By Nicole Goesseringer Muj
Rebecca Zlotowski’s film A Private Life (Vie Privée) starring Jodie Foster successfully opened the 29th annual American French Film Festival (TAFFF) on October 28, 2025, with its Hollywood premiere.
The psychological thriller features a stellar cast, including Oscar-winner Jodie Foster and César Award winner Daniel Auteuil, alongside Virginie Efira, Vincent Lacoste, and Mathieu Amalric. The Opening Night screening, presented in association with Sony Pictures Classics, marked the start of the festival’s newly extended seven-day run at the Director’s Guild of America Theater Complex in Los Angeles. The film also played on October 29 as part of the competitive selection for the 2025 TAFFF Awards.
During the festival’s opening remarks, Foster was presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award, which she graciously accepted, expressing her love for the French language and culture.
The festival is praised as a key event for French films and series to gain visibility at the start of awards season in Los Angeles. Taylor Hackford, FACF Board member, highlighted Jodie Foster’s riveting performance, noting it was masterfully delivered as if she spoke French as a first language.
The film’s compelling story centers on psychiatrist Lillian Steiner (Foster), who investigates the suspicious death of one of her patients in a captivating psychological thriller. The on-screen chemistry between Foster and Auteuil is cited as a standout element of the film.
Rebecca Zlotowski, honored earlier in 2025 with the Unifrance French Cinema Award for her contributions to French cinema abroad, premiered the film at Cannes. TAFFF hosted its U.S. premiere before the film’s releases in France and the U.S. The production team includes Frédéric Jouve, Rebecca Zlotowski, and France 3 Cinema, with distribution by Sony Pictures Classics in the U.S.
The opening night of TAFFF was a strong success for both the film and the festival’s collaborative mission between French and American cinema industries. The festival runs though October 3rd. 2025 DAY BY DAY SCHEDULE – The American French Film Festival in Los Angeles
Photos: Philip Guerette for TAFFF.
