Author: Jane Boland

Inflight Dublin has been selected by Cabo Verde Airlines to provide its end-to-end wireless Inflight Entertainment (IFE) solution, Everhub™.

Commencing in June, Inflight Dublin will equip two of TCV’s B757 aircraft with its DO-160G certified Everhub™ portable wireless server. The Hollywood-approved Everhub™ software platform features a brand-aligned Graphical User Interface (GUI) and interactive Moving Map. Curated from a broad catalogue, the content package consists of Hollywood blockbusters, popular TV shows, Publications and the revenue-generating games platform, Gladi8tor Gaming, through LXM.

Cabo Verde Airlines will also be utilizing Inflight Dublin’s bespoke data analytics platform, IFD Insights®, where they will gain access to intuitive performance reports to optimise services moving forward.

About Inflight Dublin

Inflight Dublin is a global provider of content and wireless inflight entertainment solutions. With over 37 years’ experience in the industry, Inflight Dublin provides a broad range of IFE services to over 50 airlines in 40 countries. Through its cost-effective Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™ and flexible content packages, Inflight Dublin provides a one-stop-shop for inflight entertainment that is accessible to every airline.

About Cabo Verde Airlines

Founded in 1958, Cabo Verde Airlines is the flag carrier of Cabo Verde with its hub in Sal, offering reliable and efficient service with a difference.

Inflight Dublin has been awarded the contract for the provision of content and wireless Inflight Entertainment (IFE) services by Sunclass Airlines.

Commencing in August 2021, the agreement sees Inflight Dublin providing its wireless IFE solution, Everhub™, on board Sunclass Airlines’ A321 aircraft, while also providing content services across their A330 fleet. The content catalogue consists of Hollywood movies, TV Shows, Boxsets, Music, and Publications. Also included is Inflight Dublin’s revenue-generating gaming platform, Gladi8tor Gaming, through LXM.

Sunclass Airlines is a Danish charter airline that operates a fleet of 10 A330 and A321 aircraft to over 30 destinations across Scandinavia, Europe, South America, and Asia.

“Broadening our partnership with Inflight Dublin is a reflection of our commitment to further engage with our passengers and to create exciting new revenue streams. The quick turnaround time and the utilization of one supplier for both our content and wireless IFE requirements will ensure an efficient and flexible setup, rollout and future expansion of this innovative service. As we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis, we are delighted to have Inflight Dublin’s continued support and to avail of their Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™. It will be an exciting addition to our inflight service for our loyal passengers.” – Christina Pedersen, Sunclass Airlines’ Customer Experience Manager

“Sunclass Airlines’ decision to continue our partnership for content services while also introducing Everhub™ on their narrow body aircraft gives us great pride and further validates that Everhub™ is the leading Wireless IFE solution in the market. With the endless possibilities our scalable solution offers, Sunclass Airlines and Inflight Dublin will be building on the initial rollout with a range of engaging features to delight passengers and generate additional revenues in the near future.” – Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO

For more information about Everhub™, click here.

To celebrate Inflight Dublin’s long-standing client Ethiopian Airlines on their 75th anniversary, we’re taking a look back at our relationship over the past 10 years.

Congratulations to all of our friends at Ethiopian Airlines! #75YearsOfExcellence

2011

The beginning of a great partnership: Inflight Dublin first signed Ethiopian Airlines as a client.

2014

During a trip to Addis Ababa, the Inflight Dublin team were treated to delicious traditional cuisine and fantastic entertainment at the famous Abyssinia restaurant.

2017

The partnership was extended & Ethiopian Airlines hosted John & Barry, IFD’s CEO and CCO respectively, with Capt. Yohannes HaileMariam at their B787 flight simulator event, pictured below.

2018

Ethiopian Airlines introduced Inflight Dublin’s Everhub Wireless IFE software to its B767-300ER fleet & Philip McCarthy, Inflight Dublin’s Director of Client Services, alongside Laura Begley, Inflight Dublin’s dedicated Account Manager to Ethiopian Airlines, paid a visit to the ever-welcoming Addis Ababa team at their aviation academy.

2019

Inflight Dublin introduced a number of Content enhancement packages including

• Disney Classics
• Star Wars
• Marvel Superheroes
• ASMR
• EASE, Inflight Dublin’s Wellness Breathing exercise

2020

Inflight Dublin and Ethiopian Airlines agreed to extend their relationship for another 3 years.

Inflight Dublin continued to support Ethiopian Airlines through the Covid-19 pandemic and most challenging time for the aviation industry, to help them emerge even stronger.

Today

We look back at some of the great achievements and enhancements Inflight Dublin has provided to Ethiopian Airlines’ inflight entertainment offering over the past 10 years.

• Supported ET through a number of inflight entertainment systems: Thales Legacy, Thales AVANT, Thales OASIS, and a range of wireless systems.
• Helped them to reach & maintain a 4 Star Skytrax rating
• Expanded their International content to include content from their growing network of destinations, including Malayalam, Korean, Japanese & Russian content
• Provided up to 8 languages per movie – worked with ET & Thales to accommodate their diverse passenger audience
• Produced over 200 pre-recorded announcements (PRA’s) in 11 languages
• Implemented Onboard marketing – Boarding videos, boarding music, opening & closing bumper ads
• Assisted in the delivery of the IFE insert for their inflight magazine (Selamta) & created an interactive microsite
• Continue to support them with their 2025 vision as the leading airline in Africa

Here’s to the next 75 years of Ethiopian Airlines’ success!

Inflight Dublin has been chosen by Nigeria’s foremost airline, Air Peace, to provide a trial of its Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™.

Beginning in May, Inflight Dublin will equip Air Peace’s brand new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft with the DO-160G certified Everhub™ Portable wireless server. The browser-based software platform features secure DRM streaming and a fully-customizable Graphical User Interface (GUI) to align with Air Peace’s brand guidelines. The content package consists of Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows, International content, documentaries, publications, and games from Inflight Dublin’s innovative gaming platform, Gladi8tor Gaming.

Photo: Embraer

Air Peace is a passenger and charter airline with a varied fleet of 28 aircraft (B777, B737, ERJ-145 and E195-E2) and currently services 16 local routes, 5 regional and 2 international destinations including Johannesburg and Dubai via Sharjah. The airline is reputed for its best-in-class flight services and strong commitment to passenger safety.

Inflight Dublin has been chosen by Norwegian regional airline, Widerøe, to provide a 6-month trial of its Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™.

Beginning in June, Inflight Dublin will equip three of Widerøe’s Embraer E2 aircraft with the DO-160G certified Everhub™ Portable wireless server. The Everhub™ software platform will be accessible to Widerøe’s passengers through Inflight Dublin’s web-based passenger application which features a brand-aligned Graphical User Interface (GUI) available in 11 languages. The content package consists of Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows, International content, documentaries, publications and games.

Widerøe is the largest regional airline operating in the Nordic countries, with a fleet of 45 aircraft flying to 41 destinations in Norway and 8 destinations in Europe.

“We are delighted to begin our partnership with Widerøe and to support them through the process of introducing wireless inflight entertainment on board. Wireless IFE is continually growing in popularity as a cost-effective way to offer inflight entertainment and generate revenue through ancillary services that enhance the in-flight experience for passengers. Therefore, we look forward to collaborating with Widerøe on this exciting project and to engage and delight its passengers”.

– Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO

Inflight Dublin has been chosen by Korean Air, the flag-carrier of South Korea, to provide a 6-month trial of its Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™.

Commencing in May, Inflight Dublin will equip Korean Air’s legacy fleet with the DO-160G certified Everhub™ Portable wireless server. The Everhub™ software platform will be accessible to Korean Air’s passengers through Inflight Dublin’s web-based passenger application which features a brand-aligned Graphical User Interface (GUI) available in up to 12 languages. The content package consists of Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows, selected International content, documentaries and games.

Korean Air is the largest airline in South Korea with a fleet of 100+ aircraft and flights to almost 150 international destinations.

Inflight Dublin, a global provider of inflight entertainment and wireless solutions, has announced a new partnership with innovative inflight games provider, Gladi8tor Gaming, through LXM Group.

Gladi8tor’s compelling gaming environment can now be hosted on Inflight Dublin’s Wireless IFE platform, Everhub™, for passengers to play a wide range of games on their own devices. As well as playing, passengers can also watch video streams of top gamers checking out the latest games and keep up to date on news from the gaming community.

In addition to providing an enhanced passenger experience, the gaming platform enables airlines to generate ancillary revenue through game sales and advertising. An integrated on board shop allows passengers to order games for multiple platforms which are fulfilled and delivered after the flight. The full gaming catalogue is being deployed on board Inflight Dublin’s client, Condor. This includes a car game which has been branded for SIXT car rentals, generating additional advertising revenue for the airline.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Inflight Dublin to bring our exciting gaming catalogue to new audiences. Inflight Dublin’s vast clientele of global airline clients allows our gaming platform to be put in front of passengers from all over the world“. –Paul Staadegaard, Gladi8tor Gaming’s CCO.

“We are excited to announce our new partnership with LXM Group and Gladi8tor Gaming and to get the gaming platform up and running on board Condor for their passengers to enjoy. Utilizing gaming content to drive ancillary revenue is something we haven’t seen many other providers do and this is very attractive for airlines to maximise the number of potential revenue streams available to them”. -Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO.

Roland Müller-Buchner, COO of the LXM Group which provides airline ancillary revenue solutions, adds: “Condor is a great example of an agile airline that is constantly developing and adapting to the times. We are proud to support them together with our long-time partner Inflight Dublin in optimizing the level of service on board”.

For more information, contact us at mail@inflightdublin.com & check out our free trial!

Ireland has a brilliant reputation in filmmaking today, but this wasn’t always the case.

Back in the early and mid-20th century, as the U.S., India, UK, Italy and France redefined cinema, the Irish were focused on other mediums, like writing, painting and music.

This started to change, however, in the latter half of the century.

From the 80s on, popular and acclaimed movies started to make waves globally while actors and directors – like Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy and Jim Sheridan, to name a few – became household names.

Fast forward to today, and filmmaking is as integral to Irish culture as Guinness, Father Ted and Thin Lizzy.

And, being Paddy’s Day, what better time to celebrate this?

Here’s a list of some of the fantastic movies from Ireland, many of which, by the way, Inflight Dublin has put onboard planes as part of their inflight entertainment offering.

If you represent an airline, we can do the same for you: send a message to mail@inflightdublin.com to learn more.

Wolfwalkers

Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells, Give Up Yer Aul Sins… The Irish have a real flair for animation.

Wolfwalkers, by renowned studio Cartoon Saloon, is the latest masterwork.

Recently nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the Golden Globes, it has, just this week, made the Oscars category for the same.

And rightly so. From the mysterious, engaging story, to the stunning artwork, to the charming voice acting, this is a serious achievement.

A must-see!

Michael Collins

One of Ireland’s highest performers at the Box Office, both at home and abroad, Micheal Collins is arguably the country’s most well-known film.

Directed by Neil Jordan and starring Liam Neeson, it’s both a big-screen blockbuster, and an absorbing account of a key point in Irish history.

Some questionable accents aside, it’s still a great film. 😉

The Young Offenders

The Young Offenders is the definition of a breakout hit.

Made on a meagre budget of €50,000, it brought in almost fifteen times that at the Box Office, and has since become a hit TV series.

A spin on a real news story, it’s follows Conor and Jock, two teenagers from Cork, as they embark on a 160km road trip, on bikes, in the hopes of finding a bale of cocaine. Seriously!

A movie packed with warmth and wit, and great one-liners. For example: “There are two things you need for an adventure: a treasure map and someone dumb enough to go with you”.

Vivarium

Directed by up-and-comer Lorcan Finnegan, and starring Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots, Vivarium is an intriguing mix of social commentary and psychological horror.

It’s about a young couple who buy a new house in a neighbourhood full of identical ones. Problem is, as they soon find out, they can’t leave. Things only get weirder from there.

A distinctive film with a pertinent message, as well as some impressive, and very creepy, set and sound design.

Sing Street

Who doesn’t love Sing Street?

About a boy who starts a band to impress a girl he likes, it’s touching, very funny, and loads of fun.

With tunes from The Cure, Duran Duran, The Jam, Joe Jackson and Motörhead, and some fantastic original music, the soundtrack is on point, too.

My Left Foot

Daniel-Day Lewis’ Christy Brown is what we all think of when we think of My Left Foot.

Understandably, of course. it’s a masterclass, and bagged him his first of three Oscars.

But the movie wouldn’t be what it is without the exceptional cast: Brenda Fricker, as Bridget, deservedly won Best Supporting Actress, while Ray McNally’s portrayal of Christy’s dad is outstanding.

Twenty-two years since its release, My Left Foot remains one of Ireland’s most acclaimed and respected films.

Brooklyn

Ok, as you might guess, Brooklyn isn’t set in Ireland for much of its runtime. But there’s enough here to consider it, at least partly, an Irish film.

Directed by John Crowley (Intermission, The Goldfinch), and based on the novel by Colm Toibín, it’s a moving, bittersweet, and ultimately uplifting, story.

Saoirse Ronan, in a role that cemented her reputation as a major acting talent, is wonderful as Eilis. 

The Camino Voyage

Ireland produces some excellent feature-length documentaries. The Camino Voyage is one of the best.

Released in 2018, it’s about a crew of five (one of whom music fans may recognise) attempting to sail across the 2,500 kilometre stretch of sea between Ireland and Spain – otherwise known as the Camino.

It’s inspiring, special, and for reasons I won’t go into lest I spoil it, more than a little heartbreaking.

The Commitments

Film critic Renee Schonfeld had this to say about The Commitments:

I couldn’t agree more.

About Jimmy Rabbitte, a music-obsessed lad who gets a soul group together, The Commitments is one of Ireland’s most loved and enduring films.

If you haven’t seen the performance of “Mustang Sally” from the movie, you’ve been missing out:

A Date for Mad Mary

What a charming film this is!

It’s about “Mad” Mary McArdle, who embarks on a series of disastrous dates as she tries to find a plus-one for her best friend’s wedding. Things start looking up, though, when Jess appears on the scene…

The recipient of Best Film at the 2016 IFTAs, A Date for Mad Mary is a hilarious, kind-hearted movie about friendship, love and growing up.

Martin

One of the best shorts I’ve seen, Martin is a mini-documentary about a man who lives under a bridge in Dublin.

He doesn’t consider himself homeless though, and is, according to director Donal Moloney, “probably the happiest man I have ever met”.

But this isn’t just a character study or a social critique: it’s also about the friendship that develops between director and subject.

Insightful and inspiring.

Handsome Devil

Handsome Devil is one of those that anyone can enjoy, and everyone should see.

Fionn O’ Shea and Nicholas Galitizine are Ned and Conor, two opposites who develop an unlikely bond while attending a rugby-obsessed school.

Also starring Andrew Scott as the boys’ inspiring teacher, the strong cast is matched by a screenplay that skillfully blends comedy and drama.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Directed by Ken Loach and starring Cillian Murphy, this historical drama, about two brothers fighting on opposite sides of the Irish Civil War, is gripping and hard-hitting.

Wonderful to look at, too; Barry Ackroyd’s cinematography is excellent.

It won the 2016 Palme D’Or and, with a return of over earning €2.7 million on its theatrical run, became the most popular independent Irish film ever released in Ireland.

The Quiet Man

Ok, so it’s heavy on the clichés (I almost expect a leprechaun with a pot o’ gold to jump out at some point), but park the cynicism, and you’ll find a lot to enjoy in The Quiet Man.

The setting, for instance. Filmed in beautiful County Mayo, and expertly shot by celebrated cinematographer Winton C. Hoch, it all looks exceptionally lovely.

It’s also fun to see two pioneers of the Western, John Forde and John Wayne, do their thing in a very different environment. Best of all is Maureen O’ Hara’s performance as Mary Kate Danaher, which is simply iconic. 

Ok, so Citizen Kane it is not; but what list of Irish films would be complete without The Quiet Man?

Written by Conor Regan.

Inflight Dublin prides itself on providing the highest quality content to our clients, and this includes the best that Irish cinema has to offer. If you’d like to learn more, contact us at mail@inflightdublin.com.

Happy International Women’s Day!

To celebrate the day, Inflight Dublin spoke to some of our brilliant female clients and colleagues to hear their thoughts on what first attracted them to aviation, and how far the industry has come on gender equality.

Special thanks to Jana, Gizman, Luana, Tinna, Yasmine and Parfaite for their insightful responses – Enjoy!

Interviews

Jana Rolker, IFE Manager

Q1: What first drew you to the Aviation industry?

The fascination for flying. To put it in Frida Kahlo’s words: “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”

Q2: Who are some women that inspire you?

Actually, every woman who changed the world to a better place inspires me, including all the ladies who are encouraging each other.

Q3: What progress have you seen on gender equality in the workplace?

The representation of women equally across all fields and of course initiatives like this one.

Q4: Why do we need more women in leadership positions, in Aviation and all industries?

Counterquestion: Why waste the equal inclusion of half of the worlds’ talent?

Q5: What advice would you give women in a male-dominated industry?

You have what it takes to succeed. Don’t get yourself stereotyped by others.

Gizman Kamill, A/MGR Inflight Product Development and Standards, In-flight Product Development

Q1: What first drew you to the Aviation industry?

Growing up in Ethiopia, I can say becoming a flight attendant or just belonging to the industry was an automatic dream like it is for most Ethiopian girls. It was and I believe, it still is every girl’s dream to be a flight attendant. Everything about flight attendants was really attractive; from the colours of their uniforms to the ways the flight attendants carried themselves.  In addition, it was an honour to be able to work for Ethiopian airlines, the biggest airline in Africa.  So I was lucky enough to be hired as a flight attendant right after I graduated from the Addis Ababa Commercial College itself a very reputable institution.

Q2: Who are some women that inspire you?

A name known by almost every grown-up Ethiopian woman, Sahlework Zewdie is undoubtedly one of the most inspirational women to have ever lived in Ethiopia.  Her becoming the president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has resulted in inspiring many Ethiopian women, myself included, to realize that the only limit we have now is the sky.  She may be a soft-spoken person but I think she has already done (never mind what she will do going forward) a lot more than the previous three men presidents put together!

In connection the industry particularly from ET, Mrs.  Rahel Asefa So humble, tenacity and strength of character to punch more than her weight.  Her becoming a vice president in a still very largely male-dominated industry speaks volumes about this inspirational woman.  Just seeing how quickly she came up to this position through the ranks not to mention her specific achievements in terms of the wide-ranging changes she has brought to the department, gives me and many other women in the industry hope that, to repeat myself, the only limit is the sky.

Q3: What progress have you seen on gender equality in the workplace?

To speak from my experience in the Ethiopian Airlines, i am seeing many women participating in formerly only-male professions like piloting, being flight technicians and others. That honestly makes me very happy.  It is something we need more of in our society.  But there aren’t still many women in top-flight positions.  I hope to see more women coming forward to the leadership positions of the company.

Q4: Why do we need more women in leadership positions, in Aviation and all industries?

In countries like Ethiopia girls are raised in different environments than boys even within the same family. It is usually the girl’s responsibility to clean, cook and look after the family. This experience helps them to mature early. So when this maturity is supported with education and experience they usually make an outstanding leader.  They have an open eye to observe and evaluate their environment. They make decision based on their judgment not their ego.

Q5: What advice would you give women in a male dominated industry?

All I can say is just tell yourself that you can do it.  It will not be a smooth ride but it’s worth the bump at the end of the road. Don’t expect validation from anyone. Just believe in yourself and keep showing the world that you have what it takes to do what you are doing and more.

Luana Silva, Content Acquistions Manager

Q1: What first drew you to the Aviation industry?

As an avid traveller (pre-March 2020, of course), I was quite aware of how essential inflight entertainment is and how helpful it can be during long-haul flights. When the opportunity presented for me to work at Inflight Dublin as part of the Content Acquisition team, I didn’t think twice. From the start, it has been a pleasure to help curate content for airlines and, consequently, passengers from all around the world. It’s very rewarding knowing that I might have a hand in making people’s flights a better experience.

Q2: Who are some women that inspire you?

Most women inspire me, as all of us have our own journeys and obstacles that we face and do our best to overcome. However, I am most grateful to all the women before me who fought for our rights and made it possible for me to be where I am now and having my voice heard.

Q3: Why do we need more women in leadership positions, in Aviation and all industries?

Companies, and society as a whole, need more perspectives added to the rooms where decisions are made, in order to become more inclusive. Society’s needs don’t always match the ones of white men in suits. We don’t need just more women in leadership positions, but also people from different ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, disability status and others.

Q4: What advice would you give women in a male dominated industry?

Don’t doubt yourself and be more assertive!

Yasmine Ibrahim, Training Chief Specialist

Q1: What first drew you to the Aviation industry?

I started my career in aviation as an air hostess in 1980 and I worked my way up to the position I am in now, so what drew me in was surely the fact that there were untapped opportunities in this industry for females in particular at that time, but as well as the opportunity to see the world and meet people from different cultures. It was definitely an opportunity not to be passed on!

Q2: Who are some women that inspire you?

• Miss  *Siham Raouf*  (one of the Pioneers in aviation business from the 50’s to 90’s
• Miss *Lyan Hasan* one of the best flight purser also flying crew GM for 3 times between 1980 to 1998
• The legend Miss *Faby Hamza* one of the best air hostess & flight manager
• But above all I look up to my mother (May she RIP) whom without her support and strength, I wouldn’t be where I am

Q3: What progress have you seen on gender equality in the workplace?

Egyptair is one of the biggest companies in Egypt which equalize the gender in business as much as possible by allowing women to not only take on the air hostess positions, but as well as managerial ones within the company.

Q4: Why do we need more women in leadership positions, in Aviation and all industries?

Women tend to leave a special mark on everything they touch, whether that’s in the business world or in their home. They lead with a conscious and this is important because women raise generations of strong men and women that we need to lead.

Q5: What advice would you give women in a male dominated industry?

To keep going no matter what, and to only focus on the end goal. To also make a lot of noise in the face of those trying to block their way.

Tinna Traustadóttir, Product Manager

Q1: What first drew you to the Aviation industry?

I have had an interest in the aviation industry since I was a little girl. I could say it is in my DNA, growing up with my mother working as a flight attendant and father as a station manager at Keflavik airport. I joined the Icelandair team in 2008 when I was 23 years old and have since then been working in various departments.

Q2: Who are some women that inspire you?

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former president of Iceland.

Q3: What progress have you seen on gender equality in the workplace?

The awareness of gender equality in the workplace has raised a lot in the past years. Many companies in Iceland do have a gender equality strategy where they are working towards having a similar ratio of men and women in leadership roles. Men and women should also have the same opportunities to professional growth and the same salary for the same responsibility. Companies that are working towards this strategy are proud of it as it can also affect the image of the company because this is an important matter to people.

Q4: Why do we need more women in leadership positions, in Aviation and all industries?

We need diversity and should use the skillset of both men and women to achieve our goals. I also think it is a human right for women to have the same opportunity for professional growth and women can succeed as well as men in whatever they do.

Q5: What advice would you give women in a male dominated industry?

Believe in yourself.

Parfaite Rugumba, Product and Services Manager

Q1: What first drew you to the Aviation industry?

The passion of travelling.

Q2: Who are some women that inspire you?

I am much inspired by our CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo.

Q3: What progress have you seen on gender equality in the workplace?

I have seen much progress especially the trust that women are given to represent the airline even outside the country. They are in the executive committee also occupying senior management and management positions.

Q4: Why do we need more women in leadership positions, in Aviation and all industries?

We need Women in leadership position because of their ability to pay attention to details which is a key in the aviation industry plus we need women in all industries because of their sense of patience and understanding of other people’s feelings and issues.

Q5: What advice would you give women in a male dominated industry?

  To be bold, firm and decisive. To take on the career with a focus to make a difference.

What is the French New Wave?

The French New Wave, or Nouvelle Vague, was a film movement that started in the late 1950s in (you guessed it) France.

Origins

Of the opinion that cinema had become dated and out of touch, a group of French filmmakers and critics – influenced by Italian Neorealism and directors like Hitchcock and Welles – proposed a new vision for the medium.

Through a series of essays, they laid out their manifesto in influential movie journal, Cahiers du Cinema.

The critics had four main points:

• Cinema must be considered an important and significant artform.
• Filmmakers should experiment, and develop new formal techniques.
• Films must address themes and issues that relate to modern audiences: existentialism, memory, love, childhood and friendship – to name a few.
• A film’s director had full control over all elements of the film, from script to cinematography and everything in between. This is known as auteur theory.

These critiques were revolutionary for their time, and became the foundations for the French New Wave.

Notable Directors

Generally speaking, the movement’s directors were split into two collectives: Cahiers Du Cinema or the Left Bank.

The former, which included luminaries like Claude Chabrol, Francois Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard and Jacques Rivette, produced several outstanding films that, for many, define the New Wave.

At the time, the Left Bank was less associated with the medium than the cinéastes of Cahiers. 

However, this looser relationship had its advantages. Free from the formal constraints and expectations of traditional filmmaking, the Left Bank incorporated other forms – like literature, poetry and documentary – in their movies.

This cross-disciplinary approach led to some of the era’s most unique and interesting films.

Some names you might recognise from this group include Agnès Varda, Chris Marker and Alain Resnais.

Key Characteristics

These directors used techniques that were bold, new and experimental.

Two famous examples are Jean-Luc Godard’s rapid-fire jump cuts in À bout de souffle, which give it its unpredictable, energetic, “breathless” feel, and Francois Truffaut’s iconic tracking shots in Les 400 Coups:

Others developments include shooting on location, the use of direct sound and natural light, and filming with handheld cameras. 

In terms of themes, filmmakers focussed on the personal, philosophical and political concerns of mid-20th century France.

Agnes Varda’s Cléo de 5 à 7, for instance, is a powerful look at existence, illness and fame, while Truffaut’s Jules et Jim and Jacques Rozier’s Adieu Philippine capture the anxiety, confusion and liberation of the post-war years.

Another notable feature was the use of ironic and sarcastic humour, rhetorical devices used to great (and often hilarious) effect.

Must-Sees

It’s a tough ask listing all of the great New Wave films! There are so many worth watching. Nevertheless, here are some absolute must-sees.

In no particular order:

• Hiroshima Mon Amour (dir. Alain Resnais)
• Les 400 Coups (dir. Francois Truffaut)
• Jules et Jim (dir. Francois Truffaut)
• Cléo de 5 à 7 (dir. Agnes Varda)
• Claire’s Knee (dir. Eric Rohmer)
• À bout de souffle (dir. Jean-Luc Godard)
• Les Bonnes Femmes (dir. Claude Chabrol)
• Lola (dir. Jacques Demy)
• Paris Nous Appartient (dir. Jacques Rivette)

Take your pick; they’re all fantastic.

Influence

In this excellent article, Miss Rosen describes how auteur theory changed cinema forever:

We can see the impact of this on the many stylists (or auteurs) of today. 

Tarantino, Scorcese, the Coens and Nolan, for instance, have created bodies of work that are unmistakeably their own; this is a direct influence of the New Wave’s insistence on directorial autonomy.

Also, the movement’s storytelling and filmmaking techniques, so bold and adventurous back then, are now ingrained in cinema.

Take handheld cameras, as just one example. Used in everything from 28 Days Later to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to Saving Private Ryan, you can’t imagine contemporary movies without them. 

But if I haven’t convinced you, maybe Marty Scorsese himself will. Check out the below vid, where the huge influence the French New Wave had on his work:

Concluding Thoughts

Is it a stretch to say that the Nouvelle Vague created modern cinema?

It sounds like hyperbole, but it’s fair to say the likes of Pulp Fiction and Goodfellas arguably wouldn’t exist without it. Or, if they did, would certainly be very different.

Cultural and artistic significance aside, the films still hold up.

The best are funny, smart, profound, exciting and fun. In terms of visuals, style and themes, they don’t feel or look dated; which is quite something when you consider that some are close to seventy years old.

So, there you have it! The French New Wave.

It took the rulebook, ripped it up, wrote a new one, and, in the end, changed cinema forever.

Inflight Dublin prides itself on providing the best International titles to our clients, from the French New Wave and beyond. If you’d like to learn more, contact us at mail@inflightdublin.com.