Filmfest DC Opening Night: Screening of “Colours of Time”

This delightful time-tripping romantic dramedy masterfully captures the lavish wonder of la Belle Époque alongside modern-day Paris. The story follows Adèle, who leaves her Normandy farmhouse in 1895 to search for her long-lost mother in a Paris being transformed by artists like Victor Hugo, Sarah Bernhardt, and Impressionist painters Monet and Renoir. In parallel, four of her previously unknown descendants in 2024—neurotic executive Céline, genial beekeeper Guy, content creator Seb, and French teacher Abdel—begin excavating their ancestor's life story through old letters, paintings, and photos as they assess the contents of that long-abandoned farmhouse.

This gorgeously kaleidoscopic crowd-pleaser skillfully blends themes of past and present in thoughtful, thought-provoking strokes, anchored in Adèle's endearing journey of self-discovery and the surprising discoveries of the modern-day foursome. The screening requires advance registration through Eventbrite, and attendees must bring valid photo ID matching the name on their ticket. Large bags, umbrellas, backpacks, and bike helmets are not permitted on embassy grounds, and there is no on-site parking available.