Vol. 12.03 News From France March-May 2012 A free monthly review of French news & trends François Hollande Elected President of the Republic France has elected a new President of the Republic. François Hollande successfully campaigned against the incumbent, President Nicolas Sarkozy. In the country’s two-round Presidential voting process, French citi- zens cast ballots for Mr. Hollande, Mr. Sarkozy and eight other candi- dates. The first round, held on Sunday, April 22, saw the challenger emerge from the field as the leader with 28.6 percent of the vote. Mr. Sarkozy earned second place with 27.2 percent. When the second round took place on Sunday, May 6, Mr. Hol- lande’s final tally of 51.6 percent put him over the critical 50-percent threshold to win the office. Mr. Sarkozy earned 48.4 percent. The Constitutional Council, the country’s highest legal body, which holds final authority in verifying voting results, released definitive numbers on May 10 to confirm that Mr. Hollande will assume the na- tion’s highest office. Mr. Sarkozy remained President until May 15, and power was trans- ferred formally via the traditional passation de pouvoirs. In a show of national unity just after the elections, the current and soon-to-be Presidents appeared together at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on May 8 to commemorate the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. On that day in 1945, World War II was declared officially over. Mr. Hollande’s first trip outside of Europe will bring him to the United States, when beginning on May 18 he will travel first to Wash- ington for a working meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama and for the G8 Summit, then to Chicago to participate in the NATO Sum- mit on May 20 and 21. The latter conference will bring together more than 60 heads of state and their delegations to discuss “security and stability in the © Présidence de la République - L. Blevennec, C. Alix, P. Segrette P. C. Alix, de la République - L. Blevennec, © Présidence Euro-Atlantic area,” according to the military organization’s official François Hollande was inaugurated as France’s President on May 15. He delivered his first website. speech as head of state at the Elysée Palace, the Presidential residence, the same day. For more information on the 2012 Presidential election, its results, and what’s next, please visit www.franceintheus.org.

France Awards Legion of Honor to D-Day Medic inside

On Sunday, February 26, a veteran of surf with heavy, soaked gear. The same Current Events 2 the United States Army who had deployed difficulties caused many of his fellow Eiffel Tower’s Park Turns 20 in the D-Day invasion of France’s Norman- fighters to drown even before reaching France & America 3 dy coast was made a Knight of the Legion solid ground. Political Cartoonist in Atlanta of Honor, France’s highest award. Once on land, Mr. Gray searched franti- At age 92, Marion Gray, of Groveport, cally for any cover from enemy fire, then In Depth 4 Ohio, was bestowed with the medal by immediately turned to administer aid to Francophonie Festival 2012 Graham Paul, Consul General of France in the numerous wounded around him. Business & Tech 5 Chicago. The soldier was then struck by a bul- Eco-Industries Create Green Jobs Mr. Gray was serving as a combat medic let—but continued giving first aid. Once in the 29th Infantry Division when his unit those nearest him had been attended Society 6 was called to participate in the first of to, Mr. Gray, armed with only a helmet 101 Photos for Press Freedom several operations to liberate occupied and his field medicine bag, struggled to Culture 7 France. At just 24, Mr. Gray saw action as advance toward the wounded that lay French Book Portal Now Online a part of the first wave of U.S. troops that prostrate ahead. He was struck a second charged the beaches on June 6, 1944, time. France in America 8 against some of the worst possible weath- Of the 126 men in his company that Embassy Hosts Q&A on Twitter er and military conditions. fought on D-Day, Mr. Gray recalled, only Delivered to the beaches by boat, as 18 were neither killed nor wounded. And close as possible without straying within Mr. Gray didn’t stop after the Normandy News From France range of the guns perched on the cliffs invasion. Following a month in an army A free monthly review of French news & trends above, Allied soldiers faced a jump into hospital, Mr. Gray volunteered to return to NFF is also available online at: a freezing, violent tide and swim the re- the front as part of the campaign to liber- Minter © Scott www.ambafrance-us.org maining distance to the beach. ate Saint-Lô, another Normandy town. Normandy combat vet www.facebook.com/FranceInTheUS The young soldier managed to get to His reason for doing so was courageous and medic, Marion Gray. @franceintheus shore only after struggling through the and simple: “My men needed me.” NFF current events en bref

French Film Still a Global Parc André-Citroën Marks 20 Years with New Expansion Player, New U.S. Book Says The Parc André-Citroën, situated on Roughly three-quarters of the expand- France, the birthplace of cinema, has the banks of the River Seine in Paris, will ed space will feature plant life, with vari- long played an important role in its be marking its 20th birthday with the ous sections of the park incorporating history. As Tim Palmer’s new book, unveiling of an ambitious remodeling different varieties of plants. Throughout Brutal Intimacy: Analyzing Contemporary and expansion effort to be completed by the park certain gardens are dedicated French Cinema, demonstrates, France is the summer of 2013. The park, a stone’s to styles of landscaping, such as the six still a heavy hitter in the now Hollywood- throw away from the Eiffel Tower, is a Serial Gardens that consist of one color dominated industry. contemporary landscape with postmod- combined with a related metal, planet, Mr. Palmer’s book examines various ern art and architecture combining geo- week, and water feature. themes found in modern French cin- metric design with aquatic elements. The renewal efforts will inject new en- ema, a discipline extremely pertinent The 3.9 million euro plan to rejuvenate ergy into an already bustling tourism zone. given the success of The Artist and other the park involves increasing recreational A favorite spot of locals and Eiffel Tower films such asHugo and La Vie en Rose. capacity and turning the park into a more visitors alike, the park, situated where the Key trends in the French industry that family-friendly space. The west side of the original Citroën car factory once stood, fea- Mr. Palmer highlights include the grow- park is specifically dedicated to picnics tures a hot-air balloon station, which takes ing number of French women filmmak- and a playground equipped with swings sightseers some 500 feet above the Pari-

ers and the importance of first-time film- and table tennis facilities will be installed sian skyline. From there visitors can take © Wikimedia Commons makers. for children. The number of benches and in a panoramic view of the entire city, in- The Parc André-Citroën An essential component of the book chess tables will also increase, and food cluding some of its best-known landmarks once hosted a car factory. are interviews with big names in French stalls will be added. such as Sacre Cœur and Notre Dame. cinema. Directors and stars such as Claire Denis, Bruno Dumont, and Vincent Cassel weigh in on the development of modern French cinema into the industry interview with the expert it is today. The book argues that “twenty- first-century French cinema is one of Christine Fages, Political Counselor the most expansively interesting in the de Gelder © Sylvain world.” This year’s award season shows It’s an election year in both France and the United States. Keeping tabs on each is that many agree. Christine Fages, diplomat and political specialist at the French embassy in Washington. News From France asked her to examine similarities and contrasts between French Frigate Helps two systems that are in some ways alike, and in others wholly different. To see a compar- Celebrate “NOLA Navy Week” ative study on French and U.S. electoral processes, please visit www.franceintheus.org.

From April 17-23, the French frig- You’ve been to town hall meetings, rallies and What about French politics do you think deserves to ate FS Germinal, led by Commander stump speeches. What strikes you as unique in be better-known in the U.S.? Sébastien Chatelain, arrived in New American politics? How does this inform your work One thing I think that is not well understood in the Orleans to celebrate NOLA Navy Week. day-to-day? U.S. is la laïcité [secularism]. It’s the way the French deal The event was held in commemoration What is interesting in the United States is the way with religion, the way the state and religion are sepa- of the 200th anniversary of the state of people want to hear everything candidates have to say rate. France and the United States share aspects of this Louisiana, which has had a long history about all the subjects or issues, and really study what in common: they fiercely defend freedom of religion. with France and French culture. they are listening to. People who follow the campaigns, Sometimes laïcité is understood as being against re- At the event, Commander Chatelain follow them very closely. They see every candidate, just ligion, while for us laïcité allows everyone to have the and Consul General Jean-Claude Bru- to observe—and then they form an opinion. This is very religion he wants without having the state interfering. net bestowed the medal of Chevalier characteristic, I think, of the United States. France and the U.S. have two solutions for the same de la Légion d’honneur (Knight of the goal. It may not be the same way of functioning, but Legion of Honor), France’s highest dis- What are some differences between the French and the objective is the same: freedom of religion. tinction, upon WWII veteran Leon C. American political models? Standifer. Mr. Standifer served in the 9th I think there is a different scale because, of course, Let’s talk about one of your professional projects. Infantry Division and has a Purple Heart the United States is a huge country, so if you want You helped found Femmes et Diplomatie, a group and other honors for his service during to rally around all the voters, you have to tour the that aims at improving the career path of women the U.S. campaigns in northern France country. And it is huge, compared with France. At diplomats in France’s Ministry of Foreign and Euro- and the Alsace region. home we rely more on what we know about the can- pean Affairs. Why the group, and what does its fu- didates already. It’s not a question of what will they ture look like? say today about a given issue. It’s more about the Femmes et Diplomatie was created by young wom- political program of the party and the way you posi- en from the foreign ministry who noticed that it was tion yourself on this program. That’s the difference. more difficult for women to have a career. When you looked at the highest positions in the ministry, they What about U.S. politics took the most getting used were held mostly by men, so we decided it was time to when you arrived in Washington? for us to organize and advocate for issues we felt were The political process, I would say. The way [Congress] important. works is quite different from the French system. You The objective of the association is to attain the need to know the law-making process, you need to same proportion of women in the ministry’s leader- understand the constitutional issues. The background ship as in its lower ranks. The group feels that having knowledge you can have of the system helps you qualified women in the leadership is a good thing for identify the appropriate contacts and to ask the right an organization, and would enhance the efficiency of questions in order to be able to inform Paris about what the ministry. It’s important that we have the chance to

© Marine française at stake beyond the issue of the day. contribute to that.

2 france & america NFF en bref

Richmond Celebrates 20th Annual French Film Festival “Visio-Disco” Mixes Music and Art in Francophonie Fest The capital of Virginia welcomed French cinema for the 20th anniversary of Richmond’s annual French Film On Friday, April 13, the National Festival. Hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard and the University of Richmond, the event brought to- turned into a vibrant night spot with gether the best of new French cinema. Held from March “Visio-Disco: A Remix of Music and 29 to April 1, the festival included more than twenty Art.” In collaboration with the Alli- full-length feature films and short films, alongside a ance Française, the Smithsonian In- symposium with French film industry specialists. stitution and the Wallonie-Bruxelles A range of genres were represented by the movies Theater, the event featured a Bel- screened. Thrillers included works like Poupoupidou, gian performance art group, French about a crime novelist and a singer who believes she composer-performer Koudlam, and is Marilyn Monroe reincarnated. In the drama category Washington-area DJ, The Pinstriped Des Vents Contraires (Headwinds) about a husband’s Rebel. The night marked the culmi- struggles after the sudden disappearance of his wife, nation of the Francophonie Culture starring internationally renowned French star Audrey Festival (see page 4). The Brussels- Tautou. Also showcased was the award-winning Le based performance art group, called Havre, a film about a shoeshiner who tries to save a sick t.r.a.n.s.i.t.s.c.a.p.e, styles themselves immigrant child. The film received the honor of “Best an “interdisciplinary collective.” They Film” from the International Federation of Film Critics combine dance, live music and on- Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. stage painting for an other-wordly In a look at the smaller things in life, Microcosmos: Le show titled “Urban Distortions.” As

Peuple de l’Herbe (Microcosmos: The People of the Grass), a © CDP Productions the evening’s main artistic draw, feature-length documentary directed by Claude Nurisany Isabelle Huppert stars in “The Sea Wall,” a colonial-era their set included a pair of giant pill- and Marie Pérennou about the earth’s microscopic land story of natural and cultural forces in 1930s Cambodia. shaped plastic bubbles, in each of and water creatures, was also for viewing. which a pair of dancers responded Short films featured at the festival were Dans Le to music with steps both choreo- Cadre (In the Frame), which follows the story of an ies at Virginia Commonwealth University, commented, graphed and improvised. The dance aging actress attending her first audition in years, “Many of France’s biggest stars and directors have par- routines are likewise inspired by and The Old Santiago and the Sea, a cartoon about a ticipated in the French Film Festival over the years and, “discontinuity and fragmentation, fisherman that plays on the title of the famous Ernest in turn, we have introduced Richmond and the rest of offering audiences a new form of Hemingway novella. the country to some incredible French films, many of contemporary fable,” according to Peter Kirkpatrick, professor of French and Film Stud- which debuted in the United States at the festival.” the group’s website.

Detroit Expat Blog Tells of In Atlanta, French Illustrator Urges “Cartooning for Peace” “Two Frenchies in the D”

Peace comes in many forms, and in Atlanta, that The brainchild of Plantu, a prominent French For French expats Helene Bienvenue form is cartoons. The inaugural symposium of Cartoon- cartoonist best known for his work in Le Monde, and Nora Mandray, Detroit is much ing for Peace-America, a non-profit operating in the city Cartooning for Peace is an initiative begun in Oc- more than “the city of Robocop, Emi- since 2010, took place at Emory University from March tober 2006 with the support of the United Nations. nem, [and] Motown.” Funded by the 28-30 with a focus on Their credo is summed French Film Institute to write and di- health, politics and peace. up by former Secretary rect a documentary about the city, Illustrators and experts General Kofi’s Annan’s the duo’s accompanying blog Detroit, from around the world statement at the first Car- Je T’aime has gained an impressive were invited to join in dis- tooning for Peace confer- amount of support from both Detroi- cussions on topics such as ence in 2006: “Cartoons ters and the international community, bioethics and the creative make us laugh. Without with over 800 likes on Facebook. Their process in public health. them, our lives would be main aim: to keep a positive image for The three-day event much sadder. But they are Detroit. brought together 18 il- no laughing matter: they Founded by the Frenchman Laumet lustrators for three days have the power to inform, de La Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac—the to examine the changing and also to offend.” man behind the car—over 300 years role of political cartoon- Through their confer- ago, Detroit today is hard-hit by reces- ing in the global press. The ences, the organization sion. For Bienvenue and Mandray, how- director of Emory’s Center seeks to promote improved ever, the metropolis is a “blank canvas” for Ethics led a panel on understanding and mutual with a myriad of possibilities. Highlight- the relation between illus- respect between popula- ing the local ingenuity and resources trating, bioethics and envi- tions of different beliefs Detroiters are currently using, their ronmental health. Ricardo and cultures so that politi- blog covers such topics as urban farm- Gutiérrez, director of Latin cal cartoons become more ing and community sustainability. By American and Caribbean universal. The ultimate focusing on this inventiveness, the pair Studies at the university, goal is that artists become believes that Detroit can both make a lectured on freedom of ex- more sensitive to their positive transition into the and become pression and press in Latin © Plantu significance in the global an example for urban hubs to come. America. In attendance Well-known political cartoonist Plantu encouraged social forum and the associated Check out the blog at the address were a number of Latin commentary through drawing at a recent conference. effects—and opportunities www.detroitjetaime.com. American artists. to make society better.

3 in depth La Fête de la Francophonie Lights Up the District

From March 6 to April pher through documentaries, short fictions, video essays, and animations. 15, the 12th annual Fête Haitian playwright Guy Régis, Jr. presented one of his most recent pieces, de la Francophonie Moi, Fardeau Inhérent (The Burden Within). A rendition of Eugène Ionesco’s sa- (Francophone Cultural tirical comedy La Cantatrice Chauve (The Bald Soprano) amused audiences on Festival) was held in March 21. Washington, D.C. Participants shared and appreciated works by Congolese novelist Alain The six-week event Mabanckou, Lebanese author Alexandre Najjar, and French writer Sylvie is the largest festival Germain at literary salons held throughout the festival. in the U.S. celebrating the diversity of Franco- phone culture through Introducing “Les Petits” to French Culture performances, art and © Sylvain de Gelder © Sylvain culinary delights. This Younger Francophiles also took in the excitement. Famous Québécoise year’s celebrations were hosted by the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of children’s book author Annie Groovie joined educators from the Alliance Luxemburg in partnership with The Smithsonian Associates, the Alliance Française to introduce French to kids in innovative ways. Annie told the Française the French-American Cultural Foundation and several other story of Cyclops Léon, the hero in one of her many books, and showed chil- Washington-based institutions. Held over six weeks, the series involved dren how to create their own heroes. La Maison Française also featured 35 participating embassies that organized the vibrant array of festivities. a family film based on the well-known European comic character, “Titeuf.”

Washington Toasts French Heritage in Style Flavors from the Francophone World

Among all of the appealing offerings, La Grande Fête While flavors from all over the French-speaking world were de la Francophonie, held on March 23, returned as a showcased at the series, special exclusive events brought highly anticipated event on the Washington diplo- Moroccan and Belgian cuisine to the real foodies in D.C. matic social calendar. Held at the Embassy of France, Fatema Hal, the French-based “Queen of Moroccan cui- the sold-out soirée invited the public to travel the sine,” offered a rich assortment of concoctions fea- Francophone world through traditional crafts turing signature Moroccan spices at the Em- and cuisines. French-speaking embassies pre- bassy of France. In recognition of the Year of sented their native dishes and heritage to ea- Gastronomy in Belgium, chef Paul Fourrier present- ger attendees, and a live concert made for ed a bountiful array of Belgian pastries, meats and a joyful ambiance as croquettes at the Atrium Café of the National His- revelers danced into tory Museum, a Smithsonian location. the night. © Sylvain de Gelder Ending the festivities with a bang was Visio-Disco, Renowned artists such as Maria de Barros per- a contemporary show blending music and performance art that brought formed as part of the festivities this year. De Bar- together Washington-based artists with distinguished performers from Bel- ros, whose style blends African, French, Spanish, gium and France (see p. 3). and Latin influences, wooed the crowd at La Mai- Each year, La Fête de la Francophonie unites French-speaking embassies son Française on March 22. The following week in Washington D.C. to engage the community with the full diversity of Fran- on March 31, folk Québécois group Genticorum cophone societies. The festival celebrates not only Franco-American diplo- brought their flutes, fiddles, and vocal harmonies matic relations, but also the continuing cultural exchange among Franco- to a musical boil at the National History Museum. phone countries—and with the world at large.

Connecting Cultures through the Visual Arts Several films engaged attendees at the series, notably Jérôme Ses- quin’s documentary tracing the life of author Maryse Condé from Guadeloupe, and director Rithy Panh’s Un Barrage Contre Le Paci- © Sylvain de Gelder © Sylvain fique (The Sea Wall), an adapta- tion of Marguerite Duras’s novel about a French woman’s battle to survive in her community in 1930s Indochina (now Vietnam). Director Laurent Salgues’s Dreams of Dust, a Sundance Film Festival selec- tion telling the tale of a Nigerian peasant’s journey to a gold-mining village in Burkina Faso, and La Faute à Rousseau (Blame it On Rousseau), directed by Pierre Maillard, among other films were also featured at the festival. In Mail- lard’s film, fifteen directors paid homage to the French Enlightenment philoso- © Sylvain de Gelder © Sylvain

Clockwise from top left: Partygoers admire full moon over La Maison Française; Guests came from all over the Francophone world, including these Swiss youths, to partake in the festivities; Musicians fueled the fun at La Grande Fête de la Francophonie; Consul Général Olivier Serot-Alméras donned an apron for the French food line.

4 business & technology en bref NFF

Broad Array of French Companies Push for Global Reach French-Run Nightlife Booming in New York City In the face of high global demand, French com- French innovation abroad is especially developing panies are expanding operations overseas in sectors in the environment, energy, and information and com- New Yorkers are painting the town red à such as agribusiness, aeronautics, pharmaceuticals, munications technology (ICT) fields. The increasing la Française, from champagne brunches and information technology, among others. French global presence of French enterprises can be felt in a to fashionable clubs with impossibly se- firms today are experiencing heightened success by diverse range of industries, from financial services and lective door policies. In New York, where providing technology and expertise within global transportation to gastronomy and construction. music, art and entertainment are con- markets that offer them immense room for growth. While major French groups like Électricité de France stantly reinvented, French-style partying According to the Organization for Economic Coop- (EDF) and Total help to meet the world’s energy needs is the new cool. eration and Development (OECD), France’s net out- and others like Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) Celebrities from both sides of the At- flow of foreign direct investment totaled $84.1 billion satiate global demand for luxury goods, companies lantic mingled with artists, musicians, in 2010. like Bouygues and Orange continue to lead in global and bohemians in early January to cel- A recent survey has shown that a large majority of telecommunications. ebrate the highly anticipated opening of French business executives rate international devel- French businesses have embraced the potential Le Baron, on 32 Mulberry Street. The es- opment as a key strategic priority for growth. Jean- to increase competitiveness through international tablishment is an extension of its name- Michel Huet, Associate Director at prominent business expansion. Thierry Courtaigne, Vice President and sake bar in the eighth arrondissement of consulting firm BearingPoint, acknowledges that the Director General of MEDEF International, a firm that Paris and is the newest place to see and main purpose of firms seeking to increase their inter- represents the interests of top French businesses and be seen. national presence is “to create new markets, establish corporations worldwide, said, “Globalization is a real- Establishments like Le Bain, located at commercial activities and find new resources-energy, ity and French companies have to place their invest- the Standard Hotel, and Red Egg in the brains, sources of finance and so on.” ments in buoyant markets.” city’s Chinatown area are also drawing not only elite French cliques but crowds eager to experience the exclusive, inti- mate club atmosphere of French night- life as well. Andre Balázs, owner of the Standard Hotel, said, “It was a very con- scious effort to bring French night life to New York.” The end result is New York cool with a French touch.

French Wine and Spirits Exports Hit Record Sales

© Dimitri Destugues French liquor exports reached record- The neighborhood of La Défense is Paris’s primary business district. Many French businesses have made a priority of devel- high sales of 10 billion euros in 2011, a oping their activities internationally, with recent figures ranking France the world’s third-largest international investor. 10.5 percent increase from 2010, accord- ing to the French Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters. Despite an increase in prices, exports of trademark French alco- French Eco-Businesses Growing, In-Country and Abroad hols have seen boosts in both the United States and Asia over the past year. In the past decade, French “eco-industries,” or en- 80 French companies that have invested in the area Europe remains the largest market vironmentally-friendly sectors, have become a force to have adopted green technologies. In Shanghai, where for French wine, but demand has es- be reckoned with in the French economy. Protecting China is looking to mitigate the effects of heavy indus- pecially increased in the Asian sector. the environment has surfaced as a key issue in France, try, French companies have introduced efficient and Sales to China, Hong Kong, Japan, and and the French government has encouraged the eco-friendly manufacturing techniques to the highly Singapore in 2011 collectively account- emergence of “green” industries by promoting their industrial area. ed for 29 percent of the total increase in visibility and strength in the export sector. French wine exports, and exports to the The French Environment and Energy Management Asian market hit 2.5 billion euros. After Agency (ADEME) ranks France as the fourth-largest the United States and Britain, China is eco-industry market worldwide. French eco-busi- the third-largest importer of French nesses now employ approximately 300,000 people in alcohol. France and are projected to add 10,000 to 15,000 jobs European countries imported a total annually in coming years. of 4.1 billion euros of French wine in 2011 On average, French eco-industries spend 3 percent (up 3 percent from 2010), and North and of their revenue on research and development. The South America imported 2.1 billion euros French government has also allocated a total of 6 bil- of French wine this past year, a 9 percent lion euros for the development of green industries. In increase. response, French companies have shown a significant French wine has remained a strong amount of green initiative that has increased their export despite the rough waters of glob- competitive advantage globally. Research has focused al finance. Louis Fabrice Retour, presi- primarily in the fields of biofuels, sources of alternative dent of the federation, said, “The sector energy, water and waste management, and energy has weathered the [last few years] fairly storage. Innovations include gas treatment plants for well.” With a total trade surplus of 8.6 incineration and a technique to bind gas molecules to Domain © Public billion euros ($11.4 billion), the French solids to clean post-industrial emissions. The French ecology ministry says eco-industries stand wine and spirits industry is a significant France has also taken its green-technology exper- to create some 10,000-15,000 jobs in France annually. contributor to France’s trade balance. tise abroad. In the Chinese city of Wuhan, many of the

5 NFF en bref society

Burger Chic: Paris’s Coolest Agricultural Exposition Takes Center Stage in Paris Clamor for Classic U.S. Meal The Salon International de l’Agriculture in Paris, categories, less than one-fourth of them are awarded Served everywhere from gourmet held from February 28 to March 4 this year, is one of one of the coveted bronze, silver, or gold medals. The food trucks to trendy al fresco steak the largest stomping grounds for agricultural con- win offers bragging rights and a significant commer- houses, burgers have become all the noisseurs in the world. First organized in 1870, the cial boost: the awards are labeled on the front of the rage at stylish eateries all over Paris. exhibition brought together the best of French agri- product for the following year. The restaurants are in stiff competi- cultural products and regional cuisine. tion over perfectly grilled authentic As the second largest exhibition in Paris held at the American-style cheeseburgers and Porte de Versailles convention center, the location is unique creations with French flavors. divided into four sections, each showcasing a differ- Floréal, a hip restaurant along the ent aspect of French agriculture. The four sections of Canal Saint-Martin, serves up burg- the event were 1) animals, 2) gastronomy in France ers with rich cream cheese in a Hol- and abroad, 3) crops and plant sectors, and 4) agricul- lywood-inspired setting. tural services and professions. Each provided visitors Big Fernand on rue de Faubourg- the opportunity to learn more about French agricul- Poissonnière pairs their burgers ture and regional diversity. with French cheeses like tomme de This year’s exhibition mascot was Valentine, a Savoie and chèvre Sainte-Maure. 7-year old Gascon cow from the Haute-Gasconne re- Les Crocs de L’Ogre on avenue gion of southwest France. She was awarded the high- Bosquet has replaced the traditional est honor for the Gascon breed, and was shown off toasted bun with hearty potato pan- throughout the exposition.

cakes. Considered the most important part of the event, Igor © Pere Former “Top Chef” Brice Morvent the Concours Général Agricole (General Agricultural Gascon cows like these won top honors at the annual has also delved into the American Competition) selects the best of French goods. Al- Salon International de l’Agriculture in Paris this spring. original, serving his sliders with ses- though over 20,000 products are tasted in 21 different ame, pistachio, and slices of comté cheese at his restaurant Au Comptoir de Brice on rue Bouchardon. A Hundred & One Ways to Picture Independent Journalism For serious hamburger connois- seurs, Maison Mère on rue de Na- For the past 25 years, Reporters Sans Frontières in contemporary photography, through donations varin keeps it simple with its clas- (Reporters Without Borders) has been advocating for by its members. sic cheeseburger cooked to perfect freedom of the press throughout the world. To honor A panel discussion with three award-winning pho- juicy pinkness. this organization, the Consulate General of France in tojournalists was also held with Thomas Dworzak, Boston, in conjunction with the Art Institute of Bos- Antoine D’Agata, and Susan Meiselas speaking about International Community ton at Lesley University, hosted a photo exhibit en- the role and importance of independent journalism. Pledges Reforms on Water titled “101 Photos for Press Freedom” from March 21 The panel was moderated by New York Times re- to April 30 at the Art Institute of Boston. porter Alex Kershaw, best-selling author of The Life The world has pledged that it’s “time The exhibit showcased 101 photos taken from and Times of Robert Capa, the biography of the famed for solutions” when it comes to wa- 1947 to the present, highlighting press freedom as a Hungarian photojournalist. ter. democratic value. Speaking about the event, Mr. Christophe Guil- The sixth annual World Water Fo- The photos were gathered by the Paris-based hou, the Consul General of France in Boston, said, rum (WWF) that took place in Mar- Magnum Photo Agency, one of the foremost names “The Consulate of France is happy to have contrib- seille on March 20 brought together uted to this exquisite photo exhibition. Not only do 173 countries in a display of dedica- these pictures brilliantly illustrate the big issues of tion to environmental reform. At- today’s world, but they also invite viewers to reflect tended by over 7,000 participants, upon freedom of expression, to which France and the the conference stressed the impor- United States are committed.” tance of conservation and commit- ment to change. Building upon the fifth WWF in Istanbul in 2009, the conference increased the number of signatures to the Istanbul Pact to over 1,000. The agreement calls for signato- ries to dedicate themselves to sus- tainable management and good governance of water resources. Since the conference, over 100 dif- ferent pledges to eco-friendliness have been made. Continuing with the theme of sus- tainability and water management, various museums throughout France are showcasing various art exhibits © Abbas/Magnum on the topic. The displays represent © Susan Meiselas/Magnum the past, present, and future of wa- The Consulate of France in Boston celebrated “101 Photos for Press Freedom” from March 21 to April 30. Left, a ter as an international issue. Sandanista fighter in 1979 by Susan Meiselas. Right, Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami in a self-credited 1997 photo.

6 cultural highlights coup d’oeil NFF

New Website Opens Window to French Literature’s Finest Catherine Deneuve to Receive Award in New York Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Ca- For weekly updates and information for all those mus often come to mind when thinking of famous mod- interested in learning more about France’s life of litera- ern French authors. FranceLivre, a new online portal pub- ture, check out www.FranceLivre.org. lished in April by France’s National Center for Books, is looking to expand your French-lit vocabulary with their new online portal that brings the country’s best contem- porary literature to the mostly anglophone internet. The new web location acts to promote new French literature, as well as figures from all sides of related in- dustries. It is divided into five categories according to profession: publisher, author, translator, bookseller and librarian. Each section offers a gold mine of informa- tion on professional services, partner institutions and groups that, with the site as a shared resource, can work together to keep France’s book world going strong. Domain © Public And that’s not to say FranceLivre is focused only on French works, only in France. The site stresses its The Film Society of Lincoln Center is commitment to “fairness and reciprocity” as it tries to hosting an evening dedicated to one advance “French literature on the international stage of France’s most celebrated actresses, and foreign literature in France in return.” Recent posts Catherine Deneuve. Joining the likes of have included a profile of the book business in Senegal past honorees Meryl Streep and Eliza- and the evolution of exporting French books to franco- beth Taylor, Ms. Deneuve was honored phone and non-francophone countries alike. at the 39th annual Chaplin Award Gala A part of the Ministry of Culture and Communication, on April 2 at New York’s Alice Tully Hall. the National Center for Books has since 1946 worked This event is the Film Society’s larg- to “ support all actors in the book publishing chain, est annual fundraiser and benefits the including authors, broadcasters, publishers, bookshops, Book Centre © International group’s programs, including its trade libraries, and literary events organizers,” according to Meant for book lovers and industry professionals both, publication, Film Comment. the site. The agency offers some 42 million euros each the new FranceLivre.org promotes literature at all levels. Over the course of her career, Ms. year in subsidies, credits, grants and zero-interest loans. Deneuve has been nominated for one Academy Award, eleven Césars (France’s Oscar equivalent) and a host of other French Film Exposition Arrives at AFI Silver Theatre prestigious film honors. One of France’s most recognizable figures, she has act- The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in ed in over 100 films. In the United States Silver Spring, Maryland offered a one-week film series she is known for her work in classics called “Rendez-Vous with French Cinema” from March such as Indochine, Belle de Jour, and Le 3-8. Six French films were shown and followed by a Dernier Métro. Q&A session with Vincent Lindon, the French star of Pater. Disneyland Paris A leading exposition of French cinema, the event Celebrates Twenty Years is hosted annually at the Film Society of Lincoln Cen- ter. The event began in New York and continued on Disneyland is a magical playground for in Washington, D.C., three days later. Via a new digital both young and old alike, and on April distribution company called Emerging, which wire- 12 France’s version of the American lessly links theaters throughout the country, the films theme park turned 20, but celebrated were also shown at over 50 venues across the country with a birthday on March 31. Much like at the same time as their showings at Lincoln Cen- the pyramid at the Louvre, the park ter. Each of the films originally came out in France in faced some initial criticism but has 2011, and some are being shown for the first time in since become a much-loved destina- the United States. tion. In fact, more than half of the visi- A range of genres were presented, from period tors are now French, a growing trend in pieces to updated classics. This year’s AFI showcase the last decade. included La Permission de Minuit (Moon Child), Pater, Celebrities such as actor Jean Reno The Screen Illusion, Dernière Séance (Last Screening), and soccer star Zinedine Zidane turned Les Chants de Mandarin (Smugglers’ Songs), and La out for the big day. In celebration, the

Fille de Puisatier (The Well-Digger’s Daughter). Sarde Alain Films © Les park had a special train carrying Disney The critically acclaimed Pater is an account of “The Well-Digger’s Daughter” was one of many films characters to Sleeping Beauty’s palace, French power politics, with Alain Cavalier both direct- shown at the yearly “Rendez-Vous with French Cinema.” the center point of the grounds and ing and starring in the role of a fictional French presi- location of the new parade. The event dent while Vincent Lindon plays the prime minister. also showcased the new night-time Moon Child is a sentimental piece about the relation- hero and bandit. Last Screening is a gripping psycho- show, Disney Dreams, which included ship between a young boy afflicted by a rare genetic logical thriller. special effects, fireworks, 3D videos and deficiency which makes him unable to tolerate sun- The diverse collection of films concluded with The a water display. To carry on the festivi- light. The Well-Digger’s Daughter is a moving romance, Screen Illusion, an adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s ties, there will also be extended hours while Smugglers’ Songs is an enchanting period piece 17th-century tragicomedy about the search for a from April to September. about Louis Mandrin, an 18th-century French folk missing young man.

7 PRESORTED FIRST CLASS News From France MAIL U.S. POSTAGE A free monthly review of French news & trends PAID Washington, DC Permit NO. 4620

france in america News From France A free monthly review of French news & trends Embassy Expo Remembers Embassy Holds Its First EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Holocaust Diarist and Victim Q&A Conference on Twitter Luis Vassy For the first ten days of March at the French Embassy EDITOR in Washington, D.C., an exhibit commemorated the diary Dana Purcarescu of Hélène Berr, a Jewish Parisian who perished in the Ho- locaust. Her diary provides a poignant look at life under MANAGING EDITOR increasing deprivations, from Vichy laws until her arrest William C. Fleeson in March 1944. Ms. Berr was later deported to Auschwitz and died at Bergen-Belsen five days before the camp’s PHOTO EDITOR liberation. Julien Gustinelli Organized by the Mémorial de la Shoah, based in Paris, the traveling exhibition was later installed at the SENIOR WRITER United Nations headquarters in New York City. One of the Zoe Disselkoen rare written records of Jewish life in Occupied France, Ms. Berr’s work provides a unique opportunity to understand WRITERS her hardships and honor her memory. Sara Ainsworth, Shavonnia Corbin-Johnson, Julien Gustinelli

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Domain © Public William C. Fleeson The Q&A event is part of a foreign ministry-wide push to expand France’s presence on leading social networks.

To change your address, subscribe In a first-of-its-kind event on March 12, the Embassy (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact: of France invited the public to ask questions of Luis Vassy, spokesman and head of its Press and Communications NEWS FROM FRANCE office, on the prominent social network Twitter using the FRENCH EMBASSY hashtag #askfrance, by which users can plug in to the con- PRESS & COMMUNICATION SERVICE versation. Participants responded with inquiries on both 4101 Reservoir Road, NW French policy and information on France more broadly. Washington, DC 20007-2182 Subjects ranged from how to apply to the Sorbonne to violence in Syria, and from the Arab Spring events to Tel: (202) 944-6060 France’s role in aiding post-earthquake Haiti. Longer ques- Fax: (202) 944-6040 tions and comments were also taken via the embassy’s Facebook page, including various questions on France’s www.ambafrance-us.org role in the international community and the French-Amer-

[email protected] Hélène Berr Family The © ican relationship. Confined to the 140 character limit on www.facebook.com/FranceInTheUS Published in 2008 after years of a friend’s safekeeping, Twitter, Mr. Vassy’s responses were short and to the point, Twitter: @franceintheus The Diary of Hélène Berr details life in Occupied France. and he encouraged those interested in applying to French universities to go to www.campusfrance.org.

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