Cédric Klapisch, director of L’auberge Espagnole, gathers some of the biggest actors in French cinema for a valentine to the city of lights. The all-star cast in this delightful romance includes Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche, Romain Duris (The Beat that My Heart Skipped), Mélanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds), Fabrice Luchini (Intimate Strangers), François Cluzet (Tell No One), and Karin Viard (Time Out). While awaiting a heart transplant that could save his life, Pierre (Duris) reunites with his sister (Binoche) and her lively children. This rediscovery of his family and observation of the teeming streets outside his window give Pierre hope and a new sense of how he might spend the time still left to him. A cinematic love letter to the city that seems to hide a story behind every shop window, small alley, street market, or grand apartment building, the film explores the spirit of life and love that Paris so uniquely represents. French with English subtitles. Admission is $6 for all University of Miami faculty, staff, and alumni; free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens on Friday, November 27 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 28 at 4:15 p.m. and 9 p.m.; and Sunday, November 29 at 3 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Coco Before Chanel is the story of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who began her life as a headstrong orphan and, through an extraordinary journey, transformed herself into the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman and is remembered as a timeless symbol of success, freedom, and style. The film portrays the formative years of Chanel’s life–the years she spent discovering and reinventing herself. French with English subtitles. Admission is $6 for all University of Miami faculty, staff, and alumni; free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens on Friday, November 27 at 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 28 at 2 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.; and Sunday, November 29 at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

Attend a book presentation, Havana Forever, on Saturday, November 28 at 7 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue. The book is a pictorial and cultural history of Havana by Kenneth Treister, FFelipe J. Préstamo, and Raul B. Garcia. The book’s foreward is by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and the afterword is by Jaime Suchlicki, director of the Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies. The inside cover of the book was designed by Carlos Alberto Montaner. Havana Forever explores with beautiful pictures and excellent texts Havana’s architecture, culture, urban plazas, parks, monuments, landmarks, food, music, dance, colonial history, and iconic traditions from cigars to the Tropicana Supper Club.

Attend a reception and discussion on Monday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Casa Bacardi presented by Jaime Suchlicki and Carlos Alberto Montaner. To RSVP call 305-284-CUBA (2822). Speakers include:

Kenneth Treister, fellow of the American Institute of Architects and award-winning international architect, photographer, and sculptor.
Felipe J. Préstamo, professor of architecture emeritus, University of Miami
Raul B. Garcia, adjunct professor of architecture, Broward College, Fort Lauderdale
The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, ranking minority member, U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, previously chair of the subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia
Jaime Suchlicki, director, Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies, University of Miami
Carlos Alberto Montaner, acclaimed Cuban international writer and journalist