Paris Je t’Aime, which was screened during the 2007 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, comprises 20 short six-minute films each made by independent directors. The anecdotes revolve around the theme of love or more specifically of Paris being the city of love.

Through the 20 stories we, the audience, fall in love with Paris and the concept of love itself. The magic of Paris is caught by each director through the beautiful and iconic landmarks of the city to the typically Parisian way of life on the streets and in the parks. We are given insight into the multicultural existence of the city draped in the prism of love which explores maternal love, new love, young love, re-found love, and the loss of love.

Paris Je t’Aime will leave you with a renewed belief in soulmates, unexpected chance and the greater cosmic forces that guide us. The stories range from serious to silly to surreal from a husband and wife who are grieving the loss of their son to two mimes who find love in a prison cell.

The film takes you on a magical journey with each story beautifully composed and directed. The collaborative effort is an effective and innovative idea. However, due to the briefness of the stories, there is little character development and the overall film fails to hold your attention span. This results in the eagerness to go home after the 12th story is finished. – Kate MacIldowie