# American French Film Festival Engages 3,000 Students with 'In Waves' Educational program brings French cinema to Los Angeles high schoolers through immersive screenings. - **Source:** [Variety](https://variety.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a4c2fbd6-3ee9-4c58-b8e8-bc770141c3d3 ## Bridging Cultures Through Cinema The American French Film Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary by hosting 3,000 Los Angeles high school students. This educational initiative, running for two decades, aims to foster a new generation of French cinema enthusiasts. By providing access to international films, the program seeks to expand students' cultural horizons beyond traditional Hollywood offerings. ## The Selection of 'In Waves' Students attended five packed screenings of the animated feature 'In Waves,' directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen. Based on an American graphic novel discovered in France, the film depicts a poignant love story set in Southern California. Its themes resonated deeply with the teenage audience, sparking emotional reactions and meaningful post-screening discussions. ## Strategic Educational Partnerships Program deputy director Anouchka Van Riel coordinates with over 60 schools, balancing public and private institutions equally. The American Association of Teachers of French provides comprehensive 100-page educational guides to help students analyze the film's themes. These materials are utilized by both French-language classes and performing arts students across the region. ## Overcoming the Subtitle Barrier Surveys indicate that over 80% of participating students no longer view subtitles as a barrier to enjoying foreign-language films. Exposure to global streaming content has normalized subtitled media for this generation. The festival leverages this shift to introduce arthouse cinema to young viewers who might otherwise never encounter such diverse storytelling. ## Logistical Challenges for Schools Organizing these trips involves significant effort, particularly for public schools facing transportation funding constraints. Many teachers must secure specific grants just to cover bus costs for their students. Despite these hurdles, demand remains high, with half of the available seats booked within one week of the initial outreach in May. ## The Power of Shared Experience The screenings created a unique cathartic environment, with students often requiring a moment of silence before engaging in Q&A sessions. Sharing emotional experiences in a dark theater provides a communal space for grief and reflection. This collective viewing experience is increasingly rare for modern youth accustomed to solitary digital streaming habits. ## Shifting Audience Demographics The program addresses the aging demographic of traditional arthouse moviegoers, where audiences often skew over 65. By targeting high schoolers directly through their teachers, the festival bypasses the saturation of university-level opportunities. This strategy ensures that international cinema remains relevant and accessible to younger demographics who are currently underserved by theaters. ## Future of International Distribution While streaming platforms have improved the circulation of foreign-language films, the festival emphasizes the necessity of physical exposure. Without organized programs, students are unlikely to seek out international cinema independently. The festival's success demonstrates that when provided with access and context, young audiences are highly receptive to diverse global narratives. ## Sources covering this story - https://variety.com/2026/film/global/american-french-film-festival-high-school-students-in-waves-1236943707/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._