September 27

Academy Award winning director Gabriel Axel tells the story of two elderly Norwegian sisters, Phillipa and Martine, whose pious life is humorously altered with the unexpected arrival of Babette Hersant, a 19th century Parisian political refugee. At the start of the film the sisters are living with their Protestant priest father who raises them in the traditions of selflessness and austere denial of earthly delights. These ethics are challenged when Babette, their housekeeper for fourteen years, wins the lottery and cooks them a French feast they will never forget. This entertaining comedy abounds in situations of opposites and parallels that provide surprising cameos as the characters deal with issues of identity, destiny and delicious French cuisine.

Babette’s Feast won the 1998 Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. It also achieved a BAFTA film Award for Best Film not in the English Language and was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Foreign Language Film. Cinema Society of San Diego president, Andrew Friedenberg will introduce the film with background on the actors and director.

Join us at the museum for this delightful film and delectable French cuisine. Reservations required in advance, limited to 100 guests. Call the museum at (760) 435-3721 for reservations.

6:00 p.m. Pre-film reception, wine & appetizers
6:30 p.m. "Babette’s Feast" screening
Dinner following the film