The 19th Annual Festival of Films in French was kicked off at UW-Milwaukee on Feb. 12 where through the course of the festival, 13 films will be featured this year.

“All of us in the French program are committed in our mission to reach out to the campus and community,” said coordinator Anita Alkhas. “The festival is a just one of the ways we share our love and appreciation for the wide array of cultural contributions from the French-speaking world.”

The film festival that is scheduled to run through Feb. 21, with Tuesday featuring the film Verdun, a silent film accompanied by Renato Umali on live piano. It will mark the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Verdun, which was one of the largest battles of the First World War between Germany and France.

French Film Fest

Having great attendance last year, Alkhas hopes for the same for this year.

“Over the years we’ve built up a following. Lots of people tell us they look forward to the festival each February as a high point of the winter,” Alkhas said. “It’s truly gratifying to see people attend, no matter what the weather, to get the chance to see great films on the big screen.”

Those wanting to attend can visit the film portion of the website or contact the Union Cinema for any further information.

The UWM Festival of Films runs from Feb. 12 to Feb. 21.