The Smithsonian Associates and the Francophonie Committee of Washington
are proud to present Le Festival de la Francophonie 2012, running
through April 13. Join us in celebrating the French-speaking world
with a month-long series of award-winning international films, musicians,
performers, and writers who come from around the globe for this special occasion.
Visit FrancophonieDC.org
for updates and more information.
DISCOVERY THEATER, WEE Speak! French
Thurs., March 8, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.;
Thurs., March 8, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.;
Fri., March 9, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.; &
Fri., March 9, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.
Come learn how to sign, play, and speak French with Quebec children's author
Annie Groovie.
Le gamin au velo (The Kid with a Bike)
Thurs., March 8, 2012 at 7 p.m.
In this film screening, tag along with Cyril, a 12-year-old, on a mission to find the dad who abandoned him. 2011 Grand Jury Prize winner at the Cannes Film Festival.
Alain Mabanckou
Fri., March 9, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Join
Sarah Pickup-Diligenti, Alliance Française de Washington, D.C. educational director, as she hosts and interviews
Alain Mabanckou, a well-known novelist and poet originally from the Republic of Congo.
Story Time with Annie Groovie
Sat., March 10, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Québécois author and illustrator
Annie Groovie (Annie Trudelle) delights audiences with this French speaking workshop and storytelling for families at the Alliance Francaise.
300 Years of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Tue., March 13, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE PROGRAM: To mark the tricentenary of the birth of philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the Embassy of Switzerland presents a conference and exhibition at the Library of Congress that recognizes the influence of this iconic thinker.
Dreams of Dust
Wed., March 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
In this film screening, follow the struggles of a Nigerian peasant and the friendship he strikes with a woman and her child in Burkina Faso.
Titeuf, le film
Sat., March 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Based on Europe's best-selling comic character, view this family-friendly, animated film about Titeuf, an adolescent boy navigating the ups and downs of school, friends, and family.
Die Vaterlosen (The Fatherless)
Wed., March 21, 2012 at 7 p.m.
In this evening film screening about relationships, follow the story of four adult children—one of whom has not seen her siblings in 23 years—reunite for their father's funeral.
Maria de Barros
Thurs., March 22, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of music with Cape Verdean singer,
Maria de Barros, whose eclectic music transcends taste, preference, and even language.
Genticorum
Sat., March 31, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening performance from Quebec trio, Genticorum. Known for their energy and stage presence, they has become a fixture on the international world, traditional, folk, and Celtic music circuit.
Un barrage contre le Pacifique (The Sea Wall)
Wed., April 4, 2012 at 7 p.m.
In this film screening, discover the story of a French widow and her family as they struggle farming rice alongside the ocean in 1930s Indo-China. A sea wall provides hope to their situation, but comes with challenges.
Alexandre Najjar
Thurs., April 5, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Join
Sarah Pickup-Diligenti, Alliance Française de Washington, D.C. educational director, as she hosts and interviews
Alexandre Najjar, a well-known novelist, poet, and essayist originally from Lebanon.
Cheikh Lo in Concert
Wed., April 11, 2012 at 8 p.m.
One of the mavericks of Afropop, Senegalese singer-composer-musician
Cheikh Lo shakes up a mix of musical influences and languages in a special evening concert.
Visio-Disco: A Remix of Music and Art
Fri., April 13, 2012 at 9 p.m.
Enjoy a multimedia event filled with movement, sound, and sights. Entertainment includes world beats by an international DJ, a technology-infused performance with dance, and National Portrait Gallery art.