Hosted by Artist Marita Brodie at the Alliance Française of Suva, from the 24th to the 26th of November from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. For the first time in Suva!
You’ve always wondered what paintings on slates look like? An
exhibition with all the finished artworks took place on the
26th in the afternoon. You might be surprised!
European Film Festival 2009 - Celebrating Diversity, Sharing Cultures!
Together with the European Union, the Embassy of France, the British
High Commision and many other partners, we have decided to celebrate
european diversity by celebrating our best talents. Attend this special
week and get the chance to watch award-winning movies from the Czech
Republic, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Itlay, Lithuania, Poland and
Spain.
So join us every night from 7:00 pm at the Alliance Française!
FREE ENTRY BUT PRE-BOOKING TICKET REQUIRED!
FREE TICKETS FOR ALL MOVIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE (CALL 331 3802 TO BOOK) AND AT ALL THE OTHER VENUES (USP, VILLAGE 6).
The inauguration evening took place at the Alliance on Tuesday 24th of November (on invitation only):
Inaugural address by the Ambassador of France, HE Mr Michel Monnier
25th NOVEMBER – 7:00 pm
GOMORRA - 2008 – Matteo Garrone – Italy - Starring : Salvatore Abruzzese, Gianfelice Imparato, Maria Nazionale – 135’
Five stories weave together to form director Matteo Garrone's Gomorra,
a violent look at the cruel reality endured by the residents of the
Province of Naples. This movie covers 4 parts of Neapolitan life that
is tainted by the mafia. This is not your typical Mafioso movie.
Hollywood tends to paint a very tough, cold picture in mafia stories.
You see money, fine suits, cigars, women, drugs etc. This is not the
case in Matteo's movie. This is real..
26th NOVEMBER – 7:00 pm
KATYN– 2007- Andrzej Wajda – Poland - Starring: Maja Ostaszewska, Artur Zmijewski, Jan Englert – 120’
The story of a political coverup of the Soviet war crime in which
thousands of Polish officers and citizens were slaughtered in the Katyn
forest in 1940.
The story is mainly told through the families left behind as fathers,
sons and husbands are transported east to prison camps. In 1943 the
Germans discovered the mass graves and attributed the atrocity to the
Russians. However in post-war Poland history was re-written by the
Soviets, the Germans were blamed and Katyn became a forbidden topic.
This is wonderful classic filmmaking from a master. Wajda had reason to
be emotional about this film because his own father, a Captain in the
Polish cavalry, was one of the victims of Katyn. An important film in
many ways, demonstrating as it does the dangers of totalitarianism in
any form and suppression of freedom of speech.
The film Noroutine (by Jurate Samulionyte) won the national round of
the second international short film competition "All Beings are born
free and equal" and represented Lithuania during the International
German Film Schools Festival 2007 in Munich. The main character of
movie is a middle-age office worker Henrikas (actor Saulius Cepla), who
spends his days in endless routine. He is a loner, living in his own
secret and colorful world of things. These small things-creatures want
to help their owner to escape sameness. Henrikas finds a long white
ribbon and starts to follow it. The mystic ribbon continues through the
different streets, yards and finally takes him to the exciting freedom
of mind.
27th NOVEMBER – 7:30 pm
KOLEKCIONERE (THE COLLECTRESS)– 2008- Kristina Buozyte – Lithuania - Starring : Gabija Ryskuviene, Marius Jampolskis – 84’
Following a traumatic experience, Gaile, a speech therapist, is
incapable of feeling any emotion. However, while preparing a video
presentation for a scientific conference, she sees herself on screen
and is surprised to find suppressed sensations returning to her,
primarily feelings of aggression. Gaile decides to try an experiment.
With the help of a man and his video camera she stages various
provoking situations and shows the result to those involved. Throughout
the experience she is unable to perceive the value of normal emotions,
or even the possibility that someone may have feelings for her.
28th NOVEMBER – 7:00 pm
TMAVOMODRÝ SVET (DARK BLUE WORLD)– 2001 -Jan
Sverak, Alice Nellis – Czech Republic - Starring: Ondrej Vetchy,
Krystof Hadek, Tara Fitzgerald, Charles Dance, Oldrich Kaiser - 119’
In World War II there were so many forgotten heroes. It's 1950 and the
height of the cold war in Communist-ruled, post-war Czechoslovakia.
Ex-RAF Czech pilot Frantisek Sláma (Ondrej Vetchý) - a man in his early
forties - is confined to a labour camp as an "enemy of the people",
because he had flown for the RAF during WWII. The new totalitarian
communist regime deemed him contaminated by the western ideals of
democracy and freedom and as such a potential threat to the state.
Flashback to March 1939, just before world peace is irredeemably
shattered. Franta congratulates his protégé, fresh-faced young trainee
pilot Karel Vojtisek (Krystof Hádek), for passing his flying test. Soon
afterwards, Franta and Karel escape Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia and
reach England, where they join the RAF. Both men fall in love with the
same woman, Susan (Tara Fitzgerald). For Karel, Susan was his first
love. The men's friendship is tested to its limit.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted a Korean Film Nite
at the Alliance Francaise on Thursday, 24th of September 2009.
The evening began with a snack at 5.30 p.m, whereby you were invited to experience the delicious Korean finger foods.
The film was then shown at 6.00 p.m. All was free.
The
title of the film is “JOINT SECURITY AREA”, starring Lee Yeong-ae
(heroine of Dae jang Geum, shown in 2009 on Fiji Television) and Lee
Byeong-heon.
Synopsis
A firefight occurs at the “Bridge of No Return” in the DMZ
(De-Militarized Zone), and two North Korean soldiers are killed. The
North claims that the incident was a flagrant attack by the South
Koreans, while the South claims that one of their soldiers was
kidnapped. In order to solve the dispute, the NNSC (Neutral Nations
Supervisory Commission) dispatches half-Korean half-Swiss Army
Intelligence Bureau officer, Major Sophie E. Jean. With no cooperation
from either side, the case appears to be unsolvable. However, Major
Jean discovers that the number of bullets fired from the pistols and
the number found at the scene differ by one, and she begins to dig
deeper into the backgrounds of the soldiers involved. Subsequently she
finds out about an encounter previous to the firefight when North
Korean soldiers saved a South Korean soldier from a mine. The story
unravels to reveal a friendship developing among the soldiers. On the
night of the firefight…
International Year of Astronomy 2009 Exhibition: "Exploring the Universe - Our Next Steps
To mark the International Year of Astronomy 2009, the Alliance
Française of Suva under the initiative of the French Ministry for
European and Foreign Affairs hosted a scientific
exhibition on the theme of
Astronomy and its impact on our lives now and in the future.
The static display consists of 16 large illustrated colour posters (60
x 105 cm) explaining in laymen's terms recent developments in
astronomy, with a historical perspective and also looking at future
research and goals. There are three main sections: historical aspects
and basic notions, exploring our known universe, and future
perspectives and exploration. Specific details about each poster can be
obtained here .
Astronomy Night:
With the collaboration of the
University of the South Pacific Physics Society, The interactive displays included a professional telescope to gaze
at the stars and other celestial objects, various displays relating to
astronomy the Pacific (present and past, including celestial navigation
by ancient Polynesian navigators) as well as art displays on
astronomical themes. There was a guest speaker from the Fiji
Physics Society giving a short presentation about astronomy, and the
screening of dazzling space pictures from the Hubble Telescope and other
observatories, as well as simulated space travel within our solar system and beyond (by computer software).
Here are some pictures of the first science night about Astronomy (it
was a cloudy day, so a video and a planetarium were used instead of the
planned star-gazing!).
A big "Thank you / Merci" to the Physics Division of the University
of the South Pacific (USP) for their active participation (talks,
supply of visual materials, narrated videos, scientific equipment,
buffet) that made this evening a great success for one and all!
Workshop and documentatry by the Japanese Embassy:
Here are some pictures of the second Science night about space and
astronomy, with special attention to younger participants. The
documentary 'Kayuga, Japan's Lunar Explorer'
was a hit with awesome views of the Moon's surface and a breathtaking
Earthrise, while the paper-cutting and model-making workshop kindly
organised by the Japanese Embassy was a success with the kids of all
ages.
Kids engrossed in model-making
The public was fascinated by the 3D Moon images
Thank you very much / Domo Arigato
to the Japanese Embassy for their active
and generous participation in the activities
of the Science Week at the Alliance Française
of Suva!
In the context of the Latino Week held in Suva from the
17th to the 20th of August, two movie nights were presented at the
Alliance Française.
Showing at the Alliance Française of Suva: two masterpieces from Walter Salles:
Tuesday 18th of August: Central do Brazil
Synopsis:
Dora, a former schoolteacher, is working at Rio de Janeiro Central
Railway Station. She writes and sends mails for illiterate clients.
Josue is a 9 year-old kid who has never met his father. When his mother
suddenly dies, Dora will look after the boy taking him along in a
journey to the heart of Brazil in the search for his father…
Wednesday 19th of August: Motorcycle Diaries
Synopsis:
In 1952 two young Argentines, Alberto Granado and Ernesto Guevara,
embark on a motorcycle journey of discovery in South America. The
confrontation with the social and politic realities of the various
countries they visit alters their original perception which the two
friends had from the continent. The Motorcycle Diaries follows an
inspiring journey of self-discovery and traces the youthful origins of
a revolutionary heart.
Olga Read and Gulya Mukhametzhanova-Ah Koy,
Russian artists showcased at the Alliance Française of
Suva!
On Saturday the 1st of August, 2009 at the Alliance
Française of Suva from 11am until 2pm. Inauguration of Fiji-inspired
paintings by Olga Read, a Russian-born Australian artist. Piano recital
by Gulya Mukhametzhanova-Ah Koy Pieces by French and other Classical
composers Refreshments and delicious Russian-style entrées and desserts
were provided. The audience was very much appreciative of the beautiful
piano pieces played by Mrs Mukhametzhanova Ah-Koy.
Some of the paintings on display and photos of the buffet and piano recital:
Each year since June 21st 1982, a Music Festival (Fête de la Musique) is
held in France. The French Ministry of Culture and Communication
celebrates this year its 50th Anniversary. To mark this occasion, the
French Music Festival on 21st June commemorated 50 years of
French songs. As was the custom over the past years, the Alliance
Française of Suva marked the event in style!
This year, the programme was as follows:
Friday 19th June, 7PM-12AM, at the Fiji Arts Center: Fête de la Musique!
Saturday 20th June, 10AM-5PM, at the Alliance Française: Fête de la Musique!
The Alliance Française was open for services on Saturday 20th June.
Programme:
Bands and artists performing:
Sammy G, Mr Grin and Redchild - 3 Local Hip Hop Artists, probably the best known performers for young people in Fiji.
Melita - young singer song writer.
1st Tribe - Reggae, Funk and Fijian Music.
The Band With no Name - Acoustic band, showcasing some of the best guitar playing in Fiji.
Felix and the Cats - New comers to the Suva scene, these artists mix rock,Indie, punk and Hip Hop together to create a truly unique sound.
Vou-Dance Company - A dynamic contemporary dance company and school, based in Suva.
BSQ - An all round Hip Hop performance including MC's, Music production and Krump.
Troop 10 - Long Time friendly rivals of BSQ, when these two bands get together they push each other to new limits!
Champion Poetry Slammers - Cream of the crop from the Fiji Poetry Slam Competition.
DJ What! - Long time turntable specialist and event organiser.
The young band "Who Ate the Pie?" in action at the Fête de la Musique 2009
The official Poster for the 2009 French Music Festival
Let us celebrate the first steps on the moon by
the American Neil Armstrong on 21st July, 1969 and the 80th anniversary
of Tintin. Screening of “Tintin, Destination Moon“ followed by "Walking on the Moon" on Thursday July 23rd at 6:30 pm
Let us continue the adventures of one of the most famous French-speaking comic strip characters by watching “Tintin in Tibet” followed by "The Castafiore Emerald" on Thursday July 30th at 6:30 pm at the Alliance française.
August 2009 Screenings: Resolutely Animated
Did you know that every year the International Festival of Animation movies
is
organised in Annecy, in the region of Savoie in France and gather
creators from all around the world. Do you think that animation movies
are limited to big broadcast studios who cradled our tender years? Then
we envy the magic discovery and the irresistible feeling of sharing
that these movies will bring to you, screened at the Alliance
Française.
Several short films from 2 to 10 minutes in duration on the following topic:
« Social Shorts » Thursday August 6th at 6:30 pm.
September 2009: 50th Anniversary of the New Wave
In 1959, at the Festival de Cannes, was born the New Wave (French: La Nouvelle Vague). It is a blanket term coined by critics for a group of French filmmakers of the late 1950s and 1960s.
Now showing: Truffaut, Resnais, Rohmer on Thursday 10th, 17th, and 22nd of September at 6:30 pm at the Alliance Française.
Wednesday June 24th, 6:30pm. A small green gesture: a piece of broken slate as an invitation.
"Ladies and Gentlemen members of the diplomatic corp, Mrs the President of the Alliance Française of Fiji, dear friends,
tonight I am honoured to share with you the wonderful work of Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
We
all know that some species are endangered: one out of a thousand
species disappears each year. In France, we lost ten percent of our
nesting birds over the last twenty years; in Europe, America,
beekeepers are alarmed by the high mortality rate of their colonies
(forty percent of the hives). We should remember that bees are
essential for cross-pollination.
Human beings are being pushed away from their ancestral environment, and each year twenty to thirty languages die.
Diversity in general is in danger!
We are all responsible and I hope that tonight’s movie will help us to act positively for our “HOME”, PLANET EARTH!
The Alliance Française will offer this movie in schools. The
Alliance Française wants to be greener: in future, we will avoid
invitation cards and large posters. A few fortunate ones have received
tonight a slate.
Bonne soirée."
Patrick Dunand, Director
Some of the numerous guests at the HOME evening
Movie Nights at USP 2009
Showing at the
University of the South Pacific:
Thursday 13 August at
7:30pm, AUSSAID Theatre: 'The Spanish Apartment'. French movie,
English subtitles. Free admission.
Synopsis:
An absolute delight,
“L'auberge espagnole”, “The Spanish Apartment” offers you a moment in student
life. Xavier (Romain Duris), a young Parisian not sure about his choices in
life, decides to spend a year in Barcelona studying economics, leaving his
girlfriend (Audrey Tautou, Amélie) in Paris to join an international mix of
students in a hectic, crowded apartment. Arguing and partying with his
British, German, Danish, and Italian roommates and getting lessons in love
from a Belgian lesbian (Cécile De France) to seduce a friend's wife (Judith
Godrèche, The Pink Panther 2). In the end, Xavier will learn more about life
than about economics. Vibrant, charming, and all-along entertaining.
Korean Movie Nights 2009
Next Korean Movie Night: to be announced here
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea offered a Korean Film Nite at the Alliance Francaise of Suva on Tuesday, the 30th of June, 2009.
The evening began with a snack at 5.30p.m, to experience the delicious Korean finger foods.
The film was then be shown at 6.00p.m.
The film titled, “Speed Scandal” was released on December, 2008. This comic film had sold over 7 million tickets in Korea.
Synopsis:
Hyun-soo Nam, is a
single 36 year old
radio disc jockey.
One day he encounters
a 22 year old woman
claiming to be his
daughter. Shocked
with the news,
he further learns
the woman has a
six year old son,
which now makes
Hyun-soo a grandfather.
The girl then follows
Hyun-soo everywhere
he goes and soon enough,
the media notices
and scandal starts
to brew.
Presented by the French Embassy, the first ever Fijian opera "Domo Ni Karmen"
played on two consecutive nights at the Suva Civic Auditorium, the 10th
and 11th of July 2009. It was a huge success and all tickets were sold
out.
On July 14 this year, the French National Day (14 Juillet) or Bastille Day will be celebrated. The Alliance Française of Suva, in collaboration with the French Embassy, as usual celebrated the event.
Top 14 final between Perpignan and Clermont-Ferrand. Will Nalaga play?
Sunday morning 7th June 2009 6.20AM at the Alliance Française 92 Ratu Sukuna Road!
TINTIN the famous comics character celebrates 80 years!
Tintin, the well known and loved Francophone Bande Dessinée
character, is 80 years young this year; his Belgian creator Hergé first
published Tintin's adventures on January 10, 1929. Since that time, 24
albums
of his often visionary adventures (eg. "Man has walked on the
Moon", published 15 years before the actual event!) have come out
and sold at over 200 million copies, being translated into 50
languages. Hergé passed away in 1983, aged 76. To commemorate the 80
years of Tintin, the Alliance Française of Suva will have on display
some of his adventures (both in French and English), for the enjoyment
of young people aged 7 to 77 years! Blistering barnacles, all are
welcome!
Some of Tintin's albums on display at the Alliance Française
20th
Anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child
In 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child became the first legally binding international convention to affirm human rights for all children. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of this event
, UNICEF with the Embassy of France and the Alliance Française of Suva
presentsa series of documentaries about children, from the 16th to the
19th of November 2009. On the 20th of November, there will be a special
event day on invitation. Venue: Alliance Française marquee. All events
are free, the programme is as follows:
GOMORRA - 2008 – Matteo Garrone – Italy - Starring : Salvatore Abruzzese, Gianfelice Imparato, Maria Nazionale – 135’
KATYN– 2007- Andrzej Wajda – Poland - Starring: Maja Ostaszewska, Artur Zmijewski, Jan Englert – 120’
NOROUTINE – 2008 - Jurate Samulionyte – Lithuania – Starring: Saulius Cepra, Elzbieta Latenaite – 15’
ONERE (THE COLLECTRESS)– 2008- Kristina Buozyte – Lithuania - Starring : Gabija Ryskuviene, Marius Jampolskis – 84’
TMAVOMODRÝ SVET (DARK BLUE WORLD)– 2001 - Jan
Sverak, Alice Nellis – Czech Republic - Starring: Ondrej Vetchy,
Krystof Hadek, Tara Fitzgerald, Charles Dance, Oldrich Kaiser - 119’
