ArtScreen celebrates the arts with a free film series on Friday evenings in the City of Fairfax

All screenings will be at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center,
3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax VA 22030

Doors open at 7 p.m. • Film starts at 7:30 p.m.

Socially distant seating • Please wear face coverings and follow recommended health safety measures

Umbrellas of Cherbourg

1964 – G

Against the backdrop of a pastel-colored, rain-soaked, mid-1950s Cherbourg, demurely beautiful sixteen-year-old Geneviève, daughter of Madame Emery, the financially hard-pressed proprietress of a struggling umbrella boutique, finds herself at love's command. Head-over-heels in love with the handsome twenty-year-old auto mechanic, Guy, luminous Geneviève has eyes only for him; however, as they prepare to get married, Guy is called up for military service in Algeria. Lovesick, sad-eyed Geneviève braces herself up for the following two long years, and the emotional hardship of a challenging long-distance relationship, only to realize that some dreams may never come true. Indeed, absence is a funny thing, and sometimes, it makes the heart grow not warmer but cold and distant. And then, Roland, a kind, sophisticated Parisian jeweler, walks into Madame Emery's shop, offering support, and undying, unconditional love. Is this the prelude to a silent farewell between the star-crossed lovers? This film was directed by Jacques Demy and stars Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo. Music composed by Michel Legrand.

Awards: Prix Louis-Delluc, 1963; Palme d'Or at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival; Critics' prize for Best Film, by the French Syndicate of Film Critics, 1965.

“Jacques Demy elevates the basic drama of everyday life into a soaring opera full of bittersweet passion and playful charm, featuring a timeless performance from Catherine Deneuve.” – Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus (99%)