Paris fest is such a deal

Gov't officials support event

By LISA NESSELSON

PARIS -- There's a sale on good movies in Paris and surrounding suburbs from March 29-April 5, when Le Festival Paris Ile-de-France screens 100 French and international films for the public.

Thanks to the support of regional government officials, an all-inclusive fest pass is only E15 ($20), which works out to roughly 20¢ a movie. The Regional Council, which has enthusiastically pumped money into cinema-themed events at a growing pace over the past three years, grants funds to 34 such local fests.

Although 15 of the events -- including the ambitious citywide summer film festival called Paris Cinema -- take place in the capitol, the others spotlight surrounding communities.

Film personalities including fest prez Isabelle Adjani and multi-hyphenate Mathieu Kassovitz have volunteered to shepherd film screenings in outlying areas.