The time I was able to spend in France was much too short, yet deliciously sweet. During college, I traveled to Paris for the weekend with my London study abroad group, led by our fearless leader and art professor, Ms. Rachel Barnes.

Dancing to street musicians on the bridge above the Seine River, touring through Notre Dame, the Louvre and Museé d'Orsay, dinner and a bottle of wine in the Jewish Quarter of Le Marais, climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower at night; it truly is a magical place.

I consider myself extremely privileged for having the opportunity to experience so much culture at such a young age. Lucky for me, (and my fellow Richmonders who haven't had the opportunity to travel abroad), I also happen to be living in the city that produces the largest French film festival in the United States.

This weekend, the critically acclaimed, recognized and applauded VCU French Film Festival, makes its way to the Byrd Theatre for its 16th year of promoting the French language, culture and cinema.

"I arrived 16 years ago as a French professor for VCU, my wife is a French professor over at the University of Richmond, and she and I wondered what we could do to attract more students to the French major," said Dr. Peter Kirkpatrick, director of the festival.

"So we looked at the contacts that I built up as a journalist in France and the very first year, in February of 1993, we held the festival on VCU's campus and it was standing room only. We actually outgrew any space we had."

Realizing they had tapped into something that not only held student and professor interest, but community interest as well, Drs. Peter and Francoise Kirkpatrick hit the ground running and haven't stopped since.

Since 2003, festival has been recognized formally by former French Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Jean-David Levitte, as the most important French film festival in the country.

This years festival boasts 11 feature films, many of which are American premieres, and 13 short films. Reaching beyond the standards of other festivals, each film is presented by its director and/or stars, followed by question-and-answer sessions.

A little rusty on your French? C'est la vie and never fear; each film is accompanied with English subtitles and even though a few lectures may be in French, an interpreter will be provided.

While each film is certainly a highlight, one prominent factor of the festival is its growth, and not just in its size.

"This year we're bringing in a delegation of 41 actors and directors to present, but what's interesting, is that at our festival, this delegation of actors and directors also have a chance to meet each other and see the films in a non-competitive atmosphere," Kirckpatrick said.

"And what happens is that a lot of projects end up being discussed and thought of during the weekend of our festival. One specific example of that this year is the documentary film, 'On dirait que…'"

Françoise Marie, director of 'On dirait que…' attended the festival roughly five years ago to show a short film, where she met famous French producer, Annie Miller. The two will be leading a discussion after the showing of their film on Sunday at 10:05 a.m.

A reception and elegant gala dinner will officially welcome the festival on Saturday March 29 at 7 and 8 p.m. respectively. The reception is open to student, faculty, VIP and VIP Plus pass holders. The gala will cater to VIP Plus pass holders exclusively.

"The actors and directors who are flying over here really love Richmond, because they get to meet an American public. They aren't going to a major city where they end up meeting a bunch of French ex-pats," Kirkpatrick said.

"So for someone who comes and truly experiences the entire festival and really interacts with these actors and directors, they definitely leave, whether they know the French language or not, with a new understanding of French culture and society today, and really of the heritage between our two countries."

• The 16th annual VCU French Film Festival will be held Friday, March 28 from 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday, March 29 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. VIP Plus passes are $180 and include access to the reception and gala dinner. VIP passes are $95 general admission, $85 for instructors, $40 for students and include access to the reception. Individual screening tickets will be sold 30 minutes prior to each show and are based on availability. For more information, visit frenchfilm.vcu.edu.