OXFORD — A film series featuring some of the best French films, directors and actors of all time has come to the Oxford Hills.

The films, including such famous ones as “Grand Illusion” and “The Return of Martin Guerre,” are being shown every Tuesday night at 7 p.m.  from July 10 through Aug. 14. in the presentation room of the Oxford Hills cafeteria.

The grand finale, with the double feature of “Jean de Florette” and “Manon of the Springs,” will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at Moore Park in South Paris.

Each evening will also feature a homemade international dessert, baklava, tiramisu, French tarts, apple strudel and more.

The aim of the series is to acquaint the general public with French films. Audience members may donate to a fund to send French club students to France next April.

All films are in French with English subtitles. The films are appropriate for adults and for children of middle school age or older.

The series schedule is as follows:

July 17, “Au Revoir Les Enfants” (Goodbye Children). Made in 1987 and directed by Louis Malle, it takes place during World War II in France at a Catholic boarding school where priests are hiding several Jewish boys. Based on real events in the director’s life.

July 24, “La Grande Illusion.” Made in 1937 and directed by Jean Renior, this film is considered a masterpiece of French cinema and among the greatest films ever made. This is the story of a group of French prisoners and their German captors in World War I. It was banned by Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. The film was described as, “A plea to a self-destructive Europe not to commit suicide again.”

July 31, “Joyeux Noel” made in 2005. Takes place in World War I; it is about the Christmas truce of 1914 through the eyes of the French, Scottish and German soldiers. Nominated for Best Foreign Language film at the 78th Academy Awards.

Aug. 7, “Le Retour de Martin Guerre” (The Return of Martin Guerre). Made in 1982 and directed by Daniel Vigne, stars Gerard Depardieu. Based on historical events, the film concerns a woman whose husband goes off to war and stays away for many years. After he returns, all seems to be well until villages start to suspect that it is not the same man who has returned. Beautifully recreated life in 16th-century France.

Aug. 14, “La Gloire de Mon Pere” (My Father’s Glory). Made in 1990 and directed by Yves Robert. Set in Provence in the period of 1900-1914, the film is based on an autobiographical novel by Marcel Pagnol and features beautiful countryside and costumes. Nominated for many awards.

At Moore Park:

Aug. 21, “Jean de Florette” and “Manon Des Sources” (Manon of the Springs). Made in 1986 and directed by Claude Berri. Another two films adapted from novels by Marcel Pagnol set in Provence, this time after World War I. Gerard Depardieu is in the first. These films had great commercial and critical success. They were nominated for many awards.

For more information call 890-4796.

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