Cultural Events ----
“ I do not want my house to be completely walled in, nor do I want my windows bricked up, but I would like the wind to circulate freely there, to bring me the cultures of every country.”
(Gandhi)
Event Calendar
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July 2009
Soirée Dansante/ Gala / Dinner
Saturday, July 11th, 6:11 p.m.
Bastille day Celebration
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Ciné Soirée / Cocktails / Concert
Friday, July 17th, 7p.m.
Life Outside of Pearl with Jazz Sax performance
Jazz Combo at 7, film to start at 8 pm
(103 minutes/English with Creole subtitles)
In partnership with The Haitian Alliance, Inc.
When independent filmmaker Uscla "Johnny" Desarmes wanted to tell his story about a slice of life through the eyes of a Haitian-American family, he called upon some heavyweight talent with deep Haitian roots to bring his story to the big screen. International actor Jimmy Jean-Louis of NBC's "Heroes" and Haitian music icon/activist Carole Demesmin lead the ensemble cast of Life Outside Of Pearl.
Life Outside Of Pearl tells the story of a lower middle-class Haitian-American family and their struggles to assimilate while trying to maintain their ethnic identity and culture. Written, directed and produced by independent filmmaker Desarmes, Life Outside Of Pearl, was a five-year labor of love for the young filmmaker. He honored his homeland by using the country's nickname "Pearl" in the movie's title. Because of the island's beauty, Haiti has been called "The Pearl of the Caribbean."
With an all star cast- Jimmy Jean Louis, Rudolphe Moise, Carole Demesmin, Freddie Robinson, Natacha Noel and Anthony Stevenson- this drama/action/comedy film is a sure crowd pleaser!!
Goethe Institute
Colony Square, Plaza Level
1197 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta GA 30361
(free parking with validated ticket)
$10 members, $15 non-members
RSVP: 404-875-1211
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October 2009
Conference/ Forum
Save the Date: "Taking the TGV into the future: A High Speed Rail conversation with France, Georgia and Beyond"
On behalf of the Alliance Française d’Atlanta, I wish to extend an invitation to you to participate in our upcoming forum:
“Taking the TGV into the future: A High Speed Rail conversation with France, Georgia and Beyond” to be held in Atlanta, Georgia October 13th, 14th.
This event is coordinated by the Alliance Française d’Atlanta, Marta, members of the French comunity and the Center for International Business Education and Research at The Georgia Institute of Technology.
The event will consist of an opening social reception and a series of speakers who will address the impact of the high speed train in terms of it’s effect on urban and regional planning, energy and environmental policy, social and cultural impact, as well as innovations in technological and industrial partnerships. It will be held Marta's Lindbergh Headquarters and at the Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center, 250 14th St. N.W.
We anticipate an audience comprised of leaders from the business community, grassroots community based organizations, academia and local policy makers and political leaders.
We are currently seeking speakers, sponsors and partners for what we know will be a unique, exciting event bringing to Atlanta a vital dialogue on transportation possibilities.
For more information about the event, please contact our President, Dr. Andre Teissier du Cros. Interviews with Andre Teissier du Cros may be arranged by Peri Frances, Director of Marketing at 404-898-1227, or communication@afatl.com.
Why now?
ecause the new U. S. Administration has listed passenger rail as one priority area for massive investment to re-prime the economy while preparing the US for a world of high cost energy and heavy environmental constraints. The French and European experience would seem to support that its time has come for the U.S. California has voted to accept more State taxes to finance a San Francisco – LA High Speed Train. Georgia is engaged in lively discussions searching for solutions for its transportation crisis. However, for decades, the US culture and experience both drove transportation away from rail and towards air and motorways.
Why you should attend:
Because the Atlanta High Speed Rail Forum will be a discussion on all the pros and cons of High Speed Trains and Mass Rail Transits. It will gather experts and decision-makers and concerned citizens from both sides of the Atlantic to go to the core of the debate between France, Georgia and nationwide. This is a unique opportunity for you to hear all the facts and engage in the debate.
How it will work.
The Alliance Française of Atlanta, in connection with the French-American Community and numerous regional organizations, is pleased to announce its first of a new kind of cross-cultural event exploring the intersection of lifestyle/cultural changes and economic/political challenges. This first event, which is dedicated to “Taking the TGV into the future: A High Speed Rail conversation with France, Georgia and Beyond”, (TGV or “High Speed Train/HST”), explores the restructuring of European transport, lifestyle and sustainable development since 1980. This forum is at the crossroads of economy and culture, general policies and public decisions. It aims to illustrate how technological innovations combined with a long term commitment have progressively reshaped the way of life and become integrated into culture; thus contributing to sustainable development, and creating multiple opportunities. From its origins in Japan and France, this phenomenon is progressively expanding into Western Europe and is now contributing to urban/regional planning & development in Asia, notably in Korea and China.
Why here?
The TGV/HST as such may not be the first priority of Georgia or the South East Region. However, it is of note that Atlanta was founded in 1837 as the Terminal of the railroad coming from the North East. Today the Atlanta Airport could be the terminus for the revival of this major corridor. Beyond this example, the aim of the forum is to analyze and illustrate what could be the contribution of a modern train network, long haul (TGV/HST), regional and/or metropolitan as a structuring factor and a part of a new sustainable culture.
What you can gain from this Forum.
The country in general and Georgia in particular are currently engaged in major introspections about our development policies, our economy and in particular our cultural patterns in relationship to energy and transportation. Such an evolution calls for major flows of investment, and challenges many ingrained habits and preconceived notions. It will generate discussions and perhaps some controversy. But it calls also for more information, analysis and long term visions: TGV/HST is not only a transportation mode, but the framework which reshapes our relationship with sustainable development and energy efficiency, regional and urban planning, time and commuting, and ease of communications.
The “Taking the TGV into the future: A High Speed Rail conversation with France, Georgia and Beyond” Forum will contribute to this momentum, by analyzing all aspects of the “TGV case” and fostering exchange of experience and ideas between decision makers and citizens of Georgia and their global counterparts in France and other places. It is already generating contribution and input from many players, with speakers from both sides of the Atlantic and an expected audience of more than 300 people.
Whatever your perception is today of the whole transportation issue, you will come out of this Forum having contributed to a new perspective for yourself, your community, your region, and the world.
 
ARCHIVES:
June 2009
Feast and Film at Fez- Ciné Soirée Maghrebine
Délice Paloma dir. by Nadir Mokneche
 Monday, June 22nd, 7 p.m
Imperial Fez
2285 Peachtree Rd NE # 102
Atlanta, GA 30309
For the Month of June, Alliançe Française, Imperial Fez and the American Moroccan association are pleased to bring you an evening of North African delights.
Enjoy a delicious Moroccan feast, while feasting your eyes on the Algerian feature film, Délice Paloma.
Délice Paloma is the latest film of Nadir Moknèche with Biyouna.
The film tells the story of Madame Aldjeria, her past life, her glory, her dream , and her downfall as queen of petty dealing, 'the mafieuse' , against the backdrop of Algiers and the Algeria of Independence to today. Dinner and film followed by discussion with Q & A, a unique cultural experience not to be missed !
(In French with English subtitles)
Madame Aldjéria, with her team, fixes up other people’s problems in exchange for cash. She doesn’t hesitate to dirty her hands in order to survive in a country where no holds are barred. Paloma, her new recruit, catches everyone’s eye, beginning with Riyad, Aldjéria’s son. Madame Aldjéria is in on a deal close to her heart: buying the Caracalla Thermae. But this is one deal too much, too grandiose; because of it she loses her son and her freedom.
Moroccan Dinner Menu
-Tomato salad with cucumber & onions in olive oil and lemon vinaigrette served in a open lettuce leaf
-Arangata Risotto balls with three Italian cheeses served with spicy mango chutney
-B’stella individualyl wrappped, stuffed with Cornish hen crushed, roasted almonds & spiced eggs
-Roasted lamb bites with paprika & cumin
-Couscous with shrimp bites in a pepper sauce served in bowl
-Flamenco wings in honey & sesame seeds
-Dolmas with lemon rice & pine-nuts
-African rice with spicy grilled chicken bites & grilled corn kernels
-Fresh fruit individually wrapped with chocolate & roasted almonds
-Mint tea during courses
Members $30, Non-Members $45 RSVP: 404-875-1211
(This special price includes dinner and the film, as a way of saying thanks to our loyal members and community. It combines our regular monthly dinner and cinè soirèe in one great evening.)
Sponsored by Imperial Fez, in partnership with American Moroccan Association
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MAY 2009
RENDEZ-VOUS
Thursday, May 7th, 7 pm
Atmosphère Restaurant
1620 Piedmont Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30324
$5 House wines & $5 appetizer!
Featuring live jazz with Joe Gransden !
Please note: Space at the venue is limited, and Mr. Gransden is a popular musician, please RSVP in advance to assure seating availability, Merci !
RSVP: 404-875-1211
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LECTURE
Friday, May 8th, 7pm
 Christian Chesnot, Reporter for Radio France Internationale
Topic: Journalists in High risk zones: balancing safety and information.
Commerce Club : 34 Broad Street, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30303
About the Speaker:
Christian Chesnot, a journalistand reporter for Radio France Internationale, graduated from the Centre de Formation des Journalistes. In the late 1980s, he was assigned as a volunteer in Egypt – in lieu of military service – for the French-language daily Le Progrès égyptien. He then stayed on in Cairo to work as a correspondent for several French newspapers.
This program is organized by the Délégation générale of Alliance Française in the United States with the partnership of the Atlanta Press club.
$5 for members, $10 for non-members | FREE for college, university and high school students
RSVP 404 875 1211 (reception 6-7 and lecture starts at 7pm)
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THEATRE
Sunday, May 3rd, 7:30 p.m.
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
Discounted for AF Night
$20.75
All seats located side front orchestra and side rear orchestra
RSVP: RSVP 404 875 1211
More info
Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
15 % AF discount until end of the show, mention promo code: Française
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OPEN HOUSE | PORTE OUVERTE
Wednesday, May 13th, 6 pm
Learn French for Your Hot Summer!
Visit the Alliance, meet our teachers, staff and students
Learn about our language classes and cultural programs
Take a half hour beginner French demonstration class
Take a placement evaluation to determine your level
Enjoy French wine and cheese reception
Summer Session Begins June 6 Registration Opens May 4th
Beginner French Demo Classes @ 6:30 & 7:00 p.m.
RSVP 404 875 1211 | admin@afatl.com
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May Dîner Mensuel
Wednesday, May 27th, 7 pm
BLT Steak
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30308
1st course : Field Green/Mustard Dressing orCaesar Salad
2nd course: Hanger Steak or Rosemary Chicken
Sides: French Fries & Creamed Spinach
3rd course:Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter Chocolate Parfait
$50 fixed menu (plus tax and gratuity)
404-875-1211 to RSVP by 5/13
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FILM
Toi et moi/Me and you, a film by Julie Lopes Curval
(In French with English subtitles)
**** Friday May 29th, 7 p.m.*****
Goethe Institute
Colony Square, Plaza Level (free parking with validated ticket)
1197 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta GA 30361
Wine and Cheese Reception at 7:00, movie starts at 7:30 p.m.
$10 members, $15 non-members RSVP: 404-875-1211
Editor of the photo romance section of “You and Me” magazine, Ariane has a tendency to transpose the love lives of herself and her sister, Lena, onto the pages – albeit with some extra flourishes. However, their lives are not exactly romantic: Ariane clings on to Farid, who wants nothing to do with her, while Lena has grown bored with her companion, François. But what if Ariane let herself go and fell in love with Pablo, the handsome Spaniard who is working her building? And what if Lena let her heart beat for Mark, the remarkable violinist she has just met?
April 2009
LECTURE
Thursday, April 30th, 7 pm
DIDIER RO USSELET, Actor, Stage Director, Writer, Doctor in Theatrical Studies
From Paris to Berlin: An 850-Mile Walk
In the spring of 2007, Didier Rousselet walked from Paris to Berlin to celebrate the 62-year-old peace between France and Germany. In a presentation illustrated by photographs he took along the way, he describes his personal hiking experience and the diversity of his discoveries. He addresses the history of France and Germany, the relationship between these countries and the state of Europe today. He will gladly entertain questions from the audience after his talk.
Didier studied with Ariane Mnouchkine (Théâtre du Soleil), Jacques Lassalle and Jacques Lecoq. He participated in theatrical experiments conducted in France by Billedstoftheatre (Denmark) and Pupi e Fressede (Italy). Since 1995, Didier has regularly been doing voice overs in French for U.S.I.A, and in English and French for various TV programs.
Location: Goethe Zentrum | 1197 Peachtree Street NE (colony square, plaza level) | Atlanta GA 30361FREE PARKING
Free for members and $10 non-members, RSVP 404 875 1211
April Dîner Mensuel
Wednesday, April 29th, 7 pm
 Social Resto. Cafe. Bar
12 W. Peachtree Pl.
$40 members, $45 non-members (plus tax and gratuity)
404-875-1211 to RSVP
First Course
Lobster Bisque
Salmon Brochettes: Fava Beans Puree, Mojo Sauce.
Cuisse de Grenouille: Bread Crumb Persillade.
Spring Mix Salad: Beets, Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts, Champagne Honey Vinaigrette.
Second Course
Petit Filet Mignon: Fingerling Potatoes, Haricot Vert, Carmalized Carrots, Spring Peelings Truffle Sauce.
Pan Seared Scallops: Over Rice Pilaf, Ratatouille, Lobster Wine Rose' Sauce.
Lamb Tagine: Dried Apricots Almonds, Carrots, Fresh Mint, Natural Juice.
Cornish Hen Tagine: Kalamata Olives, Preserved Lemon Sauce.
"Tagine comes with Sardanian Couscous or Gingered Rice"
Third Course (Dessert)
Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Chocolate Pot de Creme
Dated Bread Pudding
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LECTURE SERIES
 
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7 pm
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO FOOTAGE OF QUETTAN ON 4/22/09!!!
Saurel Quettan-
Haitian Alliance of Atlanta
Transforming Haiti: Unity - Truth and Reconciliation, Haitians Culturally and Economically
Strong, Haiti Green and Literate by 2030
The Haitian Alliance, Inc. is a registered 501 (c) (3) organization whose purpose is to transform Haiti.
Alliance Française d'Atlanta 1360 Peachtree St. Suite 850
$5 members, $10 nonmembers, RSVP 404-875-1211
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LECTURE SERIES
Nicole Bacharan, Historian and political analyst
Friday, April 10th, 7 p.m.
Diversity or "communautarisme"? Integration the American way or Integration the French Way.
Read more...
Georgia Institute of Technology
College of Management
800 West Peachtree Street NW
Room 200
Atlanta, GA 30308
Directions
$5 members and $10 non-members
RSVP 404 875 1211
This program is organized by the Délégation générale of Alliance Française in the United States and with the partnership of Georgia Institute of Technology's European Union Center of Excellence Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, and the support of Banta Immigration Law.
 
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FEBRUARY 2009
 Now Showing until the end of February
Art Exhibit
Northern Light, Southern Eye Opening Reception
at Alliance Française
Walter Cumming, award winning former AJC illustrator will exhibit a one man show from Jan 22 through the end of February at Alliance Française d'Atlanta.
This exhibit of his travel illustrations of Québec, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton is entitled Northern Light, Southern Eye. Click here to view Walter Cumming's art work.
This program is made possible by the generous contribution and partnership of the Québec Government Delegation in Atlanta in celebration of Quebec's 400th anniversary,
with the support of The Canadian Consulate in Atlanta and Alliance Française d'Atlanta.
RSVP for opening 404-875-1211
(The exhibit will be on display and for sale until the end of February.)
THEATRE | LECTURE
Valère Novarina at
Emory University
Valère Novarina is one of France's leading playwrights, whose works are regularly produced for the Festival d'Avignon, the Festival d'Automne, and internationally. He is also stage director, painter and photographer, he began writing plays as a child, then studied philosophy, philology and theatre history at the Sorbonne in Paris. He has published until today about 32 plays. Novarina places the actor at the center of his theatre works and the whole drama in his mouth: “The actor,” the writer says, “does not walk into the theatre, the actor moves forward with the theatre between his teeth.”
February 27, 1:00, White Hall 208
Screening of Raphaël O’Byrne’s Ce dont on ne peut parler, c’est cela qu’il faut dire (What Cannot Be Spoken Is What Must Be Said, 2002, 60 min.)Introduction by the author, Q&A with him following the documentary.
March 2, 5:30, Schwartz Center Theater Lab
A dynamic and jostling performance full of wit and subversion: A staged reading in English and in French of texts by Valère Novarina, staged by Valéry Warnotte of Paris, France, with Théâtre du Rêve actors Chris Kayser and Park Krausen and Emory Theater Studies students. Followed by a discussion and reception with the author and artists.
March 3, 4:15, White Hall 205
Presentation by Valère Novarina, in French only.
March 4, 11:00-1:00, Dobbs University Center room 363
Round Table with Valère Novarina, Valèry Warnotte and Théâtre du Rêve artists about Théâtre du Rêve’s 2010 production of a piece by Novarina. Guests welcome to drop in.
These events, free of charge and open to the general public, are sponsored by the Emory University Departments of French and Italian, Comparative Literature and Theater Studies; Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts; the Hightower Funds and French Cultural Services. Organized by Amin Erfani. For further information, contact aerfani@learnlink.emory.edu.
EDUCATION
OPEN HOUSE | PORTE OUVERTE
Spring into French and Take a breath of French air !
Thursday, March 5th, 6pm
Beginner French Demo Classes @ 6:30 & 7:00 p.m.
RSVP 404 875 1211 | admin@afatl.com
Visit the Alliance, meet our teachers, staff and students
Learn about our language classes and cultural programs
Take a half hour beginner French demonstration class
Take a placement evaluation to determine your level
Enjoy French wine and cheese reception
Spring Session Begins March 21st
LECTURE SERIES | DEMONSTRATION
The Art of Chocolate Tasting
Thursday, March 12th, 7 pm
Benjamin Desmartins, Chocolatier
The art of tasting chocolate and selecting the perfect accompanying beverage. Read more...
Goethe Zentrum | 1197 Peachtree Street NE
(colony square, plaza level) | Atlanta GA 30361
FREE PARKING
$10 members and $15 non-members
( price includes chocolate tasting) RSVP 404 875 1211
PLAY | THEATRE
 The 13th of Paris by Mat Smart
February 13 - March 15
Ends this Friday !
At The Horizon Theatre
Directed by Lisa Adler
A light and airy...sweet snack of a play
***$13 Tickets ! Lucky 13!*****
Come see The 13th of Paris for any performance between now and Friday, March 13th and you can get tickets for just $13! That's an amazing savings of $10 per ticket...aren't you lucky!
Regular Price: $23
Discount Price: $13
Une Offre Spéciale Juste Pour Vous !
AF Members can purchase tickets for any performance for just $13 any other Call the box office at 404.584.7450 and tell them you are a member of Alliance Française to redeem your discount!
Discount expires March 15, 2009.
(*8% sales tax applies. Discount for advance phone sales only. ) For more info...
CONCERT | MUSIC
Swiss Wind Quintet Michiko Otaki, Piano
Sunday, Mar 15th 3:00pm
at Spivey Hall, Morrow, GA
Clayton State University faculty pianist Michiko Otaki combines forces with the Swiss Wind Quintet for Mozart's popular Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-flat major, as well as the Sextet for Piano and Winds by German Romantic composer, Ludwig Thuille. The talents of the Swiss musicians (Liam Mallett, flute; Urs Brügger, clarinet; Min Young Park, oboe; David Schneebeli, bassoon; and Henryk Kalinski, French horn - all current or former members of Switzerland's largest orchestra, the Sinfonieorchester Basel) will be showcased in a 1967 wind quintet by their countryman, composer Jost Meier.
EDUCATION
 Teacher Training Workshop and Immersion Weekend for French Teachers- March 20-21-22
Friday or Saturday 9-5 workshop, or full immersion weekend
including training, brunch and film for PLU credits.
education@afatl.com | 404-898-1221 | more info
Register by March 13th
SOCIAL EVENT / MONTHLY DINNER
This Month, in Celebration of Francophonie 2009, we invite our Monthly Dinner guests to join the Atlanta Francophonie Committee, represented by the Consulates of
Belgium, Canada, France and Switzerland, the Québec Government Office, the Alliance Française of Atlanta and the French American Chamber of Commerce for a special brunch joining the Atlanta Community of Francophones, Francophiles, and their friends and families
 “Phones, ‘Philes and Familles” 3/22 12:30 p.m.
Cercle d’Amitie Francophone / Circle of Friendship Brunch
Sunday Brunch at Hotel Intercontinental.
European buffet brunch with fine wines, dramatic readings by Théâtre du Rêve and exhibitors gallery.
$35 per person, $15 kids under 10,
404-875-1211 to RSVP
Brunch Menu
Classic French Onion Soup
Nicoise Salad with tuna confit Haricot vert, olives, eggs, balsamic vinaigrette
Mixed Greens with carrot curls House vinaigrette
Piemontaise Salad Parisian ham, mustard dressing
Oysters (Gulf of Mexico) Served with lemon and mignonette
Assorted Charcuterie w/ Cornichons
Quiche Lorraine
Bouillabaisse French Seafood stew
Chicken Blanket
Scrambled Eggs
Crème Caramel
Tarte Alsascienne French apple tart
Oeufs a la Neige Poached Merinque
FILM
Films from Africa and the African Diaspora at the High:
Rich Theatre at The High Museum
$7 general admission, $6 students, seniors, and Museum members. Patron level members enter free. read more
 Dreams of Dust - Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m.
(86 minutes) dir. Laurent Salgues
In French with subtitles.
read more
FESTIVAL | FILMS | EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS | SOCIAL EVENT
Atlanta Francophonie Committee
Presents
Francophonie 2009:
A celebration of the French-Speaking World
March 21st-26th, 2009
The month of March signifies the Francophonie Festival, an international festival bringing together the 200 million speakers of French living in approximately 70 countries around the world. Through a network of hundreds of cultural centers and thousands of French/Francophone Studies Departments in universities and schools, the French language as well as the diversity of the francophone cultures are celebrated on the five continents by millions of francophiles.
On this occasion, the Atlanta Francophonie Committee, represented by the Consulates of Belgium, Canada, France and Switzerland, the Québec Government Office, the Alliance Française of Atlanta and the French American Chamber of Commerce, has organized an exciting program of
cultural activities in celebration of the French language :
3/21-26 “Francofilm” Festival at Atlanta Midtown Art Cinema
3/20-22 Teacher Training/Immersion Weekend
3/22 “Phones, ‘Philes and Familles” Brunch at Hotel Intercontinental
Francofilm Festival, Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
Sat. 3/21 1:30 pm, “U”, animated film for children, France
Sun.3/22 7:00 pm, “Congo River,” documentary, Belgium
Mon. 3/23 7:00 pm, “Fragile”,drama, Switzerland
Tues.3/24 7:00 pm, “Maman est chez le coiffeur” drama, Quèbec
Wed. 3/25 7:00 pm, “Aux frontières de la nuit” (Night Shadows), drama, Switzerland
Thurs. 3/26 7:00 pm “La Graine et Le Mulet”, drama, France
931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta GA 30308
All films in French with English subtitles
$10.00 general; $7.00 Sat $7:00 senior (62+); $7.00 child (-12);
$8 student (Mon-Thurs) only)
 Saturday, March 21st, 1:30 pm, U: la jeune fille et la licorne, The young girl and the unicorn
France, animated, director Serge Elissalde , 2005, 75 min, (Ages 8 and up)
Popular and prolific childrens’ book author Grégoire Solotareff makes his filmmaking debut (co- directed by animator Serge Elissalde) with this delightful and colorful animated fable. Mona is a lonely princess who becomes close friends U, a mysterious but playful unicorn. As years pass, U finds their precious bond threatened when the young adult Mona feels an attraction to an itinerant musician. Solotareff and Elissalde eschew CGI for hand- crafted animation, and endow their world with color, whimsy, and wonder.
 Sunday, March 22nd, 7:00 pm, Congo River: Au-delà des ténèbres
(Congo River: Beyond darkness)
Belgium, documentary, director Thierry Michel, 2006, 120 min
Thierry Michel wishes to reveal the depth of Africa's culture and traditions, its timelessness and universality. He wishes to show that, beyond the shadows and the tragic history of this continent, there is also life and happiness, that of the rituals, the songs and dances. We sail up the Congo river, the largest river basin in the world, from its mouth all the way to its source. This journey, on this majestic river, which has inexorably followed its path for centuries and centuries, will also be a personal path.
Cicae - Berlin International Film
Festival 2006
Prix Humanum 2007 - Union de la Presse
Cinématographique Belge
Prix La Vague 2006 - Festival
International du Cinéma Francophone en
Acadie
www.congo-river.com
Monday, March 23rd, 7:00 pm, Fragile (Fragile)
Swiss, director Laurent Nègre, 2005, 87 min
Festival des films du monde Montréal 2005
Having deliberately lost sight of each other because they do not get along, Sam and his sister Catherine must now deal with their mother’s sudden death.
All through the night before the funeral, the two seek together a way of coming to terms with their sorrow and resolving their longstanding and bitter differences in the face of this tragedy. Because they are young and still have a whole lifetime ahead.
Mons, Festival International du Film d'Amour de Mons, Prix du Public 2006
Moncton, Festival international du cinéma francophone en Acadie, Prix La Vague TV5 pour le meilleur longmétrage international (fiction) 2006
Solothurn, Bundesamt für Kultur, Swiss Film Prize, Best Performance in a Supporting Role 2006
Genève, Cinéma Tous Écrans, Prix TV5 du meilleur film francophone 2005
Laurent Nègre
Born in 1973 in Geneva. 2000 Studies direction of photography at CECC (Centre d'Estudis Cinematogràfics de Catalunya) in Barcelona. 2002 Receives degree from the ESBA (École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts), Geneva, Cinema Department. 2002 Co-founder of Bord Cadre films Sàrl in Geneva.
www.realisateurs.ch/m/negre.php
Filmography
1998 La Tong bleue / Pourquoi c'est toujours les trains qui partent et jamais les gares / 2002 Schenglet (all short films) / 2005 fragile (fiction)
http://www.bordcadrefilms.com/fragile/
 Tuesday, March 24th, 7:00 pm
Maman est chez le coiffeur (Mommy is at the hairdresser’s)
Québec, director Léa Pool, 2008, 98 min
It's summer 1966. Time to enjoy summer vacation, total freedom, running wild in the fields, and crazy giggles with friends. But as she becomes more aware of the dreams, sorrows and lies of the people closest to her, Élise sees her mother's sudden abandonment thoroughly disrupt her family. While her brother Coco stubbornly seeks refuge in constructing a super car, the youngest, Benoît, plummets deep into his own internal world, retreating ever-further in the furnace room. As for her father, he is simply overwhelmed by the situation. Élise decides to take the helm of her drifting family in a poignant attempt to save them. With support from the living and breathing surrounding nature and the silent comfort Monsieur Mouche offers, Élise is on the verge of experiencing a summer unlike any other.
Toronto International Film Festival Official Selection 2007
San Sebastian International Film Festival
Pusan International Film Festival
Stuttgart Film Festival
Mill Valley Film Festival
 Wednesday, March 25th, 7:00 pm, Aux frontières de la nuit
(Night Shadows)
director: Nasser Bakthi (Suisse/Algérie, 2006)
A 24 hour in the lives of five characters, none of whom fit into Geneva's postcard image as a city of privilege. Linked by two cops' night patrol, the audience meets different faces of immigration and social exclusion: Adé, a young Malian who dreams of becoming a famous soccer star, but has to work illegally for now. Momo, who has abandoned his studies to become a garbage collector in order to support his relatives in Algeria, but cannot bring himself to tell them the truth about his new life. And then there is Claire, a young Swiss woman, lost and erring in the night. Claire has lost control of her life, annihilated by drugs. A harsh, yet not hopeless chronicle, where locals and foreigners' encounters with each other may transform their destinies. A reflection on fragile human relationships in our troubling and troubled times.
Muscat, Muscat Film Festival, Bester Erstlingsfilm 2008
Muscat, Muscat Film Festival, Grosser Publikumspreis 2008
Cannes, Festival International du Film Pan Africain de Cannes, Prix Dikalo du meilleur film 2008
Santiago de Compostela, Festival Internacional de Cine Euro Arabe, Best Director Award 2007
New York, Harlem International Film Festival, Brownstone Award 2007
Valencia, Mostra de Valencia / Cinema del Mediterrani, Premio del Público 2007
Rotterdam,Arab Film Festival Rotterdam, The Award for Best Actress 2007
Rotterdam, Arab Film Festival Rotterdam, The Silver Hawk Award for the second best film 2007
http://www.troubadour-films.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=51
http://www.auxfrontieresdelanuit.com/
 Thursday, March 26th, 7:00pm
La graine et le mulet (The secret of the grain)
French movie, director Abdel Kechiche, 2007, 154 min
It's the story of an elderly Tunisian man living in southern France who is laid off from his job in the shipyard and decides—or is convinced by young members of his family—to open a couscous restaurant on a rundown barge. Rooted in a Maghrebi community in the port town of Sete, the movie traces Slimane's extended family, which is fragmented, like most families, by divorce, age and immigration. Winner of Best Picture and Best Director Césars, this remarkable depiction of a family of North African immigrants introduces a large group of characters you'll soon warm to as members of your own family ... except they make better couscous.
César Award, 2008:
Best French Film
Best Director: Abdellatif Kechiche
Best Original Screenplay: Abdellatif Kechiche
Most Promising Actress: Hafsia Herzi
Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, 2007
Best Director (Eurasia Film Festival): Abdellatif Kechiche
Venice Film Festival, 2007:
Special Jury Prize (ex-æquo / tie, with I'm Not There)
Marcello Mastroianni Prize (for actor or actress in a début role): Hafsia Herzi
SIGNIS Award - Honorable Mention: Abdellatif Kechiche
Nominated: Golden Lion
Louis Delluc Prize, 2007
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