Omar Sharif, whose international career was launched as a result of his work in the film.

07.17.15 | CORSICAN NIGHTThe screening of Queen to Play by Caroline Bottaro coincided with a presentation by the University of Corsica on Corsican cinema and creativity. Director Miché D’Onofrio, accompanied by two representatives from l’Université de Corse also introduced his short, Tutt’in casa Cumuna! (2012). The event was co-sponsored by la Collectivité Territoriale de Corse, Institut Français and Corsica Pôle Tournages.

07.24.15 | LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON NIGHTThis rare screening of La Dérive by Paula Delsol was introduced by her granddaughter Nina Malige, who spoke about the film’s release in France in the 1960s. The culture of the South of France was highlighted, as was Sud de France développement’s initiative to showcase the territory as a location to film in France with the Commission du Film Languedoc-Roussillon.

09.10.15 | SCREENING AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITYFor the 5th consecutive year, the festival concluded with a back-to-school screening at Columbia University co-organized with the Columbia Maison Française. Because of weather conditions, the screening took place inside the Maison Française’s 120-seat auditorium.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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REEN HERMIONE FILM FESTIVAL

The Hermione Film Festival celebrated the voyage of the Hermione, a full-scale replica of the Marquis de Lafayette’s 18th century French frigate, which docked at several ports in the U.S. over the summer.

To mark the arrival of the Hermione in New York, the Poitou-Charentes Region and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, in collaboration with NYC Parks and The Battery Conservancy, organized a special outdoor screening of The Young Girls of Rochefort by Jacques Demy during the Fourth of July festivities in The Battery. The screening was introduced by Jean-François Macaire, President of the Poitou-Charentes Region, and Hervé Blanché, Mayor of Rochefort.

REGIONAL FESTIVALS

Films on the Green has gathered great energy and momentum over the past eight seasons. Its high-quality programming and community spirit has inspired other cities in the United States to launch their own Films on the Green festivals.

The 3rd edition of Films on the Green in Boston was organized by The Consulate General of France in Boston in September 2015. 3 contemporary French films were presented on the Harvard University and MIT campuses.

For its 2nd edition, Films on the Beach in Miami Beach, organized by the Consulate General of France in Miami, presented 5 newly restored French classics in April and May 2015 at the New World Symphony SoundScape.

The regional editions of the Festival attracted more than 1,500 people in total in Boston and Miami in 2015.

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9 - SPONSORS


HERMION FESTIVITIES & REGIONAL FESTIVALS

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SCHEDULE, LOCATIONS & ATTENDANCE05.29.15 ...And God created WomanCentral Park, Cedar Hill (Upper East Side) | 700

06.05.15 Caramel Washington Square Park (Greenwich Village) | 800

06.12.15 Pépé le Moko Washington Square Park (Greenwich Village) | 800

06.19.15 Priceless Tompkins Square Park (East Village) | 700

06.26.15 ZarafaTompkins Square Park (East Village) | 300

07.03.15 The Young Girls of Rochefort Castle Clinton Plaza (The Battery) | 300

07.10.15 Goha Riverside Park Pier I (Upper West Side) | 500

07.17.15 Queen to Play Riverside Park Pier I (Upper West Side) | 700

07.24.15 La Dérive Transmitter Park (Greenpoint, Brooklyn) | 450

07.31.15 La Collectionneuse Transmitter Park (Greenpoint, Brooklyn) | 600

09.10.15 The Rabbi’s Cat Columbia University (Morningside Heights) | 150*

TOTAL ATTENDANCE (approx.): 6,000

*due to inclement weather conditions, the screening took place indoors in the Columbia Maison Française.

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COMMUNICATION

The festival continues to optimize its comprehensive communications plan, creating promotional materials and working with sponsors and partners to spread the word about Films on the Green online and through print and social media.

PRINTED MATERIALS

• Festival Brochure | 9,300 copies• Festival Poster | 50 copies• Films on the Green @ Columbia Postcard | 2,200 copies• Banner | 972 Fifth Avenue on the Museum Mile• Screen Banner | Attached to the inflatable movie screen• Pre-film Slideshow | Played before all screenings• Save-the-date & Invitation to the opening reception• Goodies | Festival branded tote bags (250)

The festival was announced in promotional materials provided by sponsors and partners such as the brochure of the Columbia Maison Française, the Poitou-Charentes Hermione Cultural Program and the Riverside Park: Summer on the Hudson booklet.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Facebook (+ 99% since 2014)• Twitter (+ 98% since 2014)• Instagram (+ 144% since 2014)

The festival frequently posted information about screenings on social media and implemented new strategies such as giveaways of sponsor and partner products. Information about the festival and films was also advertised via sponsors’ and partners’ social media pages.

WEBSITES & e-NEWSLETTERS

Information about the festival and films was posted on presenters’ and sponsors’ websites and sent through their newsletters.

What fans are saying:

“One of my favorite summer NYC activities. Wish there were more!” – J. L.

“C’était merveilleux, cette soirée. Un film unique [La Dérive], dans un cadre spectaculaire.“ – A.H.

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MEDIA COVERAGE

PREVIEWS, LISTINGS & REVIEWS

The New York Times The Wall Street JournalAM NYMetro New YorkCBS Local Time Out New YorkHollywood ReporterThe Huffington PostDNAinfoThe Village VoiceMTV LibanCorse MatinBrooklyn MagazineFrench Morning, and others

BLOGS & GUIDES

NYCGoGuest of a GuestFlavorpillGothamistBedford + BoweryThe China PressBrazilian PressBrokelynUntapped CitiesGreenpointersNew York in FrenchBlog TrustMoviesBlouin ArtInfo Blog, and others

MEDIA PARTNERS

New York Observer6 ads (May –August) / 51,000 copies

TV5 Monde2 ads (June and July) / 30,000 copies

“This outdoor festival brings plenty of art and culture to the Big Apple” –CBS New York

“Une tradition new-yorkaise que vous vous devez d’essayer. “–French Morning

“Films on the Green [is] the next best option for those of you who cannot get away this holiday weekend” –NewYork.com

*2015 press package available upon request

Films on the Green Festival has been featured in a wide array of local and international media. One hundred eighty articles about Films on the Green have been published to date*.

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SPONSORS

OFFICIAL SPONSORS SUPPORTERS FRIENDS IN-KIND PARTNERS

Consulate General of Lebanon In New York

We sincerely thank all of the 2015 sponsors, partners and individual donors for playing an integral part in the festival and providing invaluable financial, marketing, and event support.

And our individual donors Nora Coblence, Michele Gerber Klein, Adrian Kahan Leibowitz, Joseph Rokacz and Frederic C. Weiss.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

City of New York Parks & RecreationMitchell J. Silver, FAICP, CommissionerWilliam Castro, Borough Commissioner, Manhattan

AésopGabriela Ramos, Marketing Manager, North America

Air France Marnix Fruitema, Senior Vice President of the AmericaClaire Jacobs, Partnerships Development Manager

BNP ParibasTeresa Lefevre-Casby, Sponsorship & Events, Brand & Communications

ClaudetteCindi Byun, Director of OperationsSamantha Herron, Marketing & Communications

Consulate General of Lebanon in New YorkMajdi Ramadan, Consul General

Collectivité Territoriale de Corse, Direction de la Culture et du PatrimoineJoseph-François Kremer-Marietti, DirecteurYolaine Lacolonge, Chef du service de l’Audiovisuel, du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée

The Criterion Collection Peter Becker, PresidentFumiko Takagi, Executive Producer

Fondation Liban CinémaMaya de Freige, Présidente

Institut françaisAnne-Laure Rouxel, Chargée de mission - Collectivités territoriales Claire Magnac, Responsable Pôle Collectivités

Lillet | MagrinoAmy Stein, Account Executive

Maison Française of Columbia UniversityShanny Peer, DirectorJoella Jones, Program Coordinator

New York International Children’s Film FestivalNina Guralnick, Executive DirectorRodney Uhler, Programming Manager

New York Observer | Observer MediaSharon Borawski, Sales Director, Arts & EntertainmentThomas D’Agostino, Controller

The Poitou-Charentes RegionJean-François Macaire, PresidentEstelle Bouhraoua, chargée de mission Culture et InternationalAnnie Lavoix, Communication, chargée de mission filière image

Sud de France Développement | Septimanie Export, Inc.Marianne Fabre-Lanvin, Executive Director – US BranchChristina Socci, Project Manager - Communications

TV5 MondePatrice Courtaban, COO

Université de CorsePaul-Marie Romani, President

AndNora Coblence, Michele Gerber Klein, Adrian Kahan Leibowitz, Joseph Rokacz and Frederic C. Weiss.

With much gratitude, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and FACE Foundation acknowledge the following individuals, companies and organizations for their support of Films on the Green.

Documents

2015 Films on the Green report