Celebrating all that is French

As the world breaks into a flurry of celebrations of the French language and the various cultures of the many countries of the International Organisation of the Francophonie, Qatar, too, joins in with a fabulous spread of events for ‘The Francophone Days’ that began on March 12 and will go until March 31.
For the 2016 edition of the international observance dedicated to the language and the diversity of French-speaking cultures, the French embassy has chalked up an ambitious programme involving a photography exhibition, a piano recital, poetry, movies and a lot more. “Each year, on March 20, the Francophone International Day gathers all the French-speaking countries, members of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, to celebrate French language through different events,” a note on the event says.
While most of the events will be held in Katara, some will be held in different cultural institutions across Doha. For this initiative, among the partners of the French embassy are the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the French institute of Qatar, Katara, Siwar Choir, Qatar Music Academy, and FNAC/FIFTY ONE EAST and Nexans who are the sponsors of the Francophone days. Here’s a look at the schedule on offer, as provided by the French Embassy:

Photography
Born in Damascus in 1966, Ammar Abd Rabbo has been living in France since he was 12. In his 25-year-long career, he has worked for some of the most reputed publications in the world. His photographs have made it to the covers of more than 60 magazines. This new exhibition is composed of 32 photos, shot in 2013 and 2014 in Aleppo, the capital of northern Syria. It depicts the daily lives of the Syrian people under war, with the objective to shed a light on the situation of the country and the urge for humanitarian help. The exhibition was also displayed in Paris. The exhibition ALEPPO will be held in Building 22 at Katara from March 15 until March 30. The entry is free.
Poetry
Les Souffleurs is a group created in 2001 by Olivier Comte. The group gathers more than 40 artists including actors, writers, dancers or musicians, around the idea of an attempt to “slow down the world”. They are internationally famous for their “poetic commandos” during which they whisper into the ears of bystanders poetic and literary secrets. They have performed across France and abroad, working their texts in the original language of the country in which they perform. In 2015, they received the Senghor-Césaire prize for their entire creation and were decorated Chevalier of the Order of la Pléiade by the Parliament of Francophonie. They have been part of the promotion of Francophonie as well as intercultural dialogue. They will perform on March 17 and 18 in Katara, FNAC (Lagoona Mall), and Souq Waqif.

Movies
Two French movies – free screening, limited seating – are lined up. Chocolat by Roschdy Zem will be screened at Katara Drama Theatre on March 17, and Timbuktu by Abderrahmane Sissako will be screened at Qatar National Theatre on March 18.

Science
The Math en JEANS Doha 2016 Conference will bring together around 120 students from different French AEFE schools of the MOPI (Middle-East and Indian Peninsula) zone, as the Lycée Bonaparte (French) and Lycée Voltaire (Qatari-French) in Doha. The conference is the final step of a six-month process aiming to allow students live mathematics, with a genuine scientific approach, following the principles of mathematical research. The conference enables students of several schools to get together, to meet with researchers, to gather their work with twin teams, and to present the results of their research to the other teams. The event will take place from March 17 to March 19, and is organised by Lycée Bonaparte. Entry is free.

Music
This workshop on French songs is open to everyone, particularly to French teachers. However, there are 25 places available among which 10 are reserved for schools. For information and booking, check out www.institutfrancais-qatar.com/qatar/culture/ca-me-chante

Good France
On the back of a successful debut edition of Goût de France/Good France, the second, new and improved edition will, on March 21, celebrate the wonders of French gastronomy across the world. More than 1,500 chefs across five continents are expected to join the event that will serve more than 1,500 “French–style dinners” around the world. If you wish to celebrate French gastronomy on March 21 in Doha, you can book your table in any of the eight participating restaurants: IDAM Restaurant at the Museum of Islamic Art, Panorama Restaurant at The Torch Doha, Liquidity Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Doha, Market by Jean-Georges Restaurant at W Doha Hotel & Residences, Yum Yum Restaurant at K108 Hotel, Prime Restaurant at InterContintental Doha - The City, La Villa Restaurant at Mercure Grand Hotel, or La Mer Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Doha.