CINEMA FOREIGN IN SACRAMENTO: There are many fine film festivals in our state, which doesn't surprise; California does, after all, make a movie or two from time to time, or so we hear. But the specialized film festival is a rarer event. Still, the Golden State is home to many parties feting a particular theme or country. And one of the best? The Sacramento French Film Festival. It's billed as "the second largest French Film Festival on the West Coast," meaning that it screens an interesting array of shorts and features. But it isn't simply about sticking a reel up on a projector and dimming the lights; SFFF has special nights and tributes throughout its week-plus one. One we're looking forward to? A Tribute to French Actresses by author Mick LaSalle, who coincidentally has a book out about women in French cinema. That's on Saturday, June 16 and Sunday, June 17.
LE PLUS ULTRA: Premieres, late-night movies, and receptions on the opening and closing nights are are part of the party. You'll meet people serious about modern French films as well, if that happens to be one of the things you like to discuss best. The dates are Friday, June 15 through Sunday, June 24, and the location is the Crest in Sacramento.
