Nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Animated Film category, The Illusionist tells the story of a dying breed of entertainers in the late 1950s, through the eyes of a magician. Directed by BAFTA Award winner Sylvain Chomet (Belleville Rendez-vous) and based on an unpublished story written by Oscar winner Jacques Tati (Mon Oncle) the magician’s life is seen on stage and in boarding houses as he tours with his show.

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It was an unexpected publishing sensation when it first appeared in France in 2006. “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” by Muriel Barbery had an initial print run of 4,000, but by a year later there was a fiftieth reprint of this most unusual and intelligent novel. It stayed on the bestseller list in France for 102 weeks. Then followed translation into half a dozen languages, with many more promised to come. With its mixture of philosophy and human interest, humour, pathos, and the most amazingly erudite language, it quickly became a favourite read for book groups, eager to discuss and argue over ideas on class and stereotypes, privilege, pretension, culture and education. |inline

The 18th edition of the French Film Festival UK runs from 11th to 28th November at the Edinburgh Filmhouse, and also at other venues throughout the country. It promises to show the creme de la creme of French Cinema. This year the festival focuses on the work of Pierre Etaix, the highlight of his work being a restored copy of “Le Grand Amour”. With his roots in circus life, Etaix helped Tati on many of his films, developing Tati’s distinctive style. |inline

Hopetoun Woods, not Hollywood, is where Russell Cowe has built up one of Britain’s largest vintage video distribution centres, Panamint Cinema.

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