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Z (1969, Costa-Gavras)
January 16, 2025 at 7 PM CT on Zoom
“A pulse-pounding political thriller,” Greek expatriate director Costa-Gavras’s Z (“he lives”) is considered a “technically audacious and emotionally gripping masterpiece,” with “kinetic, rhythmic editing, expressive vérité photography, and a propulsive score.” It is based on the 1963 assassination of a Greek leftist politican (Yves Montand) that is covered up by military and government officials, and the prosecutor (Jean-Louis Trintignant) who becomes determined to expose the truth. The film received 12
awards from multiple countries, including the Jury Prize at Cannes and a best foreign film Oscar. (primary source: The Criterion Collection)
Note: The French Film Academy will honor “legendary political filmmaker” Costa-Gavras with its lifetime achievement award at the upcoming 2025 César Awards.
Where to Watch
Amazon Prime (rent)
Apple (rent)
Criterion, Max, and YouTube (subscription)
available on dvd from many libraries.
Discussion Questions
Virtual French Cinema
The Federation of Alliances Françaises USA has partnered with the Los Angeles-based COLCOA Film Festival to provide a platform of 150+ recent French films and documentaries, available for streaming in the USA. Prices start at $2.99 per rental.
Visit https://colcoa.org/virtual-cinema/ for the full listing of available movies.
