Les 4 saisons d'Espigoule

Filmmaker Christian Philibert takes a tongue-in-cheek look at his old hometown in this mock-documentary about a small French community and the people who live there. In Les 4 Saisons d'Espigoule, Philibert returns to the town where he grew up (and left when he was 25) to film the residents for a year. In addition to capturing Espigoule's annual Goat Rodeo and New Year's Eve costumes, the audience gets an inside look at the backbone of the local economy (sheep herding) and a night of big excitement (a bingo match). We also meet a few of the locals, who show off their talents (painting, classical piano, imitating Liza Minnelli). While scripted in advance by Philibert, the film was indeed shot in his hometown, and the "actors" playing the citizens of Espigoule actually do live there.

Directed by Christian Philibert, Les 4 saisons d'Espigoule leans on a strong ensemble — Jacques Bastide, Jean-Marc Ravera, Fernande Béraud — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1999.