I went to France once. It was two and a half years ago. That is a long time; it doesn't feel like quite so long – my memories are still quite vivid. It's the best trip I've ever taken. France is beautiful. I was there for three weeks: two in Montpellier, in the south, near the Mediterranean, and one in Paris. Paris, by the way, is incredibly hyped up and full of annoying tourists. Montpellier was wonderful, though, and I would live there, if I spoke the language. Many wonderful things happen in France: good food, good wine, a beautiful language, and, of course, some fantastic films.

As we have previously mentioned, throughout the month of February, the University of Louisville presents the French Film Festival at the Floyd Theater. This week, the film to be showcased is Aki Kaurismäki's Le Havre. Andre Wilms stars as Marcel Marx, an aging shoeshiner who once had grand literary ambitions. While caring for his sick wife, Arletty (Kati Outinen), Marx meets a young African immigrant who lands in the town of Le Havre illegally. He takes in the youth and protects him, in defiance of the law.

Le Havre will be screened at the Floyd Theater tonight, Thursday, at 5:00 and 8:00, and tomorrow at 5:00. Tonight's 5:00 screening will be followed by a discussion led by Tracy Heightchew, president of the Louisville Film Society. Admission is free. The Floyd Theater is located on the third floor of the Student Activities Center on the U of L campus (look for the clock tower). See the Facebook event page for details, and click here for the complete lineup for the French Film Festival.

Image: Internet Movie Database