Lost in Frenchlation opens up the world of French cinema to the international community by screening French films with English subtitles in some of the most iconic independent cinemas in Paris and beyond. We believe cinema is a powerful cultural connector, and we work to remove the language barrier so that international audiences can engage with French movies in a meaningful way — not just the blockbusters, but independent, auteur, and socially engaged cinema.

Founded by Manon and Matt after realizing how difficult it was to share a love of French film across language barriers, Lost in Frenchlation has grown into a cultural bridge for our audience which is highly diverse — culturally, linguistically, and socially — connecting locals, expats, and tourists through weekly screenings of both classic and newly released French films.

But each event is much more than just a film screening — it’s a full cultural experience, including drinks to meet new people coming from all around the world, Q&As with film crews, stand-up comedy, or even movie-themed walking tours.

Since 2015, we’ve been bringing together the richness of French cinema and an international audience that’s curious and passionate, helping everyone feel just a little more at home in French culture. Through our programming, we highlight the diversity, creativity, and social relevance of both classic and contemporary French cinema — in a spirit of inclusivity, exchange, and cultural openness.

How did it start?

The concept of Lost in Frenchlation was born out of the frustration experienced by co-founders Manon and Matt when they realized they couldn’t go to the cinema together — simply because Matt didn’t speak French.

They soon discovered they weren’t alone. Paris’ large international community of expatriates, students, and tourists had little to no access to French cinema, due to the lack of screenings with English subtitles.

Yet French cinema is a cornerstone of both Parisian and national culture — and one of the very reasons so many foreigners are drawn to France in the first place: to experience its rich, artistic, and diverse cultural life.

Thanks to Lost in Frenchlation, the international community in Paris can now enjoy the same French films as locals — in a warm, inclusive atmosphere and in some of the most beautiful and iconic independent cinemas across the city.


At the origin

The international duo behind Lost in Frenchlation is Manon and Matt, who founded Lost in Frenchlation in December 2015. Manon grew up in Paris, Matt in Sydney, and following their meeting in Berlin, where they were able to see German films with English subtitles at Hackesche Hofe Kino, they created the ciné-club which allowed them to share their passion for French cinema with the rest of the world.


Today

Manon is French and grew up in Paris, and she is absolutely passionate about everything to do with French film. When she’s not busy working on making Lost in Frenchlation a success, she is working on other projects making French culture accessible to all.

 

In Features

  • 45 differents nationalities come to our events
  • 120 spectators/event on average
  • 50k spectators since the launch in 2015
  • 500 films since the launch in 2015
  • I love everything you do the way you do. I wish I could start a similar project in my home country. — Anaïs, Brazil
  • Thank you for doing this! It’s an incredible idea! — Liam, Ireland
  • I think it's a great initiative. I really enjoyed watching all the movies! Thanks a lot :) — Mei, Singapore
  • I love Lost in Frenchlation, and I would love to see more films with English subtitles. — David, Canada
  • I absolutely love the concept. — Sofia, Italy
  • Thank you for starting and continuing your group. My husband and I have benefitted immensely. — Carolyn, USA
  • Love that you guys are offering this to people. There are so many great French films being made but for us non-French speakers, its hard to enjoy them to the full, so thank you — Rajiv, India
  • This is a really fab event! You should all be very proud of yourselves, thanks so much for giving me something cool and unexpected to do this semester! — Chloe, Australia
  • You are doing a fabulous job! Everytime we come back it's even better. Keep it up! — Markus, Germany
  • It's become one of our favourite things to do in Paris. Your taste in films is impeccable and broadens our cultural experience. Merci beaucoup. — Yara, Lebanon

Press

Our Guests

  • Sara Forestier

    Club de l'Étoile

  • Noémie Merlant

    L'Entrepôt

  • Michel Gondry

    Club de l'Étoile

  • Mathieu Amalric

    Luminor Hôtel de Ville

  • Karim Leklou

    L'Entrepôt

  • Jean-Hugues Anglade

    Luminor Hôtel de Ville

  • Yvan Attal

    L'Entrepôt

  • Arnaud Desplechin

    Cinéma du Panthéon

  • Champs Élysées Film Festival

  • Camille Cottin

    L'Arlequin

  • Barbet Schroeder

    L'Entrepôt

  • Alexandre de la Pattelière, Matthieu Delaporte

    Le Balzac

Thanks to our partners!