Director of the UK French Film Festival Richard Mowe has been given one of France's highest cultural honours.
Mr Mowe has been made an 'officier dans l'ordre des arts et des lettres' by the Ministry of Culture in France, an equivalent of a knighthood.
He previously held the lower rank of 'chevalier' in the French 'Order of Arts and Letters'.
Mowe, also an arts journalist, established the long-running festival, which has its headquarters in Edinburgh, in 1992, since when it has grown to encompass cities including Glasgow,Aberdeen, Dundee London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Cardiff.
Mr Mowe said: "I am very moved and proud to receive this honour which is only one of a few given every year by the Minister of Culture.
"It deserves to be shared by the whole team who put together the French Film Festival every year.
"Although we have organised a 'petit French Film Festival' this month, the main event will be in March next year, marking a renaissance and a change of dates for the festival, with new sponsors and a wider selection of titles, retrospectives and events."
Established in 1957 the Order of Arts and Letters is designed to recognised individuals who have brought distinction to French culture by their contribution in the field of arts and letters, not just in France but overseas.
Other cinematic stars who have been honoured include Bruce Willis, Martin Scorsese, Sharon Stone, Quentin Tarantino and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Next year's Renault French Film Festival runs from March 1 to 26 and will feature a retrospective devoted to the films of Bertrand Tavernier.
For more information about the festivalclick here.
