Entertainment galore at Alliance Francaise

There are many millions of French speakers throughout the world, the majority of whom live in Africa. The second-most studied language in the world after English, French influence continues to grow: If the French Ambassador in Zimbabwe, Francois Ponge, and the director of the Alliance Francaise, Charles Houdart have their way, there could be close to 700 million French speakers world wide by the year 2050.
Last week, a group of journalists invited to a buffet lunch at the Greendale residence of Ponge, met up with representatives of the seven diplomatic missions jointly organising the cultural events of the exciting week of la Francophonie, which celebrates its 41st anniversary this year and runs from March 19-25.
In an entertaining speech, Ponge described how la Francophonie promotes the French language, peace and sustainable development in the world. Touching on some of France’s recent achievements, he mentioned Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer based in Toulouse, France: He also spoke about The Artist, a black and white silent film made in 2011, which has become the most awarded French film in history.
Alexander Wittwer, Swiss Amba-ssador to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, spoke eloquently about the importance of the French language in Switzerland. He briefly mentioned the Geneva-born philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose political philosophy influenced the French Revolution, and who lies buried in Paris. Both Switzerland and France lay claim to this national hero.
Representatives from the Czech Republic, DRC, Romania, Canada and Belgium all spoke about the significance and importance of the French language and culture in their countries.
Jean Goncalves, Honorary Belgian Consul in Zimbabwe, spoke of Belgium’s membership of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, and its dedication to conflict prevention, peace keeping and human rights promotion. French is one of the three official languages of the Kingdom of Belgium, and is the medium used in a number of renowned universities, including the Catholic University of Lovain.
Belgium has nurtured many writers, filmmakers, singers and poets. Comics writer and artist Herge, one of Belgium’s best known nationals, is famous for his creation in comic books of the endearing character Tin Tin, a young reporter who embarks on numerous adventures with his faithful dog Snowy, and the hard drinking Captain Haddock.
Francophonie Week was officially launched last Monday evening by Lisa Stadelbauer, Ambassador of Canada, at her home in Chisipite.
La Francophonie highlights Canada’s linguistic duality and is one of the main thrusts of Canada’s foreign policy. Within its sphere of influence, Canada upholds human rights, peace and security.
After a warm welcome from Stadelbauer and her family, tasty snacks and cocktails were served, before guests made their way to a small cinema in the garden, to watch Bon Cop, Bad Cop, directed by Eric Canuel, and domestically the highest-grossing Canadian film ever. Guests excitedly munched homemade popcorn in the few minutes before the lights were dimmed.
Bon Cop, Bad Cop, a 2006 comedy-thriller cop film, is about an Ontarian and a Quebecois police officer that reluctantly join forces to solve a murder. Anglophone and Francophone humour abound and the mixing of cultures and languages with characters switching rapidly between French and English, keep the audience’s attention riveted. Double entendre, play on words and the use of Joual (Quebec slang) make this film a linguist’s delight, although those of a sensitive nature may cringe at the two cops’ frequent enthusiastic rendering of taboo and swear words.
Francophonie Week, with its superb film festival, live music, dictation competition, cabaret, singing competition and craft market, continues until Sunday 25 March, at the Alliance Francaise. – Own Correspondent.