Vol. 12.02 / February 29, 2012

Vol. 12.02 News From France February 29, 2012 A free monthly review of French news & trends

The Artist Makes Movie History, Wins Five Oscars For the first time in since 1929, a silent film has received top prizes at the Academy Awards. Nomi- nated for 10 categories, French sensation The Artist swept three of the most prestigious categories, including Best Picture, at the 84th Academy Awards on February 26. Both the film’s star, Jean Dujardin, and director, Michel Hazanavicius, won top prizes in their categories—Best Actor and Director, respectively. The picture also won Best Costume Design and Best Original Score. The Artist is a silent, black-and-white film that tells the story of a silent movie film star, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), in the golden age of 1920s Hollywood who sees his prestige and fame fade at the advent of “talkies.” Refusing to change to suit the times, it is only through the help of a young up-and-comer, Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo,) that he is able to remain rel- evant and find his place in modern motion pictures. Following the ceremony, several prominent fig- ures in France expressed high praise for the movie and its success. President Nicolas Sarkozy offered his congratulations, saying that the film’s success demonstrates the “exceptional vitality” of the French movie business. Mr. Dujardin was clearly moved during his effusive acceptance speech, in which he mixed shouts for joy in both French and English. “I love your country,” he said at one point, referring to the United States. © A.M.P.A.S. Aside from the Oscars, The Artist has won six Cés- Michel Hazanavicius of The Artist turns to accept the 2011 Academy Award for Best Director. Congratulat- ars (France), one Goya (Spain), three Golden Globes ing him is Jean Dujardin, who played the film’s lead role. Mr. Dujardin later won the prize for Best Actor. (United States) and seven BAFTAs (UK).

Social Networks: French Diplomacy’s New Frontier inside

The French diplomatic community is looking to At the forefront of diplomatic social media, where Current Events 2 revolutionize the way it interacts both with French the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes to con- Interview with Defense Expert foreign nationals and the world at large. From Febru- tinue to increase its online presence, the agency France & America 3 ary 21 to 22, a conference hosted by the French Em- recently recognized the internet community’s im- Nuclear Experts Go to Congress bassy in Washington, D.C. brought together France’s portance in “international relations in general and press attachés from Canada, Mexico, and the United public diplomacy in particular.” The website “France In Depth 4 States to develop an understanding of how to pres- Diplomatie,” developed by the ministry, connects the Research Ship Finishes World Tour ent French diplomacy through the internet’s latest 163 embassies, 92 consulates, and 16 permanent Business & Tech 5 tools. Social media drove the agenda, and the com- missions (e.g., France’s delegation to the United Na- Start-Ups Seek Success in U.S. munications teams brainstormed best practices on tions) throughout the world. The site sees a monthly platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and the consular average of 1.6 million viewers. Society 6 websites. Globally, almost 100 of France’s embassies are active French, U.S. Libraries Partner on social media. These sites Culture 7 have millions of users and Mouth-Watering Myths in Paris thus have the potential of reaching large numbers of France in America 8 people. The Foreign Minis- Paintings and Photos Paired in D.C. try called the media a “new continent” in a February communiqué, one that “we News From France are all discovering, here at A free monthly review of French news & trends the dawn of the 21st cen- NFF is also available online at: ©Sylvain de Gelder ©Sylvain tury… [They put us] in con- www.ambafrance-us.org tact with all the new actors In a push to engage with stakeholders around the world, France’s Ministry of For- www.facebook.com/FranceInTheUS eign and European Affairs will be increasing its activity through online social media. that are evolving on the @franceintheus international scene.” NFF current events en bref

Alain Juppé Addresses UN Minister Juppé Meets with Burmese Leaders in Pivotal Visit Security Council on Syria French Foreign Minister Alain Jup- and Burma. On January 31 the Minister of Foreign pé completed a two-day visit to Burma, On the heavily debated topic of and European Affairs, Alain Juppé, ad- where he met with Aung San Suu Kyi, EU sanctions against the country, the dressed the United Nations Security leader of the National League for De- minister told reporters, “We have to Council (UNSC) in New York over ef- mocracy, and President U Thein Sein examine the progress of the democ- forts to find a resolution to the contin- in Naypyidaw, the capital. In Rangoon, ratization process here in Burma and ued crackdown against pro-democra- Minister Juppé presented Ms. Suu Kyi we will discuss this with our partners cy demonstrations in Syria. Speaking the National Order of the Legion of in the EU. We will lift sanctions step briefly, he stated the need for an end Honor, France’s highest award. by step [based on] the progress of the to the Security Council’s deadlock over Mr. Juppé’s visit marked the first democratization and liberalization of the issue and reaffirmed France’s com- French ministerial visit to the country the regime.” Mr. Juppé called for the re- mitment to end the violence there. since 1988. After decades of isolationist lease of all remaining political prison- The minister urged the UNSC to accept military rule, Burma has recently taken ers, transparency in the parliamentary the Arab League’s proposed resolu- positive steps toward democratization. elections set for April, and reconcilia- tion, which called for Bashar al-Assad The minister commended the recent tion among ethnic groups. to step down and set up an “interim democratic progress in the country Mr. Juppé also stated that France unity government” in his place. In this and announced a threefold increase in will support the country’s reintegration

arrangement, Syria would then pre- French foreign aid to Burma, which will into the international community and Zar Tay © Htoo pare for elections and enact security focus on humanitarian endeavors as eventually look to normalizing a num- Minister Juppé awarded reforms. well as the development of civil society ber of visa bans and trade regulations activist Aan San Suu Kyi. “The situation in Syria is appalling and bilateral relations between France held over from the previous regime. and is just getting worse… Everything must be done to put an end to the spiral of violence that has led to the bloody repression which we’ve seen interview with the expert for the past 10 months.” François Delmas, Strategic and Security Affairs European Space Agency Successfully Launches Vega To ward off the worst, France sends its best. From nuclear weapons to NATO, international security expert and Washington veteran François Delmas describes working for Europe’s newest spacecraft, Vega, was world safety like it’s his job. A News From France exclusive. successfully sent into orbit on Febru- © Romain Parlier ary 13th. The satellite was launched On the Iranian nuclear issue, Tehran insists its pro- as the Afghan people take on more and more self-rule. from the European Space Agency’s gram is for civilian uses only, but the international Let’s not forget that France has been engaged in Afghani- Spaceport in Kourou, French Guyana. community is convinced it’s for a weapon of mass de- stan from the outset. We have been strongly committed The Vega will increase Europe’s sat- struction. How have you been called to work on this? to the war in Afghanistan with no caveats, meaning that ellite-imaging capabilities as well as Let me say first that French-U.S. cooperation has been we fully engage in combat situations. French and U.S. sol- enable it to supply the International and is very strong, and we both want Iran to respect its diers have really been fighting shoulder-to-shoulder. Space Station. The launcher also im- international obligations. Following the worrisome report proves the efficiency of Europe’s space from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last A year ago this month, the new START treaty went into infrastructure by sharing the high cost November, France has been at the forefront of interna- effect, a landmark treaty in which the U.S. and Rus- of launches, research and develop- tional efforts to impose unprecedented sanctions on Iran. sia agreed to gradually reduce their nuclear weapon ment. Vega is the third launcher in the We’ve been working on a daily basis with U.S. officials try- stockpiles. As a nuclear power, how does France feel ESA’s space fleet. ing to coordinate efforts. about nuclear arms reduction by the first and second The Vega project began in 2003, with Cold War leaders? the cooperation of seven ESA mem- You spent time at the Center for Strategic and Inter- I think it’s very important because the U.S. and Russia are ber nations: Belgium, France, Italy, the national Studies (CSIS), a think tank. In what ways has by far the countries that own the most nuclear weapons Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Swit- this experience allowed you to adopt the “Washing- and systems. As for France, we are the only nuclear state zerland. Italian and French space agen- ton mindset” as a strategic affairs specialist? that decided to shut down and dismantle our facilities to cies alongside 40 industrial companies When you spend a year in one of the best, if not the best, produce more nuclear weapons. Likewise, we have torn provided much of the technical support foreign policy and international security think tanks in down all of the on-the-ground launch facilities we once necessary for the successful launch. Washington, you become a member of a very strong had. France has announced its maximum number of nucle- team. You develop an in-depth knowledge on how the ar weapons—300. In sum, we are the only nuclear power U.S. government turns ideas into policies. My time as CSIS to have accomplished a disarmament effort on this scale. was a great experience. The think-tank world guarantees innovative thinking and open debates, and lets you de- What do expect—and hope for—in tomorrow’s secu- velop knowledge of foreign policy, irrespective of chang- rity challenges? es in government. I think what we need is robust, flexible security cooperation involving NATO, the EU and bilateral cooperation You’ve helped steer France’s role in Afghanistan. How between countries. There are also threats or changes like do you see France’s work there in advance of the 2013 cyber security, energy security, scarcity of natural re- withdrawal—and beyond? sources. All these issues will need to have more creative Afghanistan has been the number one NATO priority the solutions than those from the past. I think that the up- past few years. In 2013, it will be up to the Afghans to con- coming NATO summit in Chicago this May will be critical. duct security combat operations for themselves. France The world is waiting for a clear message on nuclear designed a treaty with Afghan authorities in January which terrence, and we’re working with both conventional and

2 france & america NFF en bref

U.S. Exec Reflects on Living and Working in France Facebook Offers Free Ads to Small Businesses For the U.S. business executive Scott Allan Mc- seeks to share his expe- Donald, working and living in Paris has rewarded him riences with those who Facebook recently announced that it immeasurably. Originally from a small town in north- may not have consid- will provide free advertising to thou- ern Minnesota, Mr. McDonald went abroad for what ered that one should—or sands of small businesses throughout would ultimately stretch into a 10-year professional even could—take on life France and other European countries. stint in the City of Lights. His take on the experience, abroad successfully. Mr. Back in 2004, Facebook was founded in one word? “Brilliant,” he says, whenever an Ameri- McDonald recommends as a simple vehicle for college students can asks him about his time there. “But the truth is travel and life abroad to stay connected. Since then, it has both more nuanced and more profound,” he adds. to everyone, and ends evolved and grown into something And it would seem Mr. McDonald has quite a lot his essay with this final much more intricate and complex. With to say. In a lengthy essay written as a part of a lead- thought, a beau geste in millions of users around the world, it ership development program at Carlson Wagonlit favor of exposing oneself is clear that Facebook has become an Travel, where he works, the executive waxes nostal- to cultural exchange. integral part of online social activity. gic about the joys and frustrations of living the expa- “Engaging people on While this activity has primarily focused triate life. He describes the humility that comes with their terms sends a pow on the personal relationships that users having your grammar corrected in public (some- erful signal of our com- seek to cultivate and maintain, there is times by children) and the satisfaction that comes mitment to achieve real Travel © Wagonlit Carlson an untapped potential for small busi- with learning a culture and its people over numerous understanding with those Scott Allan McDonald nesses that the site is seeking to devel- years. who may otherwise elude loved working in Paris. op. As part of their official announce- Now back in his native Minnesota, Mr. McDonald us,” he said. ment, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg announced that 50,000 small businesses will be allowed to claim credits worth French Experts Discuss Nuclear Waste Policy with Congress about $130.00. The advertising credit could be used to reach a specific target In a display of bilateral engagement on Capitol Hill In his introductory remarks, Ambassador Delattre said audience as well as increase buzz for in Washington, French policymakers and members of that he is “convinced that we have many things to learn small businesses that rely on low-cost, the Congressional French Caucus convened two round- from each other in this field. [...] The United States and high-yield options that can provide table discussions on February 7 to trade best practices France have the most important nuclear fleets in the greater visibility. in nuclear waste management. world People are asking for answers to the challenges of The sessions brought together the Ambassador of nuclear energy development. Underscoring the issue’s Paris Ranked Best France to the United States, François Delattre, and importance, he said that “we owe it to the people.” Student City in the World Marie-Claude Dupuis, CEO of the French National Ms. Dupuis has acted as the head of ANDRA since 2005. Radioactive Waste Management Agency (ANDRA). A mining engineer by training, she has worked on nuclear Have you ever wondered where the best Organized by the French Caucus, the talks included and environmental issues for much of her career. Prior to place to study is—in the whole world? In the Caucus’s Senate co-chairs, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D- her current position, Ms. Dupuis worked as Director of the a February ranking of cities from around LA) and Sen. John Booz- Industrial Environment the world, the market research firm QS man (R-AR), as well as Service, where she over- ranked Paris the number one destina- Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE). saw regulation of industrial tion for university students. Evaluating The roundtable in the and agricultural facilities at each candidate through a matrix of fac- House of Representatives the national level. tors including educational excellence, included the participa- Following the round- diversity, affordability, post-graduation tion of House Caucus table, Senators Boozman employment opportunities, and quality co-chairs, Rep. Russ Car- and Landrieu had posi- of life, the City of Light managed to out- nahan (D-MO) and Rep. tive things to say about shine all other established and emerging Michael Michaud (D-ME). France’s work in nuclear student hot-spots. In addition to several of waste management. Nunzio Quacquarelli, Managing Di- the French Caucus’s 106 “We’ve struggled with rector of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), members, Congressional the waste part of nuclear lauded the city’s breadth of advantages staff, Congressional Re- energy in our country, and to degree seekers. “In particular, Paris search Service, reporters © Romain Parlier we appreciate the French has benefitted from the affordability” and professionals from Sen. John Boozman, Amb. Delattre and ANDRA head experts being with us to- of the French higher education system, related industries also Marie-Claude Dupuis share thoughts on nuclear practices. day to give us some new which often amounts to just hundreds participated. ideas,” said Sen. Boozman. of dollars in tuition fees per year. The A world leader in nu- “We are very grateful quality-of-life aspects make Paris’s place clear waste management, the French representatives for Ambassador Delattre and Madame Dupuis for hav- at the head of global student cities well- sought to explain how their country is engaged in the ing shared with us France’s experience with civilian nu- deserved. The study is the first of its kind challenges of sustainability, safety and economics of clear power,” said Sen. Landrieu. “We hope to continue for the UK-based firm. nuclear waste as a part of broader civilian nuclear energy this series of roundtables,” she added. The award comes as “a recognition of policy. ANDRA is the product of over 40 years of French the huge amount of work done in the The French commitment to nuclear safety reflects nuclear practice, research and policy. It is housed in last few years in French [and] Parisian the activity of several groups in the United States, in- the Ministry of the Environment and Research, and op- universities especially,” said Edouard cluding the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nu- erates independently from nuclear waste producers. Husson, Vice-Chancellor of the Paris Uni- clear Future. These groups hope that such roundtables ANDRA currently oversees four major waste disposal versities. Four institutions were noted will build dialogue and ultimately result in a long-term sites in France, in conjunction with the National Plan as “universities of excellence”: Paris-La plan to improve the quality of nuclear waste manage- for Management of Radioactive Waste, and is involved Sorbonne, Paris-Cité, Paris-Sciences et ment in the United States. France fully supports initia- in ongoing preparations for a permanent underground Lettres, and Paris-Saclay. tives like these. repository in eastern France.

3 in depth TARA Oceans: Marine Research for the Planet’s Good

What brings together marine biologists, the head of the United Nations, and a major fashion mogul? The answer is TARA Oceans, a French research ship that has been traversing 70,000 miles of the world’s oceans for two and a half years as it studies marine life, ecosystems, environmental change—and the delicate balance between the two. The ship, a 118-foot schooner equipped with state-of-the-art naviga- tion and research technology, made landfall in New York City this month to promote its cause at the United Nations and elsewhere. An affiliate of the UN’s Programme for the Environment, the TARA Oceans project combines a network of seven laboratories and the partnership of several American researchers in their efforts to make new discoveries about the world’s ocean life, and raise awareness of issues affecting the world’s greatest bodies of water. Tiny Organisms, Worldwide Importance

The objective of the TARA Oceans expedition is to “identify the effects of global warming on planktonic and coral reef systems, and the conse- quences on food webs and marine life,” according to an official document from the group’s website. TARA’s researchers have focused their research on plankton for the singularly important role this kind of organism plays. These tiny organisms, the scientists say, supply roughly half of the world’s oxygen supply. This means that variations in the amount of plankton living in the world’s oceans could fundamentally impact how much oxygen is available to liv- Expeditions Tara S. Bollet © Maurice / ing things worldwide—including humans—and could impose sweeping The Tara went full sail for two and a half years, criss-crossing the globe while con- changes on a planet ducting marine research. Here, the ship takes a turn near the Madagascar coast. in climate flux, which could affect everything from endan- commitment to ocean issues and to the related initiatives undertaken by gered species to glob- UN agencies. al air quality. A different but equally enthusiastic visitor also came to see TARA at port. The businesswoman agnès b., from whom the global fashion brand gets UN-Bound its name (and fashionable spelling), attended the ceremonies at the UN and aboard the TARA, and wished the research team her very best. As the Not least among TARA ship’s owner and key supporter, her company’s logo appears displayed on Oceans’ multiple goals the vessel’s sails in whatever part of the globe she may set sail (see photo is outreach to people above). unaware of the issues the ship’s team seeks is TARA and the Future of the World’s Oceans researching. During its

© J.Girardot/Tara Expéditions © J.Girardot/Tara port call in New York The TARA will reach its final destination, the port of Lorient on France’s Team Tara (L-R): director Eric Karsenti, Ban Ki Moon, re- City from February 5 Atlantic coast, on March 31. Yet the boat’s team will hardly be taking a searcher André Abreu, agnès b. and Romain Troublé. to 13, Ban-Ki Moon, break—in fact, they’ve declared 2012 “the year for sharing the TARA Ex- the Secretary-General peditions” work with the world. A series of promotional events have been of the United Nations, coordinated in France and elsewhere, the most notable being the ship’s which is based there, came aboard to visit the team. The crew took Mr. scheduled presence at the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Devel- Moon on a tour of the Manhattan coast while various specialists gave a opment, or “Rio + 20,” this June in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The conference’s tour of the ship’s “dry lab” for field research as well as the boat’s living theme is “The Future We Want,” and in the same vein, TARA Oceans will space, which is specially outfitted for travel through polar climates. be advocating the environmental decisions it recommends to secure safe, Mr. Moon said he was “very moved” by his visit, and stressed his personal sustainable ocean policies at the international level—for the global good. © M. Ormestad-Kahikai/Tara Expeditions © M. Ormestad-Kahikai/Tara

The Tara expedition focused on the incedibly diverse forms of the world’s plankton. Estimated to produce half of the world’s oxygen supply, the health of these species is vitally important to ocean environments, and, by extension, the countless global ecosystems in which they play a part. Here, photos of the TARA’s plankton research.

4 business & technology en bref NFF

France, UK Partner in Civilian Nuclear Development Supermarket Chain Carrefour Names New CEO France has partnered with Great Britain to bolster the whole fuel cycle, a status unique among European each countries’ civilian nuclear industry—while at the civilian nuclear powers. On January 31, the international su- same time creating jobs at home and abroad. To support the new plans, EDF Energy projects hir- permarket chain, Carrefour, named Following a meeting on February 17 between Presi- ing 6,000 employees in the next four years. Once in full Georges Plassat its new CEO. He will dent Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron, swing, the four EPR sites between Hinkley Point and join the company in April and be- the leaders unveiled an ambitious bilateral project that Sizewell will require 20,000 workers between on- and come board chairman and CEO as of will strengthen the Franco-British energy partnership. off-site staff. June 18. The nuclear branch of France’s main electricity firm, By comparison, the United States provided 19.6 Mr. Plassat is no stranger to the EDF Energy, will be developing plans to build four percent of its domestic energy needs via nuclear pro- company, nor to the supermarket European pressurized reactors (EPRs) in the UK, or- duction in 2010, according to the Washington-based business. He worked for French retailer ganized in pairs at the country’s Sizewell and Hinkley Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). Casino for 14 years before spending Point sites. The deal comes as the fruition of an initial coopera- two years as Carrefour’s Spanish divi- The plans enhance each nation’s already-strong tion agreement signed between Areva and Rolls-Royce, sion CEO. Previous to his appointment reputation as a nuclear leader. Together, they possess which are leading French and British manufacturers in as Carrefour’s global CEO, he worked 76 reactors and operate cutting-edge facilities covering the energy sector, in March 2011. at the French clothing retailer Vivarte for 11 years. A graduate from Switzer- land’s Lausanne School of Hospitality and Cornell University in the U.S. his background is somewhat untradition- al. Yet, as stated by former Carrefour CEO chairman, Luc Vandevelde, “ He is a great retailer and knows retailing inside and out.” Carrefour is the world’s second largest merchandiser, with 470,000 employees at 16,000 stores in 32 countries. In recent years it has rolled out an aggressive international expansion. Last year, the company opened stores in Iran, Albania, Iraq, Oman and Paki- stan. The chain hopes to open 30 new stores in China in 2012, a new com-

© Burnham-on-Sea.com mercial center in Romania, and will This rendering shows the workings of a European pressurized reactor (EPR). In February, France and Great Britain continue to increase its presence in signed an agreement to build four EPRs between the Sizewell and Hinkley Point nuclear sites in southern England. northern India.

Transcending the Inbox? Tech Support: Start-Up Development Group Seeks Partners French Tech Co. Bans Email We live in a time in which email and In the latest technology development between business have become synonymous. France and the United States, the New Technology The image of a corporate employee

© MAEE Venture Accelerator, or NETVA, opened this year’s with a smartphone in hand has be- competition for French technology start-ups on Feb- come a societal norm—but one ruary 15. French company has decided to A public program supported by the French embas- change that. sy’s Office for Science and Technology, NETVA “aims Atos, a French IT firm, has decid- to address the need for the internationalization of ed to wean its employees off inter- young French technology companies developing nal email by its self-imposed 2014 highly innovative products,” its official website said. deadline. According to the CEO, NETVA is designed to assist French companies spe- Thierry Breton, only ten percent of cifically aiming to develop in the United States. the emails his employees get are ac- With a strategic focus on Boston and Silicon tually useful, with almost 20 percent Valley—two of America’s “most dynamic entrepre- being spam. neurial ecosystems,” according to NETVA—the group The company will now use instant will provide aspiring tech firms training and multi- messaging and a “Facebook-style stage support in getting set up in these innovation interface.” In the first six months, hubs. The intensive guidance from the program’s employees have already cut emails administrators includes an introductory seminar and by 20 percent. Mr. Breton says that week-long series of meetings, training sessions and his younger employees are more ac- a formalized mentorship structure between NETVA customed to this immediate type of A French public program designed to foster start-up suc- and its laureates. conduct. In moving toward a social cess in the United States, NETVA awards grants each year. Last year’s winners have described the pro- media-type platform, he hopes to gram’s positive attributes in detail. Julien Roquette, increase both the productivity and founder of the start-up Blue Industry & Science, said the working conditions of Atos em- that “NETVA’s immense value is to give participants a real picture of what ‘attacking the American market’ means.” ployees. The NETVA call for applications remains open through April 15. For more, please see www.netvafrance.com.

5 NFF society en bref Les Grandes Ecoles Top Prestigious Rankings France Works to Enhance Sustainable Development Once again les grandes écoles of France have ranked very highly in a Financial Times survey of the best Euro- France is preparing to greet the future pean universities. For the sixth year running, HEC Paris in a more ecologically friendly way and L’INSEAD (l’Institut européen d’Administration des with its new National Sustainable De- affaires—the European Institute of Business Admin- velopment Strategy (NSDS). The strat- istration) have been ranked first and second, respec- egy will focus on meeting challenges tively. Both schools beat out staunch competitors such facing sustainable development and as the London Business School, IE Business School of overcoming them to create a fair, Madrid, and the Iese Business School of Barcelona. green market. The process of ranking the schools involved the The NSDS has been in the works weighing of a number of different factors, with the since the Earth Summit in Rio de four heaviest weighted factors focusing on academic Janeiro in 1992. From 1992 to 2010 merits. Other criteria such as the number of foreign various measures were taken that students and staff and the percentage of women fac- led to the birth of this new plan: ulty members were also taken into account. the first National Sustainable De- The survey demonstrates two important trends velopment Strategy was adopted in in French university education. The grandes écoles

2003, the creation of the Environ- encyclophile © Henry, have shown consistent dedication to improving the ment Charter in the French Consti- quality of education, as evidenced by the rapid ad- HEC Paris offers some of the best business training tution in 2005, and the “Grenelle de in Europe, according to a recent Financial Times poll. vancement in ranking of a number of French schools. l’Environnement” in 2007 that started The schools also show a move toward a more global a national dialogue on environmental identity, with the number of foreign students and issues. The strategy (formally adopt- staff on the rise. This speaks to the caliber of education at les grandes écoles and the desire to have the ed on July 27, 2010) takes into con- graduates of these schools be global leaders in economics, management, and entrepreneurship. sideration both economic and social challenges as well as environmental issues. This new strategy was collab- French, U.S. Libraries Partner for Audiovisual Excellence oratively designed and its implemen- tation will continue in the same fash- Beginning February 1, the Library of Congress and tles will be made available for global online access via ion, as environmental issues affect all France’s National Audiovisual Institute (the Institut the World Digital Library. members of society. National de l’Audiovisuel, or INA)—the government Ina, founded in 1974, gathers and preserves the im- agency responsible for archiving French radio and ages and sounds which form the basis of our collective Paris Hosts Annual television—will exchange up to 500 hours of specially memory. It authenticates them, gives them meaning, Agricultural Conference selected digital content. The material chosen will re- and shares them as widely as possible through its col- flect how the United States and France have portrayed lections and its expertise. France’s capital became the gather- each other in their respective media, focusing mainly The world’s number one audiovisual center for digi- ing place for all things farm-grown, on news programming, documentaries, educational tal archiving and archive enhancement, INA has be- when the International Agricul- films, travelogues and home movies. This unprec- come the watchword for technical innovation in both tural Exhibition opened its doors edented cultural collaboration will allow researchers these fields. Its expertise is acknowledged today on to both human and animal visitors on both sides of the Atlantic to glean information from every continent. from February 26 through March 4. each country’s audiovisual documents. The Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal The weeklong annual event offers a The digital files will be available for research in cultural institution and serves as the research arm of smorgasbord of farming-related ac- the Library’s Motion Picture Reading Room and INA’s Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with tivities, from blue-ribbon livestock consultation center at the Bibliothèque Nationale de millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and competitions to tastings of the fin- France in Paris. A wide selection of public-domain ti- manuscripts in its collections. est cheeses, meats, dairy, wines and other naturally grown delights from France and around the world. This year’s theme was “Agriculture and Careers,” and industry professionals were on hand from the sec- tors of private commerce, public research, NGOs and the Ministry of Agriculture. The groups traded practices and ideas on preparing natural products for market fluctuation and the stability of the agricultural business overall. The exhibition will culminate in the hallowed Concours Général Agricole, in which producers enter some 47,000 products in 21 categories to compete for the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals of excel- © INA lence. The winning entries will sport unknown source © Original a label indicating their performance The INA and the Library of Congress have begun a multi-year partnership. The agreement has already born fruit, for all of 2012. including recently rediscovered footage of Marilyn Monroe’s 1954 visit to U.S. soldiers then fighting in the Korean War.

6 cultural highlights coup d’oeil NFF

Restored French Masterpiece to Be Shown at Festival Neon Exhibition Lights Up the Art World Napoléon, Abel Gance’s classic five-and-a-half by the cinematic flair,” hour biopic of France’s legendary leader, will be says Brownlow. “I was La Maison Rouge, a Parisian founda- shown at the Oakland Paramount Theatre as part of exhilarated by the rapid tion dedicated to contemporary art, the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. The film will be cutting and the swirl- is putting on the first major all-neon shown on March 24, 25, 31 and April 1, 2012. ing camera movement. exhibition entitled “Who’s Afraid of The 1927 epic follows the life of Napoléon from his What daring! I had never Red, Yellow, and Blue,” starting Febru- days as a youth in Corsica to his rise and fall as Em- seen anything compara- ary 17. Over one hundred works by 83 peror of France. The film has been restored thanks ble—and I set out to find artists are on show, many being dis- to the painstaking efforts of Academy Award winner more of it.” played for the first time. The exhibit and film historian Kevin Brownlow. With the restoration will feature wide diversity in both Mr. Brownlow undertook this challenge after dis- complete, this latest Na- subject matter and time period, with covering the film at a street market. “I was stunned poléon is considered to some works dating back as early as be the most comprehen- the 1940s. sive version of the film to Neon was discovered late in the 19th date. Accompanied by century and came about by pressuriz-

Carl Davis and the East Kimura Keiko Productions/ © Photoplay ing odorless gases and passing elec- Bay Symphony Orches- Napoléon underwent tricity through them. It is now most tra, the score has been extensive recoloring. often associated with advertising, but expanded to accompany this exhibition demonstrates how it the new footage that has has become a true art form. The first been added to this marathon movie experience. purely neon piece of art was created The screenings will begin in the afternoon and in 1951 by Lucio Fontana. Throughout will be shown in four parts with three intermissions the rest of the 1950s and well into the and a break for dinner. Tickets will be available on- 1960s, neon became a new canvas for line through the San Francisco Silent Film Festival many artists. The exhibition has been website, www.silentfilm.org divided into subsections, with each

© The San Francisco Silent Film Festival Film Silent San Francisco The © Napoléon is presented in association with Ameri- section demonstrating a movement The historic Oakland Paramount Theatre will host the can Zoetrope, The Film Preserve, Photoplay Produc- in neon art. The exhibition begins with revamped 1927 classic by French filmmaker Abel Gance. tions, and the BFI. Technical services will be provided “Pioneers” and comes full circle, end- by Boston Light & Sound. ing with “Broken Beams.”

Stein Collection Enchants In “Gastronomik,” A Grand Café Marries Myth and Cuisine Paris at the Grand Palais La Coupole, a historic such as Eve from the Bible, who presents the viewer with a The Stein collection on display at the Na- grand café and restaurant in tempting apple, a python draped over her shoulders. tional Galleries of the Grand Palais, a col- the famous Montparnasse In other renditions more symbolic than historically ac- lection that assembled some of the most neighborhood of Paris, has curate, the Virgin Mary is photographed with a pastry important works of early 20th-century decided to make fairytales confection known as a Saint Honoré, while Venus stands art, recently closed this past month. The come alive by hosting a in a giant scallop shell—knife and fork in hand. The latter display included works by artists like photo exhibit that joins image is a wink to the masterpiece by Italian Renaissance Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, and Paul myth and cuisine. painter, Sandro Botticelli. Cézanne, all of whom were paramount in Called “GastronomiK,“ the In addition to the other chefs, La Coupole’s own Jean the foundation of the modern art move- pairing of fine art photogra- Philippe Bourgueil chose to contribute to the event, which ment. phy and specially designed will run until March 10. The collection is not only a display of dishes was the brainchild of GastronomiK has so far enjoyed decided success. The early modern art, but also a tribute to Daniela Jérémijévic, whose restaurant is even reported to be seating customers based the illustrious Stein family. Leo, Gertrude, efforts led the concept, on a photograph’s location, with requests to the tune of Michael and his wife Sarah each became design and roll-out of the “A table for four near Little Red Riding Hood, please.” avid collectors in the early 20th century,

© Daniela Jérémijévic project. She asked well- investing in the now-famous masters of Calling Adam: Eve known chefs and pâtissiers Cubism, Impressionism, and Post-Im- presents the evil apple. including Pierre Hermé, pressionism. The most prominent of the Christophe Michalak and four is undoubtedly Gertrude, known for Frédéric Anton to draw in- her salon and the relationships she culti- spiration from twenty mythical women, then turn their vated with the artistic expatriates living ideas into entrées and desserts. The finished dishes were in Paris at the time. She and her brother then served beneath high-concept photographs of leg- Leo concentrated on collecting works by endary ladies displayed throughout the restaurant. artists such as Renoir and Picasso, many The famous (and sometimes infamous) women come of which hung in her Parisian apart- from a variety of folkloric backgrounds, including Greek ment on the rue de Fleurus, a stone’s mythology, the world’s religions, and traditional fairy- throw from the Luxembourg Gardens. tales such as Cinderella. Marianne, the national emblem Her brother Michael’s collection focused of France, kicks a soccer ball with le coq gaulois, the Gal- more on the work of Matisse. Through lic rooster; this is a likely reference to the France’s cham- © Daniela Jérémijévic the early patronage of the Steins, many pion national team, which won the World Cup in 1998. In Alice dines in Wonderland on a meal of pure fantasy, of these artists gained the recognition some of the more literal interpretations the women are one of her story’s famous clocks ticking at her side. they now enjoy. portrayed with food that was important to their stories,

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france in america News From France A free monthly review of French news & trends In French-U.S. Effort, Stolen D.C. Exhibit Captures EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Painting Returned at Last Painters’ Early Photography Luis Vassy On January 25, the US customs service returned to EDITOR France a rare color monotype by French painter Camille Dana Purcarescu Pissarro. Entitled “The Fish Market,” this work had been stolen from the Faure Museum in Aix-les-Bains (South-East MANAGING EDITOR of France) in 1981. The restitution ceremony took place at William C. Fleeson the Kreeger Museum in Washington, D.C. France’s Ambas- sador to the United States, François Delattre, received the PHOTO EDITOR painting from John Morton, director of Immigration and Julien Gustinelli Customs Enforcement (ICE). The painting’s repatriation is the result of collaboration between ICE, Interpol, U.S. and SENIOR WRITER French Customs, and the U.S. Department of Justice. William C. Fleeson “Returning a painting to a museum is indeed a signifi- cant contribution to the celebration of our cultural heritage WRITERS and a gift to all future visitors, but it is also another great il-

Sara Ainsworth, lustration of Franco-American friendship and cooperation,” © Henri Rivière / ARS Zoe Disselkoen, Sam Keyvan Ambassador Delattre said. Photographs and paintings are hung side-by-side to show early hand-held cameras’ influence on artists’ work. GRAPHIC DESIGNER William C. Fleeson The invention of the hand-held camera in 1888 inspired more than the camera-phone generation of today. In a new exhibition beginning February 4 at the To change your address, subscribe Phillips Collection in Washington D.C., over 200 pho- (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact: tographs from post-impressionist icons such as Pierre Bonnard and Edouard Vuillard are displayed. NEWS FROM FRANCE It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the camera FRENCH EMBASSY became more accessible to the general public. French PRESS & COMMUNICATION SERVICE and other artists whose works make up the collection 4101 Reservoir Road, NW used the camera to capture images, so as to better paint Washington, DC 20007-2182 them later. The more than 10,000 photographs these artists took throughout their lives tell a parallel story to their Tel: (202) 944-6060 brushwork, even serving to fill in more intimate details. Fax: (202) 944-6040 The idea for the collection began early in the 1980s, when the photographic collection of Mr. Vuillard was www.ambafrance-us.org discovered in the hands of the artist’s family by the ex- [email protected] de Gelder © Sylvain hibition curator. Since then, various curators and mu- www.facebook.com/FranceInTheUS “The Fish Market,” a Camille Pissarro monotype stolen in 1981, seums, such as the Musée d’Orsay, have contributed to Twitter: @franceintheus was returned to its home in southeastern France in February. the project in the hope of making these photographs come alive once more.