Skip to main content

Event Cinemas Palmerston North

Download venue programme

Colours of Time

Comedy, Drama M126 minutes French with English Subtitles

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Out of Competition) -

Director Cedric Klapisch has crafted a genuine crowd pleasing story that blends the excitement, wonder and art of Belle Epoque France with present day themes around identity, legacy
and connection.

In 1895, young Adele (Suzanne Lindon) leaves Normandy for Paris, a city alive and buzzing with invention, photography and the rise of Impressionism.

In the present day, her descendants inherit an unexpected legacy : a country side house in Normandy, abandoned for decades and suspended in time. Four of Adele’s descendants arrive to survey the Estate, and together end up piecing together the story of Adele’s unexpected life.   

Colours of Time is a charming and fascinating family saga, and is sure to be a hit at this year’s Festival. Book your opening night tickets now!

STARRING: Suzanne Lindon, Abraham Wapler, Julia Piaton, Vincent Macaigne

DIRECTED BY: Cédric Klapisch

Screenings

Wednesday 24th June | 8.00pm Book

Case 137

Drama, Crime, Thriller M116 minutes French with English Subtitles

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Competition) -

- CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Actress – Léa Drucker -

Léa Drucker took home the Best Actress César award for her performance in this gripping thriller from Dominik Moll (Only the Animals), selected for official competition at Cannes International Film Festival 2025.

Drucker plays Stéphanie, an Internal Affairs police officer who is assigned the case of a young man severely wounded during a tense and chaotic demonstration in Paris. When she discovers that the victim hails from her hometown of Saint-Dizier, the case suddenly becomes far more personal.

While nothing initially points to police misconduct, Stéphanie soon finds herself isolated in a system hellbent on protecting its own. With officers refusing to talk, Sophie turns to housekeeper and reluctant witness Alicia Mady
(Guslagie Malanda, Saint Omer), whose testimony holds the key to the truth - but puts them both in danger.

This compelling crime drama highlights themes of loyalty and justice that resonate long after the final scene, anchored strongly by Lea Drucker’s commanding role.

STARRING: Léa Drucker, Guslagie Malanda, Stanislas Merhar, Jonathan Turnbull

DIRECTED BY: Dominik Moll

Screenings

Tuesday 23rd June | 10.45am Book

The Stranger

Drama M123 minutes French with English Subtitles

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Venice International Film Festival -
- CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Supporting Actor – Pierre Lottin -


The superb new drama from multi award-winning writer/director François Ozon (Swimming Pool, 8 Women, Under the Sand), The Stranger is a gripping adaptation of Albert Camus’ landmark novella about a detached young expatriate on trial for murder in French-colonised Algeria.

Summer, 1938. Meursault (Benjamin Voisin, Lost Illusions), a quiet and unassuming clerk in his early thirties, attends his mother’s funeral. The next day he begins a casual affair with Marie (Rebecca Marder), a colleague randomly encountered at the local baths, and quickly slips back into routine. However, daily life is soon disrupted by his volatile neighbour (an excellent Pierre Lottin, who won a César award for his performance), who draws Meursault into a dispute involving an ex-lover. And then, one blisteringly hot afternoon, an inexplicable event occurs on a beach, one that will see Meursault’s very moral standing brought to question…

Visually resplendent with sensuous black-and-white imagery, Ozon’s elegant and masterfully realized film shines a contemporary lens on Camus’ classic tale of dissociation
and morality, capturing the beauty and heat of a charged society on the boil. Both impactful and mysterious, The Stranger is one of the major highlights of this year’s Festival
and should not be missed.

STARRING: Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder, Pierre Lottin, Denis Lavant

DIRECTED BY: François Ozon

Screenings

Wednesday 24th June | 5.30pm Book

Jean Valjean

Drama M99 minutes French with English Subtitles

Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables is one of the most beloved novels of the 19th century, and now the superb Grégory Gadebois has re-teamed with his Delicious writer/director Éric Besnard for this authentic and emotionally affecting retelling that charts the origin story of the tale’s legendary protagonist.

1815. Provence, France. In the peaceful village of Digne, rumour spreads that a dangerous man has entered the area; indeed, the hulking Valjean (Gadebois) has just been released from prison after nineteen years of hard labour. Branded a criminal and ostracised, Jean is repeatedly turned away. Desperate for a bed, he knocks at the door of the house of Monseigneur Bienvenu (Bernard Campan), who lives simply with his ailing sister (Isabelle Carré) and dedicated – but suspicious – servant (Alexandra Lamy). Without judgement, Bienvenu invites him in. And on this crucial night, Jean will face a choice that will define his future…

With this superbly filmed exploration of justice, empathy and moral redemption, Besnard’s reflective and intimate drama – and Gadebois’ towering performance – bring new depth to Hugo’s hero, a spurned man transformed by kindness and compassion. Admirers of the source text and rich historical drama will not be disappointed by Jean Valjean.

STARRING: Grégory Gadebois, Bernard Campan, Isabelle Carré

DIRECTED BY: Eric Besnard

Screenings

Tuesday 23rd June | 1.15pm Book

Couture

Drama M103 minutes French and English with English Subtitles

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: San Sebastian Film Festival -


Angelina Jolie turns in a career-best performance in this immaculate drama set in the high stakes fashion world.

Taking place during the frenzy of Paris Fashion week, Jolie plays American filmmaker Maxine Walker, commissioned to direct a film for a prestigious label.

After receiving sudden, life-changing news, Maxine crosses paths with two other women: Ada (Anyier Anei), a young South Sudanese model who has escaped her predetermined destiny to make a name for herself, and makeup artist Angéle (Ella Rumpf, Marguerite’s Theorem) who quietly dreams of a different life.

While their backgrounds couldn’t be more different, the three women form a strong bond. Amid the  glamorous scenes of haute couture, each must make choices small and significant,
and confront major career decisions.

Anchored by Jolie’s memorable portrayal, the intertwining journeys of these three women are supported by excellent turns from Louis Garrel (The Three Musketeers) and Vincent Lindon (Another World).

STARRING: Angelina Jolie, Anyier Anei, Ella Rumpf, Louis Garrel, Vincent Lindon

DIRECTED BY: Alice Winocour

Screenings

Tuesday 23rd June | 8.00pm Book

The Musicians

Comedy, Drama PG102 minutes French with English Subtitles

The enchanting new comedy of manners from acclaimed writer/director Grégory Magne (whose debut Perfumes was a success in the 2021 Festival), The Musicians stars Valérie Donzelli as a wealthy heiress whose plan to stage a landmark concert is derailed by the clashing egos of the virtuosos recruited for the performance.

Astrid Thompson (Donzelli) is determined to honour her late industrialist father’s final wish: unite four priceless Stradivarius-stringed instruments for the premiere recital of a new composition by his favourite artist, to be live-streamed for music lovers globally. With just six days to rehearse, a quartet is assembled, but the dream quickly unravels: the musicians are at odds, blinded by their differences and prejudices, and seemingly incapable of working together. With the deadline fast approaching, Astrid tries to coax the reclusive composer of the score, Charlie Beaumont (Frédéric Pierrot), out from creative seclusion in the desperate hope of salvaging the event…

As the film crescendos to a tender, exhilarating finale where harmony is found not only in music but human connection, The Musicians celebrates both the chaos and beauty of collaboration. Set amidst the villas, vineyards and chapels of the stunning Champagne region, with an exquisite original score by Grégoire Hetzel, this is sparkling entertainment for the heart (and ears).

STARRING: Valérie Donzelli, Frédéric Pierrot, Mathieu Spinosi, Emma Ravier

DIRECTED BY: Grégory Magne

Screenings

Guru

Thriller R13124 minutes French with English Subtitles

In this tense psychological thriller, Pierre Niney (The Count of Monte Cristo) delivers a chilling performance as a popular life coach with a dedicated following.

Mathieu Vasseur (Niney) delivers electrifying seminars, promising empowerment and transformation to his loyal fanbase. But behind his carefully curated image lies a more sinister reality.

As Vasseur’s reach grows, the bonds he forms with his followers tighten into chains of control. Self-growth is traded for emotional reliance, and subtle influence becomes total psychological domination. What began as a quest for enlightenment for all involved becomes a predatory hierarchy.

As scrutiny from skeptics and the law pushes Vasseur’s organisation towards obsession and collapse, he faces the question: how far can he go before his promise of freedom becomes a prison?

Niney’s outstanding turn is bolstered by the excellent supporting cast of Marion Barbeau, Anthony Bajon (Beating Hearts), Christophe Montenez (also starring in 13 Days, 13 Nights) and
Holt McCallany (Mindhunter).

Guru is a razor-sharp examination of power dynamics that masterfully explores the thin line between mentorship and manipulation. Already a box office hit in France with over $16 million USD at the box office, make sure you don’t miss it!

STARRING: Pierre Niney, Marion Barbeau, Anthony Bajon, Christophe Montenez

DIRECTED BY: Yann Gozlan

Screenings

Tuesday 23rd June | 3.30pm Book

Redress

Drama, Thriller M106 minutes French with English Subtitles

Auteur Régis Wargnier (director of the Oscar-winning Indochine) returns to filmmaking for the first time in over a decade with the masterfully crafted globe-trotting drama Redress.

Renowned chef Paskal Jankovski (Clovis Cornillac, A Little Something Extra) is moments away from announcing his third Michelin star when he suddenly vanishes. Disappearing alongside him is Antoine (Julien de Saint-Jean, Lie with Me), his trusted sous-chef.

Paskal’s daughter Clara (Julia de Nunez) suddenly finds herself the inheritor of the family restaurant at just 20 years old. Once a paragon of Gallic gastronomic excellence, the establishment now faces an uncertain future. The void left by Paskal’s absence feels inescapable, while the mystery of his and Antoine’s disappearance remains unsolved.

The enigma deepens when years later, traces of Paskal’s cooking style crop up at a restaurant in Taiwan. Clara must embark on a journey to find the truth about her father’s fate.

A story that covers continents, cuisines and cultures, Redress is brought to life by strong performances and immaculate cinematography. You’ll be drawn in by the intriguing mystery, lush environments and variety of sumptuous dishes - just don’t see it on an empty stomach!

STARRING: Julia de Nunez, Clovis Cornillac, Julien de Saint Jean

DIRECTED BY: Régis Wargnier

Screenings

The Son Of

Comedy M106 minutes French with English Subtitles

One week after a chaotic presidential election, France urgently needs a new Prime Minister. A hapless but ambitious young parliamentary assistant (Jean Chevalier) has a plan: convince his retired and highly erratic politician father (François Cluzet, The Intouchables) to return from exile and seize the top job. What follows is a breakneck political comedy that transforms into a razor-sharp portrait of power, ambition, and the flexibility of principle.

With The Son Of, former political journalist Carlos Abascal Peiró makes an audacious debut, dynamically navigating the treacherous corridors of the French Republic, his camera stalking the backrooms where ideology evaporates and egos dominate, capturing politicians, fixers and media operators engaged in verbal warfare with astonishing ferocity. Filmed before France’s current political turmoil, the narrative hums with uncanny and prophetic resonance. Think Veep with a distinctly Gallic accent; anyone appreciative of Armando Iannucci’s savage political dissections and Succession will find much to savour here.

Newcomer Chevalier is perfectly cast as the slippery modern opportunist, supported by an hilarious, never-better Cluzet’s reluctant patriarch, Karin Viard’s irresistible party operative and Alex Lutz (The Stolen Painting) rounding out a stellar ensemble. Sharp, unsparing, and mischievously satisfying, The Son Of is a winning satire.

STARRING: Jean Chevalier, François Cluzet, Karin Viard, Alex Lutz

DIRECTED BY: Carlos Abascal Peiró

Screenings

Just an Illusion

Comedy M119 minutes French with English Subtitles

From Eric Toledano and Oliver Nakache, the award-winning directors of The Intouchables and A Difficult Year comes Just an Illusion, a heartwarming and brilliant comedy set in the suburbs of Paris in 1985.

The film follows Vincent (an incredible debut performance from Simon Boublil),
a boy standing on the precipice of his 13th birthday and his Bar Mitzvah - a milestone that feels more like an identity crisis than a celebration.

Vincent’s mother Sandrine (Camille Cottin, Three Friends) tries to hold the family together with her job as a secretary, while his father Yves (Louis Garrel, also starring in Couture) grapples with unemployment and a wounded ego.

Caught between his parents’ frequent arguments and a distant older brother, Arnaud (Alexis Rosenstiehl), Vincent must find his own rhythm in a family that is out of sync.

Simon Boublil is being hailed as a major discovery for his performance as Vincent, carrying this nostalgia soaked tale with a winning combination of vulnerability and dry humour. Meanwhile, French cinema stalwarts Cottin and Garrel deliver explosive but grounded chemistry.

Directors Toledano and Nakache blend the infectious energy of a classic 80s soundtrack with their signature brand of heartfelt humour, for their most personal film to date. Book in quick to avoid disappointment!

STARRING: Louis Garrel, Camille Cottin, Pierre Lottin, Simon Boublil

DIRECTED BY: Eric Toledano and Oliver Nakache

Screenings

Wednesday 24th June | 1.00pm Book

An Evening with Victor Hugo

Comedy, Drama M90 minutes French with English Subtitles

Director Pascal Bonitzer (Maigret and the Dead Lover) brings this charming tale from the late Sophie Fillières brilliantly to life.

French acting legend Fabrice Luchini plays popular performer Robert Zucchini, who has built his career on a stage act that lauds the works of the famous writer Victor Hugo.

Robert’s bold reverence of Hugo’s ‘male genius’ doesn’t always play well with more enlightened modern audiences, and he finds himself not only at odds with a feminist theatre troupe, but with his adult daughter Lisbeth (Marie Narbonne, The Count of Monte Cristo), who has recently reappeared in his life.

Robert wrestles with how art meets with politics - but more importantly, with his real-life relationships. Where he once took refuge in texts of the past, Lisbeth demands his presence in the moment.

Little by little, with his daughter’s help, Robert begins to reconnect with his past, open up to others and relearn the practice of his craft.

Pascal Bonitzer has crafted a slick, emotional, funny account of modern problems playing out on and off stage. Centred by a brilliant performance from the always-exceptional Fabrice Luchini, An Evening with VictorHugo is a must-see at the 2026 Festival.

STARRING: Fabrice Luchini, Chiara Mastroianni, Marie Narbonne

DIRECTED BY: Pascal Bonitzer

Screenings

Wednesday 24th June | 11.00am Book

Cycle of Time

Comedy M103 minutes French with English Subtitles

Elsa Zylberstein (Simone: Woman of the Century) and Didier Bourdon (The Scammers) star in this inventive time travel comedy that sharply explores societal roles.

It’s 1958 in quiet suburbia. Hélène (Zylberstein) and Michel (Bourdon) live a simple but happy life with their two children. Michel works in a bank, while Hélène focuses her efforts on their home and family life.

Through an unexpected and unlikely series of events, the couple find themselves catapulted into the 21st century. The year is 2025, and everything they know has changed. Hélène and Michel grapple with new technology, social rituals, and the frantic pace of modern life.

Hélène now finds herself a successful bank manager and the sole breadwinner, while Michel has become the stay-at-home-husband.

As they navigate this unfamiliar world, the pair must confront new ways of thinking, loving and living. Hélène and Michel are left wondering not how they will survive in their new reality, but whether they even want to...

Propelled by hilarious performances from Zylberstein and Bourdon, Cycle of Time is a delightfully subversive comedy that will have you rediscovering the present through the eyes of two characters from a bygone era.

STARRING: Elsa Zylberstein, Didier Bourdon, Aurore Clément, Didier Flamand

DIRECTED BY: Vinciane Millereau

Screenings

Monday 22nd June | 5.45pm Book

The Party's Over!

Comedy M95 minutes French with English Subtitles

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Director’s Fortnight) -

This entertaining black comedy follows Mehdi (Sami Outalbali, Lucky Winners), a recent law graduate from a modest background spending the summer at his girlfriend’s luxurious family villa. He soon finds himself caught in an escalating class conflict between the entitled Trousselard family and their mistreated caretakers. Hoping to secure an internship at his girlfriend’s father’s prestigious law firm, Mehdi attempts to mediate between the two sides, only to be trapped in a spiralling conflict over money, power and pride. The Party’s Over! is a biting satirical portrait of class privilege with a sensational comic cast including Laure Calamy and recent César award-winner Laurent Lafitte.

DIRECTED BY: Antony Cordier

STARRING: Laurent Lafitte, Laure Calamy, Élodie Bouchez

Screenings

Monday 22nd June | 8.00pm Book

A Nun in the City

Comedy PG86 minutes French with English Subtitles

After twenty years of devotion to her convent, Sister Lucie’s (Marilou Berry) quiet life is upended when she is separated from her sisterhood during a group outing. While trying to find her way home, she spots a familiar face on a television screen: her teenage sweetheart, now accused of a high-profile murder. Convinced of his innocence, she makes the impulsive decision to try to help him. Lucie’s disappearance has caused panic back at the convent, and the formidable Mother Superior Henriette (Isabelle Nanty, Amélie) sends two nuns to track her down and bring her back. A Nun in the City is a heartwarming, comedic story where faith, freedom and past love collide with surprising results.

DIRECTED BY: Frédéric Quiring

STARRING: Marilou Berry, Isabelle Nanty, Barbara Bolotner, Neva Kéhouane, Valérie Mairesse

Screenings

Wednesday 24th June | 3.30pm Book

Leave One Day

Comedy, Drama M97 minutes French with English Subtitles

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Opening Film) -

Making waves in 2025 as the first-ever debut feature selected to open the Cannes Film Festival, Amélie Bonnin’s joyously entertaining musical romance stars break-out singer/songwriter Juliette Armanet as a talented Parisian chef forced to reconnect with her small-town upbringing during an unexpected trip home.

Cécile (Armanet) – a fan-favourite Top Chef winner – is about to finally realise her dream and open her own restaurant when her father, the cook at a small rural truck stop, falls unwell.

Cécile must deal with a return to her roots that is more complicated than she imagined; when she runs into her teenage first love (César Award-winner Bastien Bouillon), old memories and sensations resurface... and then her fiancé, who senses something’s wrong, shows up.

Evocatively depicting regional France and the complications of family life with tenderness and wit, Leave One Day interweaves music naturally into the story, blending several classics with more recent hits by artists such as Stromae and Céline Dion.

Armanet, herself one of France’s most popular contemporary artists, performed John Lennon’s “Imagine” during the Paris Olympic Games’ opening ceremony and proves to be a shining discovery, in this warm-hearted and completely endearing gem.

STARRING: Juliette Armanet, Bastien Bouillon, François Rollin, Tewfik Jallab

DIRECTED BY: Amélie Bonnin

Screenings

Tuesday 23rd June | 6.00pm Book

Sign up to our newsletter