Francophonie Festival now on in Sri Lanka

 The Canadian High Commission will screen the film ‘La Bolduc’

International Francophonie Day is on 20 March and celebrates the diversity of the French language and the French-speaking world.

According to the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF), there are approximately 300 million French speakers all over the world (2018 data), making it the fifth most-spoken language after Mandarin Chinese, English, Spanish and Arabic. It is the only language, with English, to be used across five continents. It is the official language in 32 States and in many international organisations, including the United Nations. 

The French language in figures: Fifth most-spoken language after Mandarin Chinese, English, Spanish and Arabic; 300 million French speakers worldwide; second most-studied language; and fourth most used language on the internet, which now brings together over four billion users.

In Sri Lanka, until 25 March, several events prepared by the diplomatic missions of Canada, France and Switzerland, together with the Alliance Française de Kotte and the French Teachers’ Association of Sri Lanka will offer a multidisciplinary offer of movie screenings, concerts, conferences and much more! The Festival opened on an online screening of the Canadian film ‘Antigone’ (2019, 1h49) by Sophie Deraspe, presented by the Canadian High Commission. 

Some of the movies and events lined up from today are.

19 March: La Bolduc (2018, 1h43): The Canadian High Commission will screen the film ‘La Bolduc’ by François Bouvier in its original version with English subtitles. The event is free and accessible to all from the comfort of their homes! 19/03 (available for a 24 hours period). Online.

20 March: Francophonie Concert: The Swiss Embassy organises a virtual concert that will make you vibrate to the sound of the great classics of francophone songs interpreted by four Swiss groups around the world under the direction of our singing diplomat Raoul who will perform live from Colombo. 20/03, 7:30 PM (GMT +5 :30). Facebook live.

21 March: Francophonie Laureates announced: Results of the two virtual contests organised by the Association des professeurs de français (APF) for French students (FLE): the “Quizz de la francophonie” and “La francophonie en images”. 21/03. Online. 24 March: Court-Metrage/Short Films: Different, So What? Four Short French Films presented by Alliance Française de Kotte. 78 min/French with English Subtitles/Free screening, open to all adults (+18 years old). Blue Dog (2018 / 17 mn). Beautiful Loser (2018 / 24 mn). Venerman (2017 / 17 mn). Miss Chazelles (2019 / 21 mn). 24/03, 6 PM. Alliance Française de Kotte, 11 Keppetipola Mawatha, Colombo 5. Inscription/Registration: [email protected] (Limited number of seats).

25 March: Court-Metrage/Short Films: Sustainable Planet. Four Short French Films presented by Alliance Française de Kotte. Who is the most fragile? Mankind or Planet Earth? 60 min/French with English Subtitles/Free screening, open to all aduts (+18 years old). Expire (2016 / 13 mn). La Parcelle (2018 / 20 mn). Plastic and Glass (2009 / 9 mn). La Nuit des sacs plastiques (2018 / 18 mn). 25/03, 5:30 PM. Alliance Française de Kotte, 11 Keppetipola Mawatha, Colombo 5. Registration: [email protected] (Limited number of seats).

Throughout the month, Institut Français presents a different selection of French short and feature films, available for free on IFcinéma à la carte and la Fête du court-métrage. The physical events will take place strictly adhering to all health guidelines against COVID-19.

 Different, So What? - 4 short French films presented by Alliance Française de Kotte

 - Francophonie concert line up

- Sustainable Planet - 4 short French films presented by Alliance Française de Kotte