Kung-Fu Master!
Varda: A Retrospective
December 20, 2019 - January 6, 2020
Jane Birkin (who also conceived the story) gives one of her finest performances in Varda’s one-of-a-kind romance. She plays a 40-year-old divorcée who falls in love with her daughter’s 14-year-old classmate—an eyebrow-raising premise that’s treated with surprising tenderness.
Introduction by Rosalie Varda on January 6
In one of her finest, most vulnerable performances, Jane Birkin is a 40-year-old divorcée who falls in love with her daughter’s 14-year-old, video-game-obsessed classmate, played by Mathieu Demy, son of Varda and filmmaker Jacques Demy. This eyebrow-raising premise is presented with surprising sympathy and tenderness, a radical challenge to audience identification and an all-too-rare exploration of female subjectivity. Throughout, Varda interweaves snapshots of the AIDS crisis, adding a pointed sociopolitical subtext to this one-of-a-kind romance. Based on an original story by Birkin, Kung-Fu Master! is a true family affair, featuring appearances from the actress’s daughters (Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon), parents, and brother.
Playing as part of Varda: A Retrospective, December 20-January 6. See showtimes & get tickets.
Read More
Ildikó Enyedi and Tony Leung on Their Venice Award-Winning Silent Friend
This week we’re excited to present a conversation with Silent Friend director Ildikó Enyedi and lead actor Tony Leung, moderated by TIME film critic Stephanie Zacharek.
FLC Presents “Elaine May,” June 26–July 2, with May in Person to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Mikey and Nicky
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the release of Elaine May’s emotionally potent Mikey and Nicky, May and producer Julian Schlossberg will be in person at FLC to present a 4K restoration of the film, which May supervised herself.
Apply Now for 2026 FLC Artists and Critics Academies
Applications are now open through June 18 for the 2026 Film at Lincoln Center Academy Programs.
