French Spring Festival to be “rich in content and diverse in presentation”
French gastronomy; music concerts; French street artist performances, contemporary dance performances, photo exhibitions, and a French film festival: These are only a few of the events taking place at the French Spring Festival to be held from June 18 to July 14. Jointly organised by the French Embassy and the Alliance Française de Kotte, and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, the festival will feature 12 events that take place place mainly at the BMICH and the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo, and also in Kandy, Galle, Matara, Jaffna and Male in Maldives.
French Ambassador Christine Robichon addressing the press
There has been strong demand from both the Sri Lankan government and society for French cultural activities in Sri Lanka. The success of the first edition of the festival in 2012, left the organisers eager to launch a second edition, which is expected to be “rich in content, and diverse in presentation,” said Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Christine Robichon addressing a press conference last week.
June 21 being the longest day of the year and the first day of summer, it is tradition in France to celebrate it with a very popular musical event: thus, the Fete de la Musique will take place in all five cities, promoting open stage concerts.
Some of the highlights of the Festival include a Fashion show on June 29 at 6 p.m. at the BMICH. It will feature young fashion designer Deneth, who studied fashion design in Paris on the first scholarship to be won by a Sri Lankan since 1959. In collaboration with Deneth is Da Cruz, a renowned French street artist who will be performing in Colombo at the BMICH from June 24 to 29.
Music-wise, Caravan Quartet, a French gypsy-jazz band will be here especially for Fete de la Musique on June 21 and will perform throughout the festival. Look out for Jean-Pierre Baraglioli, a talented saxophonist who will be performing from July 5. Former TV show personality of ‘Bonsoir’ fame Kumar de Silva will be launching his book “Bonsoir Diaries” at the BMICH on July 2 at 6.30 p.m.
Meanwhile Chef Martin Becquart from the south of France will introduce some fine French dishes at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel from July 1 -10.
The Spring Festival is not only promoting art: it also provides the audience with a greater access to scientific knowledge from July 5 -15 through a scientific exhibition titled ‘Water at the Heart of Science’. This event is accompanied by the movie ‘A Thirsty World’ by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, an internationally known French photographer.
The BMICH seems to be an ideal location for the Spring Festival, as it comprises the Bandaranike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) which teaches thirteen languages. “Hosting the Festival therefore gives the opportunity for students to interact with French culture in addition of learning it,” said BCIS head Bandula Ekanayake.
This multi-disciplinary event is free of charge.
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