Not only will the artists be on hand to present what’s new in French cinema, but the festival also will bring such dignitaries as France’s ambassador to the United States, Jean David Levitte. “It’s not just [about] coming to watch film,” Kirkpatrick says, “but it’s also having the entire weekend to get involved.” The war meditation set in Nazi-occupied Paris, “Monsieur Batignole,” (pictured) will be the final film screened on Sunday at 4:45 p.m. The festivities begin Friday (March 28) at 5 p.m. The main events take place Saturday, with movies all day, followed by a reception and gala dinner at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Event continues through Sunday. A pass to all movies is $55. Individual tickets, $5. Call 827-FILM for tickets and more information. — Wayne Melton