Icarus Films: Early Short Films of the French New Wave

Early Short Films of the French New Wave

348 minutes / Color/B&W
French / English subtitles
Release: 2023
Copyright: 2023

Special 2-disc set! All shorts newly restored in 2K. 12-page booklet with essay included.

Starting in the mid-1950s, a group of talented young filmmakers presented a radically new vision of French cinema. Dubbed the “Young Turks” by Cahiers du Cinéma co-founder André Bazin, they overturned the studio-based industry of the day, creating films that were modern, political... and funny. The group included François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, Agnès Varda, Éric Rohmer, and more.

film poster

The short films in this box set represent the dawn of the New Wave — the earliest works of its most emblematic auteurs. Produced between 1957 and 1965, these shorts are not just stepping stones on the way to the famed New Wave features, but classics that stand on their own.

Pierre Braunberger, the visionary producer of these films, was an iconoclast and film lover, and among those who broke with French post-war cinema. Recognizing that he did not have the skills to be a director himself, he supported the New Wave filmmakers, guiding them in their work and financing their early efforts. These films are the first forays of a movement that would revolutionize the world of French film and influence cinema around the world for decades to come.

DISC 1

ALL THE WORLD'S MEMORY - Alain Resnais (1956)

FOOL'S MATE - Jacques Rivette (1956)

THE MARINES - François Reichenbach (1957)

ALL THE BOYS ARE CALLED PATRICK - Jean-Luc Godard (1957)

THE SONG OF STYRENE - Alain Resnais (1957)

Ô SAISONS, Ô CHÂTEUX - Agnès Varda (1958)

THE OVERWORKED - Jacques Doniol-Valcroze (1958)

A STORY OF WATER - Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut (1958)

CHARLOTTE AND HER BOYFRIEND - Jean-Luc Godard (1958)

LOVE EXISTS - Maurice Pialat (1960)

JANINE - Maurice Pialat (1961)

500 FRANCS - Melvin Van Peebles (1961)

PARIS, A WINTER'S DAY - Guy Gilles (1962)

DISC 2

IN MEMORY OF ROCK- François Reichenbach (1963)

THE LITTLE CAFE - François Reichenbach (1963)

THE GOUMBÉ OF THE YOUNG REVELERS - Jean Rouch (1965)

THE BOTANICAL AVATAR OF MADEMOISELLE FLORA - Jeanne Barbillon (1965)

THE FIFTEEN YEAR OLD WIDOWS - Jean Rouch (1966)

BONUS FILM

DIRECTING ACTORS BY JEAN RENOIR - Gisèle Braunberger (1968)

“A revelation... exactly the kind of release that should be snapped up for prolonged cherishing, a two-disk set titled Early Short Films of the French New Wave, which presents largely unfamiliar work of enduring power.” —Richard Brody, The New Yorker

“It's never too late to learn from the French masters.” —Kurt Brokaw, Senior Film Critic, The Independent

“[An] absolutely magnificent collection...uncovering this heavy handful of shorts has been a worthy endeavor.” —Revue Jeune Cinéma

"Pierre Braunberger [made] many of the boldest projects a reality over the course of his long, productive career.” —Slate FR

“The restoration quality is top-notch, making this a must for collectors and fans alike.” —Keith and the Movies

“A fascinating glimpse into the early years of the New Wave.” —The Arts STL

“With a seamless blend of humor, societal insights, and a touch of modern musings, these films have stamped their presence in the annals of cinematic history.” —Overly Honest Movie Reviews

“One of the most essential releases of the year, full-stop.” —Boston Hassle

“Truly a must-own for any fan-slash-scholar of the era.” —Film Inquiry

“As we’ve indicated, this collection doesn’t gather every short by everyone associated with its movement, but it’s a great start. There’d be plenty left for a Volume Two, so let’s hope this set moves enough units to encourage the making of Volume Two.” —PopMatters

“A re-reminder of how valuable such films are... These are some of the lesser seen works of some of the most important filmmakers of all time, so they are worth going out of your way for.” —FulvueDrive-in.com