The French language and francophone cultures in all their diversity.
Each year in March, lovers of the French language celebrate the cultural and linguistic richness and diversity of la Francophonie.
The celebrations are articulated around 20 March more specifically which marks the launch, on that day in 1970 in Niamey (Niger), of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) [International Organisation of La Francophonie] - then called Agence de coopération culturelle et technique [Agency of Cultural and Technical Cooperation]. The OIF now represents 88 francophone member countries dedicated to promoting cultural and linguistic diversity.
Francophones, who share French as either their mother tongue or as a second language, live across the five continents. It is estimated there are over 300 million French-speakers worldwide.
Auckland
Alliance Française Auckland - 131 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
1 March to 6 April: Kubini Exhibition This exhibition is a ‘road map’ rolled out around three main angles to discover sub-Saharan Africa of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Free entry - more information here
3 March: Ciné-Goûté Two short animation movies, Vanille and Akassi, with snacks and drinks. Bookings online
4 March: Sweet Paname Concern The Auckland-leg of Sonia Wilson and Nigel Gavin’s album release tour, Sweet Paname, joined by accordionist Tracey Collins. Bookings online
9 March: Meet & Greet with author Sedef Ecer Sedef is the 2023 laureate of the Randell Cottage, a writers residency based in Wellington. She will present her latest novel, Trésor National (2021), published by JC Lattès. Free entry - more information here
16 March: ‘Small Country: An African Childhood’ Screening (Eric Barbier, 2020) A touching childhood set during the conflict in Rwanda in the 90s between ethnicities Hutu and Tutsi - adapted from the book of Gaël Faye. Booking online
18 to 25 March: Francophone Breakfasts Switzerland. Quebec. Belgium. Bon appétit! Contact the Alliance Française to book.
Hamilton
Alliance Française Auckland - 114 Alexandra Street, Hamilton
25 March : Apero Cheez and Quiz Form a team and try to win prizes! There will be cheese and cured meats too. Booking online
Wellington
Alliance Française Wellington - 3/78 Victoria Street, Wellington
3 March: Meet & Greet with author Sedef Ecer Sedef is the 2023 laureate of the Randell Cottage, a writers residency based in Wellington. She will present her latest novel, Trésor National (2021), published by JC Lattès. Free entry - more information here
8 March: Tahiti, une reine en héritage (Fabrice Gardel and Alexia Klingler, 2022) In the realm of the lagoons, it is the custom for men only to be king. Although she was not destined to do so, Aimata Pomare will break this rule to become the last queen of Tahiti and make peace with France. In French. No English subtitles available. Free entry - more information here
24 March: Au revoir le bonheur (Ken Scott, 2021) Four estranged brothers travel to the family’s summer house to say their last goodbyes and to spread the ashes of their father. Nicolas, the youngest, loses the urn and the arguments begin. In French with English subtitles. This film is facilitated by the High Commission of Canada in New Zealand. Free entry - more information here
Christchurch
Alliance Française Christchurch - Unit 4-5, 275 Cashel Street, Christchurch
1 to 31 March: Unlock Digital Exhibition A selection of digital artworks to discover with a cellphone at the Alliance.
20 March: Au revoir le bonheur (Ken Scott, 2021) Four estranged brothers travel to the family’s summer house to say their last goodbyes and to spread the ashes of their father. Nicolas, the youngest, loses the urn and the arguments begin. In French with English subtitles. This film is facilitated by the High Commission of Canada in New Zealand. Free entry - more information here
31 March: Comics Workshop with French Graphic Designer and Illustrator, Eric Avertin. Fees apply - bookings essential here
South Library - 66 Colombo Street, Christchurch
Celebrate France - Full schedule available here
5 March: Opening event
5 March: Crepes Workshop (booking fee applies)
5 March: Pétanque (free, no bookings required)
7-9-14-16-21-23 March: Afterschool activity zone (free, no bookings required)
8-12-19 March: Stories with the Alliance Française (free, no bookings required)
10 March: French Conversation Class (free, bookings essential)
15 March: Exploring French Peaks with amateur mountaineers James & Richard (free, no bookings required)
16 March: A Kiwi’s Life in France with Tracy Chollet (free, no bookings required)
17 March: Tour de France with avid cycling fan James (free, no bookings required)
18 March: Children’s Outdoor Games (free, no bookings required)
18 March: Quiz (free, bookings essential)
19 March: Yoga with Mathilde (free, bookings essential)
25 March: Discover Mons-en-Provence with Kian (free, no bookings required)
25 March: Traditional French games (free, no bookings required)
26 March: FLØMÄ concert (free, no bookings required)
