‘The Animal Kingdom’ Wins Top Award at 29th Rendez-Vous with French Cinema in New York

French director Thomas Cailley’s film “The Animal Kingdom” continues to captivate audiences, winning the Audience Award at the 29th edition of Rendez-Vous with French Cinema in New York. The film, which premiered at Cannes Un Certain Regard in 2023, has grossed over .5M in France.

Magnolia Pictures will release the fantasy drama in major U.S. markets on March 15, following its success in France where it received 12 nominations for the 2024 César Awards. Another standout film at the festival was Nathan Ambrosioni’s “Toni,” which received a Special Mention for the Audience Award.

In addition to “Toni,” Iris Kaltenbäck’s “The Rapture” was honored with the Best Emerging Filmmaker Award, while Erwan Le Duc’s “No Love Lost” received a Special Mention. These awards were decided by a panel of six New York City college students selected by professors at partner universities of Rendez-Vous.

Both “No Love Lost” and “The Rapture” are part of the 10th Young French Cinema program, a collaboration between Villa Albertine in New York and French film promotional body Unifrance. Rendez-Vous with French Cinema is a joint venture between Unifrance and Film at Lincoln Center, showcasing 21 French films, with a focus on works directed by women and first-time filmmakers.

The festival issued 8,400 tickets, including to 750 middle and high school students. Rendez-Vous with French Cinema is a highlight in Film at Lincoln Center’s calendar of events, alongside the New York Film Festival and New Directors/New Films.