French Girls
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An inspired act of micro-budget filmmaking, this playful gig economy parable set in the Sydney fashion scene introduces an impressive array of new Australian talent.
Mia is floating through life: dating a small-time scammer; killing time in front of screens; working a menial job in construction. When the unexpected opportunity arises for her to exchange hi-vis for high fashion, she reluctantly falls into the world of modelling, where there’s ample money, prestige, gossip … and just as much boredom. Lost between old friends who judge her new job and new friends she can’t quite trust, Mia keeps floating along. Via a series of questionable choices and increasing misadventures, however, she will ultimately become infamous.
Made for just $28,000 and drawn from her own experiences as a fashion photographer, Korean-Australian writer/director Hyun Lee’s (Asian Girls, MIFF 2018) debut feature film is a DIY portrait of the drudgery of labour that punches well above its weight. Shot in Sydney locations by cinematographer Dimitri Zaunders (The Golden Spurtle, MIFF 2025) with a host of non-professional actors – including impressive newcomer Mia Kidis in the central role – it’s at once a comedy about the absurdities of the fashion industry, a commentary on the construction of imagery and a film in open dialogue with the Nouvelle Vague.
Writer/director Hyun Lee is a guest of the festival and will be in attendance at all metropolitan sessions of the film.
Hyun Lee will also appear at the MIFF Talks event Modern Moviemaking on Sunday 23 August.
Tickets
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