This year, the French Art & Film Festival returns to excite audiences in the Klang Valley and Penang by continuing to celebrate the arts as a platform for cultural exchange. The month-long celebration will include film screenings, live dance and music performances by French artists, photography as well as gastronomy.
Now entering its 14th edition, the festival will see a continuation in partnership with Martell as the presenting sponsor and Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) as the film festival partner, aside from a network of French and local partners and sponsors. Held from 14 May to 16 June 2015, this year’s programme offers something for everyone.
- French Film Festival with Golden Screen Cinemas
- Klang Valley: 14-31 May 2015, at GSC Pavilion KL, GSC Mid Valley Megamall, KL and GSC 1 Utama in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
- Penang: 4-14 June at GSC Gurney Plaza
This year’s film festival will showcase 15 recent releases in French cinema, including comedies, dramas and animated films. The screenings consist of comedies such as Serial (Bad) Weddings, 2 Autumns 3 Winters, 9 Months Stretch and The French Minister; fantasy such as Beauty and the Beast; as well as touching comedy-dramas such as The Finishers. Tickets will be available for purchase via GSC’s website or cinema box office.
This year’s festival will also present a travelling photography exhibition as well as four live shows in the category of music, dance and DJ.
- Cinemix with DVJ Oof
Friday night, 29 May 2015, 11pm at Pisco Bar on Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang KL.
Fusing the art of DJ-ing with video, “DVJ” Oof is a pioneer of this new art form in France that presents a fresh take on a wholesome experience for the senses. This multimedia DJ will be playing famous French soundtracks from the 60s against the backdrop of nostalgic imagery in the form of classical French movies and actors that appear on a screen. RM20 entrance fee to be paid at venue.
- Dance Performance by dance company “Standards” run by Pierre Rigal
Wednesday, 3 June 2015, 8.30pm at MaTiC (Malaysian Tourism Centre) on Jalan Ampang, KL.
One of the most exciting choreographers in Europe, Pierre Rigal has performed with his dance company at some of the most acclaimed venues in the world. Performing on a stage bathed in the red, white and blue of the French flag, this dance troupe of 8 krump, lock-pop and break dancers will explore the meanings of individuality and identity. Tickets to the performance will be priced at RM53 and will be available for purchase via TicketPro.
- Live music Fête de la Musique main act by Gran Kino
Saturday night, 6 June 2015 at Laundry Bar, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara.
Globe-trotting musical quartet Gran Kino has been travelling the world for the past 5 years with the mission to break the medium of language through music. Offering an evolving sound often described as “world rock”, Gran Kino will present an invigorating show where electric and electronic sounds bump against spoken-word and readings of travel tales.
- Classical music recital by acclaimed pianist Célimène Daudet
Tuesday, 16 June 2015, 8:30pm at the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, KLCC.
Célimène Daudet is an accomplished pianist and winner of many international competitions. Among her many accolades include the International Competition Jean Francaix in Paris and the Pro-Musics International Prize. In 2013, she made her debuts at the Châtelet (Paris) and Carnegie Hall (New York). She also gives recitals and masterclasses globally.
This recital will see Daudet entertain with a Debussy recital, followed by a Debussy piano solo. She will also present a Mozart concerto accompanied by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO)’s chamber musicians. All tickets are priced at RM40 and can be purchased at the Box Office at 03-20517007 or dfp_boxoffice@petronas.com.my, or via MPO.
- Imagine France photography exhibition by Maia Flore
- Klang Valley: 14-24 May 2015 at WhiteBox Publika, KL
- Penang: 3-14 June 2015 at Gurney Plaza, Penang
Featuring a series of 25 works, photographer Maia Flore has created a form of visual poetry by renewing the view of various heritage sites photographed during a 66-day tour of France between July and September 2013. Describing her approach as ‘seeking coincidences between her imagination and what is real’, this exhibition was brought to life by Institut Français and the French tourism development agency Atout France, in partnership with the VU’ Agency.
As a young actor, director and spectator, Flore’s work has been presented in the Instituts Français of Italy in the Spring of 2014, as well as in Rome and Naples; and has been exhibited at the Somerset House in London for the Sony World Photo Awards.
The festival will also host various events where visitors will be able to sample some French cuisine.
- Cognac and Champagne Tastings with Martell
- Thursday, 21 May 2015, 7:30pm at Elegantology Gallery & Restaurant,
Publika KL - Tuesday, 26 May 2015, 7:30pm at the poolside of Novotel Hotel, KLCC
- Thursday, 28 May 2015, 7:30pm at the lounge of Pullman Bangsar, KL
- Thursday, 21 May 2015, 7:30pm at Elegantology Gallery & Restaurant,
Hosted by Martell, learn from a professional on how to pair cognac and champagne with Malaysian cuisine. Join the celebration of Martell’s third centennial anniversary while discovering the history behind these beverages. Tickets will be priced at RM70 per person and guests are advised to register and pre-pay by emailing in to info@faff.com.my.
- Marché de France (French Market)
Saturday, 13 June 2015, 4pm-9pm at Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur on Lorong Gurney, KL.
A French market will be held on the grounds of Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur. The market will offer delectable food and drinks for sampling as well as to take home including wine, coffee, baked goods and traditional French dishes. Also available will be lifestyle products which will include a garage sale. Visitors will also be entertained by a freestyle circus.
- Pure Gourmet by Martell with French restaurants around Kuala Lumpur
Gastronomical feasts with local restaurants will once again give food-lovers around the Klang Valley the opportunity to savour true French cuisine with Martell cognac pairings.
Kindly access the festival’s official website for more information on all the events going on leading up to the 16th of June 2015. You may also contribute to the French Art & Film Festival’s presence by using the hashtag #frenchfestivalmy on social media.
