PRESS KIT
16th Season of the French-speaking cultures
Beijing
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Organizers and partners
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The 16th Season of the French-speaking cultures
March 12-20, Beijing
100 events across China, free and open to all
In March 2011, especially from March 12 to March 20, countries that have French in common will
get together to celebrate the Season of the French-speaking cultures (also known as the
Francophonie Festival). For this 16th edition, about 100 events offered by 28 countries will be
taking place in 15 cities in China (concerts, conferences, exhibitions, lectures, and games), and
among them over 30 will be held in Beijing. Events are free entrance and open to all, and most
are translated into Chinese. This Season of the French-speaking cultures aims to show the
cultural diversity and richness of the francophonie.
There will be in Beijing three topics brought into focus: movies, music and solidarity.
Film and Image
The Francophone Film Festival. In March, the festival offers in Beijing and 11 other cities in
China a selection of the best francophone films from nearly 30 countries (free sessions).
The Day of the francophone Literature and Film. Literature and cinema are combined on
March 13 for two events: the screening of a documentary about the great Swiss author Jacques
Chessex, commented on by two Chinese scholars, and a conference of the writer and French film
critic Gérard Guégan, with the screening of two French classic films, Breathless and The
Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
Not to be missed either in March for cinema lovers: a Café of sciences on 3D technology and the
conference and screening organized by the WRSA (Western Returned Scholars Association) of
the documentary “The Way of the border”, directed by Yushu. And for image lovers, the exhibition
« Boards and Men: Comic Strip and French-speaking cultures » organized by Wallonie-Bruxelles
International and the Alliances Françaises in China.
Music
Chanson française music tour "Mars en folie". To close the Season of the French-speaking
cultures, Beijing Alliance Française, the Embassies of Switzerland, Canada and Belgium
(Wallonia-Brussels Delegation in China) and the Quebec office in China organize a big concert
on Friday, March 18 at Yugong Yishan and Saturday, March 19 at the University of Foreign
Languages, Beijing (BFS) with 4 different groups (Aliose – Switzerland, Arnaud Fleurent-Didier -
France, Cloé du Trèfle- Belgium, Alex Nevsky - Canada) on tour in 12 cities in China.
Other free musical events are offered to the public: the concert given by the francophone choir
"Maurice Ravel" which brings together singers from over 10 different countries, the celebration of
the francophonie organized by the Embassy of Ivory Coast and the music game "Francophonics"
proposed by the media library of the French Cultural Centre.
Solidarity
The ten words of the francophonie belong to the lexical field of solidarity in 2011: welcoming,
feast, with, choir, accomplice, rope, string, harmoniously, hand, and networking.
Several events are organized on this topic, for instance the exhibition "The French language,
language of sharing" presented throughout the month of March at the Beijing Alliance Française,
the francophonie Day of on Internet organized on March 20 by the Forum "Chine et
Francophonie", the conference on sustainable development organized on March 31 by the
chambers of commerce of the Benelux, Canada, France and Switzerland, the contest of
eloquence offered by the University Paris-Dauphine. On March 10, The Research Centre on the
francophonie proposes an academic symposium crossing Chinese and francophone viewpoints
on food geopolitics.
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Fête de la francophonie
The “Fête de la francophonie” (Season of the French-speaking cultures) is a cultural festive
season that is held each year in the world around March 20, which is the anniversary of the
founding of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF). The Day of the
francophonie celebrates the French language and the values it promotes around the world:
dialogue and friendship among peoples, as well as cultural diversity and richness. This Season is
open to any person or organization wishing to celebrate the French language and values of
sharing and cultural diversity, beyond the member countries and regions of the OIF. This year,
several Chinese associations and institutions also offer activities about the French language, and
there will be many opportunities to meet and exchange on the francophone values.
Useful Links
To discover the complete schedule for the Season of the French-speaking cultures in China (from
March 1): www.faguowenhua/francophonie and www.ccfpekin.org
Further information on the Francophonie and the Season of the Francophonie around the world:
www.francophonie.org/ www.tv5.org www.fondation-alliancefr.org/
PRESS CONTACTS:
Eugénie Binet, Communication Officer, Cooperation and Cultural Section - Institut français, Embassy of France in
China
eugenie.binet@ccfpekin.org tel.: (010) 6553 2627 ext.307
Bi Dongna, Communication Assistant, Cooperation and Cultural Section - Institut français, Embassy of France in
China
dongna.bi@ccfpekin.org tel.: (010) 6553 2627 ext.371
Christine Chen, Deputy Press Attaché, Embassy of France in China
christine.chen@diplomatie.gouv.fr tel.: (010) 8532 8035
To download photos and press releases, please visit:
http://www.faguowenhua.com/public/presse/
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Francophone Film Festival
In March 2011, the embassies of the French-speaking countries in China and the Alliance
Française in China organize the Francophone Film Festival countries, in Beijing and in 11
other Chinese cities.
Come and enjoy discovering a great selection of films from nearly 30 French-speaking
countries, all broadcast in original version and subtitled in Chinese and in English or
French language.
The Francophone Film Festival is held annually in March - the month during which the
francophonie is celebrated worldwide. It is a unique opportunity offered by the embassies of the
French-speaking countries in China to the Chinese and foreign audience to discover the cultural
and linguistic diversity of the francophonie.
For the first time, the Festival will be held in 12 Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou,
Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Jinan, Nanjing, Qingdao, Tianjin and Xi'an. The screenings
are free and the films will be screened in original version subtitled in Chinese and in English or
French language.
In Beijing, the Francophone Film Festival occurs from March 3 to 31, in four venues: the French
Cultural Centre, the Embassy of Poland in China, the Embassy of Romania in China and the
Beijing University of Languages and Cultures (BLCU).
Countries and regions participating in the Festival:
Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Quebec, Cyprus, Ivory Coast, Croatia, France, Greece,
Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco,
Mozambique, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Tunisia, Vietnam.
Further information and programming on these sites:
www.faguowenhua.com/francophonie
www.ccfpekin.org
www.pekin.polemb.net
www.beijing.mae.ro
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Music
« Mars en Folie! »
« If you enjoy the elegance of Parisian women, the charm of cobbled streets, or champagne, then
you will enjoy the enchanting sounds of the French music.
In Geneva, Montreal, Brussels, Paris or Beijing, French song can be heard in many ways, like
Edith Piaf’s "La Vie en Rose", but using today’s lyrics and melodies, you will discover a new
expression of love – the French way...
So come on and listen... »
-Excerpt from the article "Time with Songs"published in the Chinese edition of Madame Figaro
Concert
Concert “Mars en folie !” in Beijing
Chanson française music tour for the 16th season of the “Francophone world Festival”
With the bands: Aliose (Switzerland), Arnaud Fleurent-Didier (France), Cloé du Trèfle (Belgium),
Alex Nevsky (Canada)
Date: Friday March 18, 2011, from 7.30 pm
Venue: YuGong YiShan
West courtyard former site of Duan Qirui Government, Zhang Zizhong Road 3-2, 64042711
Free entrance (tickets available at the Alliance Française in French Cultural Centre, Xihai
and BLCU from March 10th).
Further information: www.afbeijing.org.cn - Tel.: 65532678 ext. 209
Second concert “Mars en folie !” in Beijing
With the bands: Aliose (Switzerland), Cloé du Trèfle (Belgium), Alex Nevsky (Canada)
Date: Saturday March 19, 2011, from 6.30 pm
Venue: Beijing Foreign Studies University Thousand People Auditorium
2 Xisanhuan Beilu, Beijing 100089
Tel. : 8881 6306
Free entrance
Further information: Tel. 5139 4057 (English and Chinese) - Ning.Ge@international.gc.ca
Beijing Alliances Française, the Embassies of Switzerland, Canada and Belgium (Wallonia-
Brussels Delegation in China) as well as the Quebec office in China are pleased to present the
“MARS EN FOLIE 2011” concert. Discover offbeat, thrilling and impertinent French music,
featuring sweet and poetic lyrics and innovative musical explorations with: ALIOSE’s fresh and
delicate melodies, ARNAUD FLEURENT-DIDIER’s quirky and funny texts, CLOÉ DU TRÈFLE’s
“Underground Road-movie”, ALEX NEVSKY’S warm and inspired rhythms. These boys and girls
are coming from all corners of the francophone world and sing their vision of the modern world.
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4 bands to discover:
Aliose (Switzerland – intimate songs)
Ever since their first album came out in 2008, Aliose (Alizé Oswald and Xavier Michel), Coup de
Cœur 2010 of the French Academy Charles Cros, has been increasingly successfull and became
more and more famous in Switzerland and abroad. While putting emphasis on stage
performances and direct contact with their public, the band shares its delicate texts with natural
authenticity, based on a real melodic sensitivity. Their numerous awards, both from professionals
and from an increasingly faithful public (Coup de Cœur Claude Lemesle 2006 award in Paris,
Utopia 2006 award in Besançon, 2 Oreilles 2009 award in Saint-Etienne, Audience Award at the
Voix de Fête 2010 festival in Geneva, 5 awards at the Médaille d’or de la chanson in
Saignelégier), let us foresee a promising future for the young Swiss band. They will keep on
seducing their audience with the pure and enchanting voice of the singer, while a new acoustic
dimension was recently reached thanks to the cellist Zéphyrin Rey-Bellet, in 2010.
Further information:
www.aliose.ch
www.myspace.com/aliose
Arnaud Fleurent-Didier (France – electro/pop)
French musician-singer Arnaud Fleurent-Didier has just published his new album La
Reproduction (Columbia/SonyBMG, 2010). As warm as a winter evening by the fireplace, this
self-portrait covers arrangements that haven’t been heard since Gainsbourg’s time. His
impeccable three-piece suit and look of a fashion model straying into the world of French
chanson might be seen as pretentious. His UV-induced tan and his little songs could be taken for
megalomania. But none of that could be further from the truth. Arnaud Fleurent-Didier has class –
natural and sincere. And his album proves it. The songs follow each other like the pages of a
secret notebook finally revealed. With subtle irony, he expresses his worries, doubts, questions,
dreams, highs and lows, his need for public recognition, his failures, his desires.
He is now accompanied on stage by Dorothée de Koon and Milo McCullen.
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This tour was organized with the support of Institut Français, a new trademark for the cultural
initiatives of France overseas (www.institutfrancais.com).
Further information:
www.arnaudFleurentdidier.com
www.myspace.com/arnaudFleurentdidier
Cloé du Trèfle (Belgium – electro/intimate rock music)
Cloe du Trefle is the solo project of Cloe Defossez, a young composer from Brussels who just
released her new album "Hasards de trajectoires". Cloe learned piano as a child but soon got
bored of playing classical music only. She loves to play electric guitar, bass guitar, to torture
sounds on her computer, but she is also fond of all kinds of keyboards and has a lot of fun mixing
classical and electronic music.
Cloe was a revelation in Belgium, winning a lot of prizes before and after her first album
« Sapristi ». «Microclimat», her second album, won the prestigious Prix Coup de Coeur of the
French Academy Charles Cros.
Cloe Defossez began music singing in English, with her band Clover's Cloe, and she also
composes music for films and has a lot of fruitful musical collaborations.
Further information:
www.cloedutrefle.com
www.myspace.com/cloedutrefle
Alex Nevsky (Canada – rock/pop)
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Alex Nevsky presents “De lune à l'aube” (Audiogram), an album stemming from classic rhythms
that have been embraced across generations and cultures. Nevsky’s musical inspiration is to
bring poetry into his work. Rock. Pop. Kitsch. Slam. This music captivates and awakens in all of
us the urge to hit the dance floor. The singer-songwriter has entrusted production of his first
album to Yann Perreau, awards and prizes have already begun to accumulate.
This album shows tremendous musical talent, profound lyrics and heartfelt performances. The
musical appeal is intergenerational, with strong melodies, rich arrangements, and joyous vocal
harmonies with a seventies touch.
Further information:
http://www.alexnevsky.ca/blog/
http://www.myspace.com/alexnevskymusique
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Literature
Literature and Cinema
Literature and cinema are combined to celebrate the Francophonie festival. A
documentary will give life back to the great Swiss author Jacques Chessex and will bring
us into the world of the somewhat provocative stylist.
This day devoted to literature will continue with the screening of two French film classics,
A bout de souffle and Les Parapluies de Cherbourg, commented by Gérard Guégan, writer
and cinema enthusiast. Welcome to literature and cinema.
Conference around the work of Swiss writer Jacques Chessex
The Swiss Embassy, in collaboration with the French Embassy, invite you to a conference
around the work of the writer Jacques Chessex, gathering a Chinese specialist of French
literature and a documentary over the writer.
Major figure of the Swiss French literature, poet, short-stories
writer, novelist, columnist and critic, Jacques Chessex describe
himself as « a Lémanique Earthman, id. est a Vaudois, thus a
writer who write in French ». The work of the writer, who was the
only Swiss to earn the Goncourt prize with the Ogre published in
1973, will be the subject of a conference by Chinese French
literature expert Yu Zhongxian and Chinese historian of
Switzerland Duan Mumei, both members of the jury of the Fulei
prize in French translation. The debate will be completed by the
documentary «Jacques Chessex, le buisson ardent», by the film
director Marcel Schüpbach.
This event will be concluded by readings in French and Chinese
of extratcs by students of the two translated short-stories by
Jacques Chessex: Le dernier été indien and Le rêve de Voltaire.
Jacques Chessex, le buisson ardent
Switzerland, 1998, 14 min
Documentary
Director: Marcel Schüpbach
In front of the camera of Marcel Schüpbach, Jacques Chessex recalls with pleasure the key
events of his life and of his work – his land, his cats, this «state of poetry » that never leaves him,
sex, religion and jazz - , while declaiming an erotic poem or singing a blues playing piano.
Jacques Chessex is the author of a large body of work.
Date: Sunday March 13, 2011, 3 :00 PM
Venue: Auditorium – French Cultural Centre
French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel.: 6553 2627
Fax.: 6553 2718
Free entrance, according to seats availability
In French and Chinese
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Gérard Guégan shares his lesson on cinema
Specialist of cinema and committed writer, Gérard Guégan will share his passion for
French cinema through two master-pieces. With these two films he will remind us that the
French cinema of the 1960's was at the leading hedge.
Each showing will be followed by a debate with Gérard Guégan, author of a dictionary of
cinema, co-founder with film director Gérard Lebovici of the Champ Libre edition, friend of
Jean-Luc Godard (for whom he wrote « Mao Mao » from the movie La Chinoise), prolific
writer and exceptional novelist.
Les Parapluies de Cherbourg
France, 1964, 83 min
Music comedy
Director: Jacques Demy
With: Catherine Deneuve, Nino Castelnuovo, Anne Vernon.
Cherbourg, November 1957. Ms. Emery runs an umbrella shop, helped by her daughter,
Geneviève. She loves Guy, a young mechanics, but he is drafted to Algeria while Genviève is
pregnant. Without any news of him, she marries Roland Cassard, a young diamond trader. They
leave Cherbourg. In 1959, Guy comes back from Algeria. He marries Madeleine and buys a
garage. On Christmas 1962, Guy and Geneviève meet by coincidence; they have nothing to tell
to each other.
Date: Sunday March 13, 2011, 5 :00 PM
Venue: Auditorium – French Cultural Centre
French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel.: 6553 2627
Fax.: 6553 2718
Free entrance, according to seats availability
In French and Chinese
A bout de souffle
France, 1960, 89 min
Dramatic comedy
Director: Jean-Luc Godard
With: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, Daniel Boulanger.
The itinerary of a young delinquent who, after stealing a car and killing a policeman, is chased by
police.... More than a movie, a philosophy!
Date: Sunday March 13, 2011, 8 :00 PM
Venue: Auditorium – French Cultural Centre
French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel.: 6553 2627
Fax.: 6553 2718
Free entrance, according to seats availability
In French and Chinese
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
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Gérard Guégan
Gérard Guégan, born on the 20 of July 1940 in Marseille.
Writer, journalist, translator of Bukowski and former cinema
critics, soon after May 1968, he co-found the Champ Libre
edition with Gérard Lebovici and Alain Le Saux. That is where,
in 1973, is published the Cahiers du Futur, a publication
mixing theories and cartoons, then, in 1974, his first novel, La
Rage au cœur. In 1965, at the invitation of Jacques Rivette,
he starts to write for the Cahiers du Cinéma. From then on
until 1968, he participates to the redaction of a Dictionnaire du
cinéma initiated by Raymond Bellour.
Moreover, in the middle of the 1970s, he relaunches the
surrealist editions Le Sagittaire with Alain Le Saux, Raphaël
Sorin and Olivier Cohen. Occasional actor and director, he
directed five films and played in La Croisée with Brigitte Fossey.
Dictionnaire du cinéma, Editions universitaires, 1966
La Rage au cœur, Champ Libre, 1974
Les Irréguliers, Lattès, 1975
Un Silence de mort, Lattès, 1975
Technicolor, Le Sagittaire, 1975
À Feu vif, Lattès, 1976
Père et fils, Grasset, 1977
Oui, Mai, Le Sagittaire, 1978
L’Avenir est en retard, Albin Michel, 1978
On revient toujours chez soi, Alfred Eibel, 1979
Beau soleil, Grasset, 1979
Le Sang dans la tête, Presses de la Renaissance, 1980
Polonaises, BFB, 1981
Le Requin vengeur, Garance, 1981
Une Femme coincée, Grasset, 1982
La Vie est un voyage, Christian Bourgois, 1983
Pour toujours, Grasset, 1984
La Terreur, roman cruel, Grasset, 1987
Père et fils suite, Ramsay, 1988
Le Dernier des rêveurs, Flammarion, 1990
Dictionnaire mondial des films, Larousse, 1991
Un Cavalier à la mer, François Bourin, 1992
Sur le sentier de la guerre, L’Olivier, 1993
Eurydice ne répond plus, L’Olivier, 1995
L’ABCdaire du cinéma français, Flammarion, 1995
Debord est mort, Le Che aussi. Et alors ? Embrasse ton amour sans lâcher ton fusil,
Cahier des saisons, 1995
Les Vivants sont ceux luttent, la haine de classe au cœur, Cahiers des Futurs, 1996
La Demi-sœur, Grasset, 1997
Markus Wolf avait une sœur, je l’ai aimée, Grasset, 1997
Les Irrégulières, Flammarion, 2001
Ascendant Sagittaire, Parenthèses, 2001
Terroristen ! (v. : f.), Parenthèses, 2002
Soudain l’amour, Grasset, 2003
Rimbaud et Saint-Just font du théâtre, À Rebours, 2003
Inflammables, Wespieser, 2004
Les Cannibales n’ont pas de cimetières, Grasset, 2005
Cité Champagne (Champ Libre I), Grasset, 2006
Montagne Sainte-Geneviève (Champ Libre II), Grasset, 2008
Fontenoy ne reviendra plus, Stock, 2011
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Lecture
Lectures of the work of Ananda Devi
Date: Thursday March 17, 2011, 6:30 PM
Venue: Library – French Cultural Centre
French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Standard: 6553 2627
Free entrance.
The library of the French Cultural Centre proposes a series of lectures of the work of Ananda
Devi, a female author from Mauritius.
Ananda Devi
Ananda Devis was born in Mauritius Island. She is the author of many books: La Cathédrale was
adapted for cinema by Harrikrisna Anenden in 2006 and is presented at the Francophone
Film Festival. Her novel, Ève de ses décombres, received many book prizes and The
Francophonie Five-Continents Prize which confirms her talent as a great author within French
speaking literary area. Ethnologist by training, she is a professional translator. She chose to write
her books in French but she uses a lot of Hindi and Creole languages in her novels. Her telling,
lyrical and penetrating style, offers to French language new cultural and linguistic aspects linked
to her birth island. Ananda Devi is now living in Switzerland.
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
Exhibition
Boards and Men: Comic Strip and French-speaking cultures
Date: from March 1 to March 29, 2011
Venue : Beijing Alliance française (Guangcai Centre)
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel. : 6553 2678 ext. 207 or 209
Email: info.beijing.culture@afchine.org
Free entrance.
Comic Strip has recently emerged in the Francophone world, progressively gaining their titles of
nobility, as the most popular artistic languages with universal vocation. It catches the evolution of
the human condition in our societies.
Freedom of line and imagination did the rest, with caustic or poetry here, candor, irony or good
nature there. On the occasion of the16th edition of the Francophone World Festival in China,
Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI) joins the network of French Alliances in China to offer the
Chinese public a selection of the best boards among recent comic strips in French. Here, the
realities, aspirations and projects of the “Francophonie” are revisited in a comprehensive way, in
eight chapters.
This exhibition is organized by WBI in partnership with the International Organization of
Francophonie (OIF) and its XIIIth Summit, and in collaboration with the Belgian Centre for Comic
Strips.
Further information: www.faguowenhua.com/francophonie
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The ten words of the francophonie
The ten words of the francophonie are selected every year by Belgium, France, Quebec,
Switzerland and the International Organization of the francophonie (OIF). They are related to a
common theme that reflects the richness of the French language.
In 2011, the chosen theme is solidarity, one of the founding values of the francophonie. Many
activities (games, exhibitions, etc.) are organized around these ten words.
2011 Theme: "Tell me 10 words that connect us": the French language has different accents and
different status in francophone countries and cities worldwide, such as Quebec, Hanoi, Paris,
Tunis, Dakar, Abidjan, Port-au-Prince and many others, but belongs to all the people who speak
it, whether they have inherited it or they have chosen to learn it. It is their common homeland.
Through the French language, a set of visions, values, lenses, unique projects are brought
together to the world that everyone can access. This link between French speaking people is all
the more profound and fruitful as it is enriched by other cultures, other identities and other
languages. French language is a shared language and also is a language of sharing, an invitation
to open up to other people and to other places.
The ten words in 2011: accueillant, agapes, avec, chœur, complice, cordée, fil,
harmonieusement, main, réseauter (welcoming, feast, with, choir, accomplice, rope, string,
harmoniously, hand, and networking).
Exhibition
French language as a language of sharing
From March 1 to 29, 2011
Two venues in Beijing
Venue 1: Media library - French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel. : 6553 2627
Venue 2: Beijing Alliance Française (BLCU)
Beijing Language and Culture University
Building n°2, 1F, 15 Xueyuan Lu, Haidian
Tel.: 8230 3730
Free entrance.
In French and Chinese languages.
Beijing Alliance Française and the French Cultural Centre present an exhibition on the 10 words
of the francophonie. The 2011 exhibition is related to the theme of solidarity. This exhibition will
take place in more 10 other cities across China.
Further information: www.afbeijing.org.cn / www.ccfpekin.org
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Event
Highschool students and their ten words
Date: Tuesday March22, 2011, 3:00 PM
Venue: Media library - French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel.: 6553 2627
Highschool students from the Beijing International French Highschool present the bookmarks
they have created about the ten words of the francophonie to the public of the library. Students
from 56 countries are enrolled in the Beijing International French Highschool.
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
Game
Francophonics: 10 words in sounds and songs
Date: from March 13 to March 20, 2011
Venue: Library of the French Cultural Centre
French cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel.: 6553 2627
Free entrance.
From March 13 to 20, the Library of the French Cultural Centre in Beijing will take you on a
“music and sound trip” through the world of the French Language and the “10 words of the
francophonie” 2011 selection, based on the theme “say 10 words which link us together”. You are
warmly welcome.
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
Workshop
Creative writing workshop
Date: Monday March 14, 2011, 6:30 PM
Venue: Library of the French Cultural Centre
French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel.: 6553 2627
Free entrance.
Third edition of the Creative writing workshop organized by the Library of the French Cultural
Centre in Beijing. You are warmly welcome to attend and create your own text using the 10 words
of the francophonie: accueillant, agapes, avec, chœur, complice, cordée, fil, harmonieusement,
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main, réseauter (welcoming, feast, with, choir, accomplice, rope, string, harmoniously,
hand, and networking)
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
Workshop
The French-speaking Corner
Date: Tuesday March 15, 2011, 6:00 PM
Venue: Library of the French Cultural Centre
French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Tel.: 6553 2627
Free entrance.
The Library of the French Cultural Centre in Beijing warmly welcomes you to attend its “French-
speaking Corner”. During one hour, together with our library team, you will read and listen to texts
in French language, learn new words in a playful way, sing French songs and discuss on the
special theme related to the ten words of the francophonie: solidarity.
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
Contest
Speaking contest on the ten words of the francophonie
Students must download the form for submission on the website: www.dauphine.hk. They
will be admitted to the contest after the preselecting process.
Contact: Tel. : 021-5230 9507, 6282 0352, 13301900836 陆骏（Benton）
/ Email: international@dauphine.hk
Free entrance
The Master of International Business (MIB) of Paris-Dauphine University (France) organizes with
its Chinese partners a speaking contest for Chinese students in French and English on the topic
of the 10 words of the francophonie. The pre-selection and the semi-final will occur in several
cities in China during March and April. The first price is a one-year scholarship for studying in the
MIB in Paris.
Further information : http://www.dauphine.hk/news_info.asp?bid=1&sid=0&id=405&title=“梦想双
翼、直通巴黎”2011 大学生英法双语演讲大赛
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Café des sciences
The Café des sciences (Café of Sciences) is a kind of popular event organized by the Office for
Science and Technology of the French Embassy since 2008. It aims to promote the French
sciences among the general public, both in French and Chinese languages. While savouring
coffee and cakes, the francophone community gathers to enjoy the conference of a scientist, in a
friendly environment.
Café des sciences is open to all, scientists or just curious to learn.
Conference
Café des sciences: Live your dreams in 3D
Date: Wednesday March 16, 2011, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Venue: Auditorium of the French Cultural Centre
Guangcai International Mansion 18 Gongtixilu, Chaoyang District; Tel: 010 6553 2678
In French language with Chinese translation. Free entrance, according to seats availability
Pre subscription is advised (send and email to info.beijing.culture@afchine.org).
Contact: 010 6553 2678 ext. 209 (fr) / 207 (中文)
The Office for Science and Technology of the French Embassy and Beijing Alliance française are
pleased to invite you to the 7th Café des Sciences, animated by Dassault Systems General
Manager in China Wang Hao Feng, about 3D technology, around a movie presenting the
construction of Egypt pyramids.
In the world of 3D, every dream is possible. General Manager of Dassault Systems China, Mr
Wang Haofeng will take you to discover the most advanced 3D technologies in the world. A
cocktail will be offered at the end of the conference.
Further information: www.ambafrance-cn.org / www.afbeijing.org.cn
Wang Haofeng
Mr. Wang Haofeng was appointed General Manager for Greater
China of Dassault Systèmes in June 2010. He graduated with
an MBA degree from HEC, the top-ranked business school in
Europe, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from ENSERG
(French National Superior Engineer School of Electronic and
Radio electricity in Grenoble). Before joining Dassault Systèmes,
Mr. Wang worked for Thales Alenia Space where he was
responsible for business expansion in North Asia. In addition to
maintaining Dassault Systèmes' leadership in the aerospace,
automotive and shipbuilding industries, he is also actively
expanding the company’s businesses in the high-tech, industrial
equipment, energy, construction, and consumer goods
industries.
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Conference
Café des sciences: Industry of beauty in China. The Case study of L’Oréal department of
research and innovation in Shanghai.
Date: Thursday March 17, 2011, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Venue: Alliance Française media library (BLCU Centre)
BLCU building 2,
15 Xueyuan Road,
Haidian District,
In French language with Chinese translation. Free entrance, according to seats availability
Pre subscription is advised (send and email to info.beijing.culture@afchine.org).
Contact: 010 6553 2678 ext. 209 (fr) / 207 (中文)
Beauty is not only a subjective question. The Office for Science and Technology of the French
Embassy in Beijing, and Beijing Alliance française are pleased to invite you to discover its
scientific and industrial aspects during the 8th Café des Sciences, presented by Mr. Didier Saint-
Léger, head of public and scientific affairs in L’Oréal Beijing.
The beauty industry has known quite a recent development, but has regularly grown. Mr. Didier
Saint-Léger proposes to present the nature of this industry, its protagonists, its legal rules and
those of neighbouring Asian countries. He explains how the creation and the presence of
research and development laboratories of L'Oreal China can provide a better understanding of
the needs of Chinese consumers and anticipate them.
Further information: www.ambafrance-cn.org / www.afbeijing.org.cn
Didier Saint-Léger
Biochemist, Didier Saint-Leger came first in L'Oreal research
department in 1975 at the age of 29.
He held several positions, first in France, both in advanced and
applied research, but also in Philadelphia, where he was
responsible for joint studies conducted between L'Oreal and the
University of Pennsylvania.
In 2004, he was founder and manager of L'Oreal laboratories in
China, based in the Pudong area in Shanghai, until 2010. He is
currently head of public and scientific affairs at L’Oreal Research
China, in Beijing. His work is at the root of the achievement of 110
scientific publications and 45 patents.
Conference
Café des sciences: The mystery of cosmic rays of extreme energy will be solved in China?
Date: Thursday March 31, 2011, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Venue: Auditorium of the French Cultural Centre
Guangcai International Mansion 18 Gongtixilu, Chaoyang District; Tel: 010 6553 2678
In French language with Chinese translation. Free entrance, according to seats availability
Pre subscription is advised (send and email to info.beijing.culture@afchine.org).
Contact: 010 6553 2678 ext. 209 (fr) / 207 (中文)
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The Office for Science and Technology of the French Embassy and Beijing Alliance française are
pleased to present the 9th Café des Sciences, led by Olivier Martineau-Huynh (University Paris 6)
which will focus on the study of cosmic rays in a remote site of Heaven Mountains (Tian Shan).
Cosmic rays are particles that bombard the Earth constantly. If their origin is well known for the
very large majority of them (Sun, our galaxy ...), those with the highest energies remain a mystery
in many ways: we know neither their nature nor their source! Worse, we do not understand how
they can reach energies as high. Despite more than 30 years of experimental efforts, our
knowledge of these high energy particles is reduced. Indeed, only one particle falls per century
per square kilometer on Earth!
Olivier Martineau-Huynh proposes to present the current status of the difficult hunt for cosmic
rays, and to explain how the detection technique developed in Tianshan mountain could change
this.
Further information: www.ambafrance-cn.org / www.afbeijing.org.cn
Olivier Martineau-Huynh
Olivier Martineau-Huynh is an assistant professor at
the University of Paris 6. Détaché into the French
National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) office
in Beijing since September 2008, he coordinates the
implementation of an experiment to detect cosmic
rays in a remote site in Tianshan mountain (Tianshan,
Xinjiang Autonomous Province).
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Other Gatherings of the francophonie
Events
The Feast of francophonie
Date: Saturday March 19, 2011, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Venue: Inside the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire
9, EIB Xiao Jie, San Li Tun (behind German Embassy)
Free entrance, open to all.
The 4th edition of the Feast of francophonie is a festive and popular cultural event organized by
the Embassy of Ivory Coast to celebrate the francophonie in China, particularly its cultural
diversity aspect with music, dance, fashion parades etc. Embassies of French-speaking countries
in Beijing will hold exhibitions on the cultural identities of their countries (gastronomy, clothing,
art...) .
Further information: www.faguowenhua.com/francophonie
Day of the francophonie on Internet
Date: Sunday March 20, 2011
Venue: Forum « Chine et Francophonie »
In French language.
The website www.chinefrancophonie.com celebrates the Day of the francophonie! Come and
discover interviews, articles, chat, and videoconferences as well a special column on the ten
words of the francophonie.
Further information: www.chinefrancophonie.com
Conferences
Academic conference: “Sino-francophone cross viewpoint on the geopolitics of food: a
challenge for the 3rd millennium”
Date: Thursday March 10, 2011, 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Venue: China Foreign Affairs University – Research Centre on francophonie
Contact: cfau_francophonie@cfau.edu.cn
Target audience: The conference is to welcome researchers and Chinese policy decision-
makers as well as policy decision-makers of the French-speaking countries.
This conference is organized by the Research Centre on francophonie, with the support of
Limagrain.
Food security remains a major challenge faced by any country, in particular developing countries.
This conference invites scholars from the French- and the Chinese-speaking world to reflect on
the issues related to the geopolitics of food security. It aims to promote exchanges between
China and the French-speaking countries, especially the francophone African countries: sharing
of experiences, possible solutions to this worldwide problem and cooperation in the field.
Further information: http://fyzx.cfau.edu.cn
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Le Bourgeois gentilhomme by Molière: from the idea to the performance
Date: Tuesday March 15, 2011, 7:00 PM
Venue: Auditorium – French Cultural Centre
French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Standard: 6553 2627
Free entrance, subject to seats limit.
In both, French and Chinese languages.
The Lanterns Theatre (Théâtre des Lanternes) hosts a conference on Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme
by Molière and explains their work and the way chosen to perform the play on June 3, 4 and 5,
2011.
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
Screening and conference: “Probing the Happiness on the border of China”
Date: Sunday March 20, 2011, 9:15 PM
Venue: WRSA conference center
Information: email: assfrcnwuhui@163.com
Website: http://www.coesa.cn/lffh/
Free entrance, subject to seats limit.
In both French and Chinese language.
The French-speaking section of the Western Returned Scholars
Association (WRSA) is pleased to present the documentary: Probing
the Happiness on the border of China, directed by Yushu (original
name: Li Haipei), independent female directed who has studied in
China and in France. She has filmed the life of Chinese people
leaving near the border of China during several months. Two of the 8
episodes of the documentary will be screened in Chinese with French
subtitles. “Chinese Tongue with Blue Eyes” is the story about the
Russian Chinese living on the border between Russia and China.
“Gods on the ancient Tea-horse Trail” focus on the Tibetans who
believe in Christian on the border between India and China.The
director will be on site to share with the audience about her
experiences of producing the film.
La francophonie en direct
Date: Sunday March 20, 2011, 9:15 PM
Venue: Auditorium – French Cultural Centre
French cultural center
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Standard: 6553 2627
Free entrance, subject to seats limit.
In French language.
For the first time in China, people can take part to a live video-chat in French language! Despite
the time difference, several cities from French-speaking countries around the world will be
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represented during this online world tour of the French language. Audience can take part to the
discussion in live.
Further information: www.chinefrancophonie.com / www.ccfpekin.org
Sustainable development
Date: Thursday March 31, 2011
Venue: further information will be available on the website:
www.faguowenhua.com/francophonie
The Chambers of commerce of the Benelux, Canada, France and Switzerland invite you to a
conference on sustainable development, followed by a networking event. Sustainable
development is one of the priority topic developed by the International Organization of the
francophonie, and the term "networking" is one of the ten words of the francophonie in 2011.
Workshops
Workshop on improvisational acting in French language
Date: Saturday March 12, 2011
In French language. Participants should be French fluent speakers.
Free entrance, subject to seats limit – necessary registration before March 10, 2011 at:
hai.li@ambafrance-cn.org
"Impro Pékin" is specialized in improvisational acting. Improvisation is an acting technique that
helps people to develop creativity, listening, sharing and spontaneity. The actor plays without
predefined text and without prior direction. He/she plays according to his inspiration by following a
few basic rules, creating comical situations. There is no need to be an actor or to have already
experience in acting to participate. This workshop offers a fun introduction to basic techniques of
improvisational acting.
Further information: www.impropekin.com
Workshop: Initiation to the French language
Two possible dates:
Friday March 18, 2011, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
or
Sunday March 20, 2011, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Venue: Beijing Alliance Française (Xihai centre)
103 Denei Dajie, Xicheng district
Subway: Jishuitan
Tel. : 6404 2643
Email xihai.beijing@afchine.org
Free entrance, subject to seats limit (20 persons per workshop) – necessary registration
before March 10, 2011 at: hai.li@ambafrance-cn.org
You are no French speaker, but still curious? – Come and initiate to the French language! The
workshop will be conducted by a professional teacher using the most modern teaching
techniques.
Further information: www.afbeijing.org.cn
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Games
The Francophonie Quiz
Date: March 13 to 20, 2011
Venue: French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Standard: 6553 2627
Free entrance, subject to seats limit.
Test your knowledge and skills on the French-speaking world by answering 10 simple questions
on the website: www.faguowenhua.com/francophonie. To help you out, the multimedia library will
offer you a selection of books related to the topic. 10 winners will be sorted and win lots of prices.
Further information: www.faguowenhua.com/francophonie
Music
Concert: francophone choir of Beijing « Maurice Ravel »
Date: Sunday, March 19, 2011, 2:00 PM
Venue: Auditorium – French Cultural Centre
French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Standard: 6553 2627
Free entrance, subject to seats limit.
The French speaking singers from 10 countries of the francophone choir of Beijing “Maurice
Ravel”, are very pleased to present a concert mixing songs of different styles and languages.
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
Semi-final of the French song contest
Time: Sarturday, March 26 and Sunday March 27, 2011, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Venue: Auditorium - French Cultural Centre
18 Gongtixilu - Guangcai Guojigongyu
100020 Chaoyang district
Subway: Chaoyangmen
Standard: 6553 2627
In French language.
Free entrance, subject to seats limit.
Come and listen to budding singers on the occasion of the semi-final of the French song contest!
Every year, almost 150 universities take part to the contest in China. Over 150 participants for
North and West China will be present for the semi-final in Beijing.
Further information: www.ccfpekin.org
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Source: www.francophonie.org
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Francophonie in China
Francophonie
The French-speaking world is gathering 75 countries, via the International Organization of the francophonie
(French-speaking countries) (OIF), which counts 56 members and 19 observers.
Each year, worldwide, the Season of the French-speaking cultures offers to celebrate the French language,
friendship between rich various cultures. It takes place around March 20th, the day the OIF was created. The
Season is open to any individual or organization, from countries or regions that belong or do not belong to the
OIF, who wants to celebrate French language and the values of sharing and cultural diversity it promotes.
The francophonie in China
There are currently about 100 000 learners of French language in China, a figure which is always increasing.
There are about 1000 Chinese and French-speakers French teachers. Over 90 universities have a department
of French studies. There are now 13 Alliances Françaises in Mainland China as well as one in Hong Kong and
one in Macao.
The Season of the French-speaking cultures in China
Season of the French-speaking cultures 2010 (15th session)
Last year, more than 16000 persons took part to the 123 events organized in 15 cities in China. 22 countries
were involved. The events were very successful to the Chinese audience, particularly the Film Festival of the
French-speaking countries, the concert « Mars en folie », football tournament and the academic conference
held by the Research Centre on the francophonie, through French-speaking places across Beijing.
Season of the French-speaking cultures 2011 (16th session)
The 16th session is organised by 28 countries.
This year, the Season of the French-speaking cultures takes place between March 12th and March 20th, and
during the whole month as for the Francophone Film Festival and the music tour “Mars en folie”.
The Season of the French-speaking cultures in China offer activities that are organized by the French-
speaking countries representations in Beijing, and other big cities that have consulates and Alliances
Françaises. All the events are free and open to all.
The ten words of the francophonie
The ten words of the francophonie are selected every year by Belgium, France, Quebec, Switzerland and the
International Organization of the francophonie (OIF). They are related to a common theme that reflects the
richness of the French language.
In 2011, the chosen theme is solidarity, one of the founding values of the francophonie. Many activities (games,
exhibitions, etc.) are organized around these ten words.
2011 Theme: "Tell me 10 words that connect us": the French language has different accents and different
status in francophone countries and cities worldwide, such as Quebec, Hanoi, Paris, Tunis, Dakar, Abidjan,
Port-au-Prince and many others, but belongs to all the people who speak it, whether they have inherited it or
they have chosen to learn it. It is their common homeland. Through the French language, a set of visions,
values, lenses, unique projects are brought together to the world that everyone can access. This link between
French speaking people is all the more profound and fruitful as it is enriched by other cultures, other identities
and other languages. French language is a shared language and also is a language of sharing, an invitation to
open up to other people and to other places.
The ten words in 2011: accueillant, agapes, avec, chœur, complice, cordée, fil, harmonieusement, main,
réseauter (welcoming, feast, with, choir, accomplice, rope, string, harmoniously, hand, and networking).
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Organizers and Press contacts
Organizers :
Embassy of France in China
Institut Français
French Cultural Centre
Alliance Francaise in Beijing
Embassy of Belgium in China (Wallonia-Brussels Delegation in China)
Embassy of Canada in China
Quebec Government Office in Beijing
Embassy of Ivory Coast in China
Embassy of Poland in China
Embassy of Romania in China
Embassy of Switzerland in China
Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China
Canadian Chamber of Commerce in China
French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China
Swiss Chamber of Commerce in China
Centre for Research on the francophonie (China Foreign Affairs University)
Western Returned Scholars Association
Forum "Chine et Francophonie”
Francophone choir in Beijing "Maurice Ravel"
Impro Pékin
University of Languages and Cultures of Beijing
Beijing University of Foreign Studies
Paris Dauphine University
Main partner institutions:
Embassy of Bulgaria in China
Embassy of Cameroon in China
Embassy of Cyprus in China
Embassy of Croatia in China
Embassy of Greece in China
Embassy of Guinea-Bissau in China
Embassy of Hungary in China
Embassy of Lithuania in China
Embassy of Luxembourg in China
Embassy of Macedonia in China
Embassy of Mali in China
Embassy of Mauritius in China
Embassy of Mauritania in China
Embassy of Morocco in China
Embassy of Mozambique in China
Embassy of Senegal in China
Embassy of Serbia in China
Embassy of the Czech Republic in China
Embassy of Tunisia in China
Embassy of Vietnam in China
Lanterns Theatre
French International School of Beijing
National Institute of Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics
Club France
Commercial Partners:
Air France
Dassault Systèmes
FLTRP
L’Oréal
Limagrain
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PRESS CONTACTS:
Eugénie Binet, Communication Officer, Cooperation and Cultural Section - Institut français, Embassy of France in China
eugenie.binet@ccfpekin.org tel.: (010) 6553 2627 ext.307
Bi Dongna, Communication Assistant, Cooperation and Cultural Section - Institut français, Embassy of France in China
dongna.bi@ccfpekin.org tel.: (010) 6553 2627 ext.371
Christine Chen, Deputy Press Attaché, Embassy of France in China
christine.chen@diplomatie.gouv.fr tel.: (010) 8532 8035
To download photos and press releases, please visit:
http://www.faguowenhua.com/public/presse/
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