adminFrom March 15, Bulawayo and Harare will resonate with the vibrant sounds, sights and tastes of the French-speaking world when the Francophone Cultural Festival launches a week of concerts, theatrical performances, films, culinary tastings and much more.
Celebrating the creative artistry of its many countries, the Francophone Week is a voyage of exploration, discovery and cultural sharing that emphasises the diversity of the French-speaking world.
This year, seven countries have collaborated to present an array of experiences all rooted in the Francophone cultures — from America to Maghreb, from Europe to Southern Africa.
The events will take place at the festival’s partner institutions, Alliance Française, Prince Edward School and Jean de la Fontaine French School in Harare and in Bulawayo, the festivities would be at Academy of Music and John Knight Cinema.
Some of the films to look forward to include “Rebelle,” whose promising Congolese actress was awarded the Silver Bear at the Berlin Festival and was also a 2013 Oscar nominee.
Another popular film set to be screened this year is “Starbuck”, produced by Ken Scott who is based in Canada.
The film is about a character called David who lives the life of an irresponsible adolescent.
He coasts through life with minimal effort and maintains a complicated relationship with a young policewoman.
The woman tells him she was pregnant, David’s past resurfaces.
Twenty years earlier, he began providing sperm to a fertility clinic in exchange for money.
He discovers that he is a father of 533 children, 142 of whom have filed a class action lawsuit to determine the identity of their biological father, known only by the pseudonym “Starbuck”.
On the other hand, the famous “Sing Your Way to Paris,” competition will be held for the third time after the successful 2011 and 2012 editions, gathering students from all over the country.
The best performer will win a fortnight cultural sojourn in Paris, the French capital, sponsored by the French Embassy.
Online Reporter