The gory centrepiece of this series is HIGH TENSION starring EUROPA prize winner Cécile de France as the lead character. Twenty years ago, the film triggered a new wave in France, bringing transgressive scenes of violence to the screen with unprecedented brutality. The "New French Extremity" divided the audience and called youth protectors to the scene. Two works are therefore listed as "surprise films" in the programme. Two films that pushed the boundaries of the depiction of sex and violence in French cinema one and two years before HIGH TENSION are Marina de Van's IN MY SKIN and Claire Denis' TROUBLE EVERY DAY, both of which are rated 16 and over, but by no means suitable for the faint-hearted.