This book re-examines the French New Wave, a defining moment in film history, by spotlighting directors who have been unjustly marginalized in traditional narratives. By doing so, it invites a more inclusive understanding of this influential movement and its lasting impact on global cinema. The chapters delve into the works of lesser-known filmmakers including Serge Bourguignon, Pierre Etaix, Paule Delsol, Nelly Kaplan, and Ousmane Sembène, each of whom offers a distinct perspective on the French New Wave. The book addresses critical questions such as: How do these filmmakers redefine the boundaries of the French New Wave? What can their works tell us about the movement's broader cultural and artistic significance? By exploring these questions, the book asks readers to engage with a more nuanced and comprehensive view of this cinematic era. This volume is an essential read for scholars, students, and film enthusiasts interested in expanding their understanding of film history. It is particularly valuable for those studying film theory, history, and criticism, as it challenges conventional narratives and encourages a rethinking of what constitutes the French New Wave.

R. Barton Palmer is Calhoun Lemon Professor of Literature emeritus at Clemson University, and the author or editor of more than sixty books on late medieval literature, film history, and adaptation studies.  With Julie Grossman, he currently edits the Palgrave Studies In Adaptation And Visual Culture.  He also serves as the editor of the South Atlantic Review and the Tennessee Williams Annual Review. 

Charlie Michael is Assistant Professor of Film & Media at Emory University. He is the author of French Blockbusters: Cultural Politics of a Transnational Cinema (Edinburgh UP, 2019) and the co-editor of the Directory of World Cinema: France (Intellect, 2013). His most recent book is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Youth, Race, and the Hypertext (Routledge, 2025).