FFM adds screenings at Théâtre Outremont
Halfway through its disastrous 40th edition, the Festival des films du monde (FFM) will double its screens with the addition of Théâtre Outremont as a venue. Screenings at the theatre will start Tuesday at 2 p.m., according to a festival representative.
The FFM was hit hard last Tuesday by the departure of most of the employees hired to prepare this year's event, in protest against the lack of funds, support and structure they deemed necessary to do their jobs. Then, on Wednesday, Cineplex Entertainment announced that, contrary to what was stated on the FFM website, it would not be partnering with the festival this year to show movies at the Cineplex Forum.
That left the FFM with a bare-bones staff and just one of the eight screens mentioned in its program: the Imperial Cinema.
A rejigged schedule was posted on the windows of the Imperial and the FFM website on Thursday, the festival's opening day, with irregular updates and last-minute changes over the next several days.
On Friday, sources familiar with the festival told the Montreal Gazette that famed French actress Isabelle Adjani would not be able to attend the screening of her film Carole Matthieu, this past Sunday, due to a scheduling conflict. The screening was taken off the festival's schedule, but tickets were still available for purchase Sunday on the Admission network's website.
As of Monday afternoon, no new screening time had been announced for Carole Matthieu.
An FFM representative said the festival was hoping for confirmation of Adjani and actor Willem Dafoe's attendance by Tuesday. Dafoe is expected to be present for the screening of his film My Hindu Friend, scheduled for Friday at 9 p.m. at the Imperial Cinema.
Meanwhile, many filmmakers from outside Quebec who had made the trip here to show their films have been left in the lurch. At least some of them may now have a chance to show their work at Théâtre Outremont. The festival representative said Tuesday's schedule of screenings at the venue was expected to be posted Monday evening on the FFM website (ffm-montreal.org), but the schedule for each of the ensuing days may only be posted the evening prior.
The FFM is scheduled to run through Monday, Sept. 5.