I loved this documentary...I also watched 'Retour en Normandie'...but Être et avoir is my favourite of Philibert's work. I have to say that I think the French make the best documentaries, I don't know if it is the balance between artistic beauty and use of facts...I can't put my finger on it...
What I wanted to ask was if anyone could give me some suggestions for some similarly high quality French documentaries?
Thanks for any info you may be able to provide
I am not going to overtly disagree, BUT...
I think you are refering to the power of pure Cinéma-vérité (the French name for the American invention: Direct Cinema). I think this is the best style of documentary, but D.A. Pennebaker, Frederick Wiseman, Albert and David Maysles, and Barbara Kopple cultivated the craft to perfection first.
Just sayin' cuz I like this film a lot, too...but, it pays homage to the pure essence of what a bunch of Yanks got started.
IMHO
If you're looking for more French documentaries, take a look at 'Microcosmos'.
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Philibert made another wonderful documentary about the deaf, IN THE LAND OF THE DEAF.
Other great French documentaries I've seen.
THE GLEANERS AND I by Agnes Varda (about people who scavenge for food)
MY NAME IS SABINE by Sandrine Bonnaire (about the actress' sister, who is autistic)