The spotlight shines on music for The American French Film Festival 2024

21 October 2024 - Press release

The American French Film Festival (TAFFF), the largest festival for French films in the United States, returns to the heart of Hollywood from October 29 to November 3 for a week of film and TV series premieres, celebrating the best of the diverse world of French cinema and television.

This year, music will take centre stage, highlighting some of France's leading composers in the heart of the world's film capital. The opening film, Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez, with Camille and Clément Ducol's soundtrack, is a wonderful illustration of the importance of music in storytelling. The Count of Monte-Cristo, set to Jérôme Rebotier's audacious score, demonstrates the power of music in the cinematic experience. Anne Fontaine's Boléro and My Way revisit the fascinating history of two of the greatest musical hits of the 20th century.

Finally, Il était une fois Michel Legrand paints a portrait of one of the most brilliant and dazzling composers of his time, not to mention the original music for the films selected this year, which Sacem has supported through its cultural action programme.

As a founding member of the Fonds Culturel Franco-Américain (FCFA) alongside the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Motion Picture Association (MPA), and the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), Sacem contributed to the creation of this major event, which for 28 editions has served as a springboard for films, filmmakers, actors and composers.
The FCFA was created to promote cultural and artistic exchanges between the film industries in France and the United States, facilitating collaboration between artists, producers and institutions. Thanks to this commitment, Sacem plays a key role in promoting French audiovisual production — while underlining the importance of music in this universe.

Cécile Rap-Veber, President of the AFFF and CEO of Sacem, said:
"The American French Film Festival offers French creative talent a platform to connect with the international market, while strengthening collaboration between composers, directors, screenwriters and producers. Just like fashion or gastronomy, French-language audiovisual creativity has become an effective instrument of soft power. Aware of this wealth, Sacem will continue to support and accompany its talented creators throughout their careers, through its cultural action, its presence at major audiovisual events, and by negotiating the best pay rates with video streaming platforms. We are also very proud to honour works where the music transcends the images and adds a unique emotional dimension to the cinematic experience.”