The annual Deauville American Film Festival starts today and is now the only event of its kind to feature ten days of continuous screenings that are open to the general public.

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - August 31st, 2012 - The festival, which was inaugurated in 1975 by film lovers Lionel Chouchan and André Halimi, is currently looking forward to its 38th year of celebrating the achievements of directors from the United States.

The event takes place in Deauville, which is situated along the section of Normandy coast known as the Côte Fleurie.

Although not originally envisioned as being a competitive event, but rather one that celebrates the possibilities inherent in the medium of film, the Deauville American Film Festival began to award prizes in the mid 1990s. Today, the festival offers prizes for feature films and short films, both of which are celebrated in the public screening sections of the event.

Taking place each September, the Deauville American Film Festival is considered a pre-eminent event in the world of French film festivals. Indeed, it is usually ranked second only to its much more famous cousin in Cannes. In terms of public access, however, it must be regarded as number one; at Deauville, anyone can purchase a pass to attend film screenings.

There are also excellent celebrity connections to be had at Deauville; recent attendees have included such luminaries as Meryl Streep and Harrison Ford and in 2011, world famous director, Francis Ford Coppola, spoke to audiences about the art of film.

Those who attend have much more to entertain them beyond films and stars. The Côte Fleurie is noted for its wide, beautiful beaches, but Deauville in particular is regarded as possessing "golden sands" that invite sunbathing. The city is also a place where visitors can amuse themselves in all-night casinos and sample a variety of fresh seafood expertly prepared in a number of great restaurants.

For more information about this year's event, visit www.festival-deauville.com.

Quality Villas still have high quality holiday accommodation available for rent in Normandy for this years film festival, see www.QualityVillas.com.

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