A free monthly review of French news & trends

VOL. 10.02 MARCH 31

International Conference Discusses Civil Nuclear Energy Issues

The International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear President Sarkozy Visits the United States Energy, held in Paris's OECD French President Nicolas Sarkozy will visit the United States on March 29 and 30. His itin- Conference Center March 8 erary begins in New York City with a speech at Columbia University, after which he will and 9, provided a forum in meet with editorialists from various publications. For the second leg of his trip,the French which public and private sec- president will travel to the nation’s capital. There, he will meet with President Obama in tor representatives could dis- the Oval Office, and hold a press conference at the White House following their discus- cuss the promotion of "the sion. President Sarkozy’s trip will conclude with a private couple’s dinner at the White peaceful and responsible use of House, where he and French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy will join President Obama nuclear power." Prominent and First Lady Michelle Obama. President Sarkozy plans to return to the U.S. on April 12 public figures, government © Elysée/ L. Blevennec and 13 for the Nuclear Security Summit at the Washington Convention Center. President Sarkozy addresses the International policy-makers, managers of Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy. industrial companies, "France is ready to help any nation which wants to acquire civil nuclear energy," as long as research and training the nation complies with non-proliferation obligations in terms of security, safety and experts, and executives from international organizations came together to explore protection of the environment. In the opening speech of the Conference, President how to enable the peaceful use of nuclear energy in countries with pressing energy Sarkozy reinforced such views, stating that "France will be adamant when it comes to needs. The conference included six roundtable discussions with topics such as devel- defending every country's right to access nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. But France oping a framework for the responsible development of nuclear technology,supporting will be just as adamant in her opposition to those countries that violate collective security new nuclear countries, as well as examining training and financing issues, sustainable standards. […] The World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and development, and the medium- and long-term consequences of nuclear power. Development and the other development banks must make a wholehearted commitment France holds the position that the peaceful use of nuclear power should not be con- to finance such [nuclear] projects." Mr.Sarkozy also introduced his initiative to create an fined to a handful of states that already hold the technology. Many of the nations who lack International Nuclear Energy institute that will include an International Nuclear Energy the access to civil nuclear power are concerned about the impact of non-nuclear energy School. Through the International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy,France technology to the environment and are battling increasing fossil fuel prices. In a United and other nations actively continue the dialogue on how to best provide nuclear technol- Nations High-Level Event on Climate Change in 2007, President Sarkozy stated that ogy to willing nations.

Franco-American Delegation Extends Aid to Haiti's Deaf Community In the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Haiti in January, specific sections of society, them through this challenging time. During the mission, he wrote reports for the French such as the deaf community, face unique challenges in gaining access to relief assistance. Embassy in Haiti and distributed some funds to assist members of the deaf community to Christian philanthropist Foster Freiss and his son Michael organized a delegation through meet their immediate needs. The delegation provided logistical support for Haiti's deaf by Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., to assist Haiti's deaf. The delegation, comprised identifying leaders to assist with problem solving and creating strategies to address immedi- of both hearing and non-hearing alike, traveled to Haiti from February 10-20 to extend sup- ate and long-term issues. The team also met with officials of the Mayor of Delmas and the port to this community and brought together benefactors, diplomats and Gallaudet faculty Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities to advocate on behalf of the members for their collective network and knowledge of Haiti’s deaf. deaf population. The demise of the Port-au- Jacq also proposed the creation of a refugee camp for the deaf, which would bring them Prince branch of the Institut together and ensure their physical safety and Monfort School for the Deaf and nourishment. Dispersed throughout other INSIDE Deaf-Blind Children as well as the camps,they would remain more vulnerable.Such St. Vincent School for children with a camp would facilitate the process of identifying 2 Current Events multiple handicaps including deaf- the deaf able to participate in the reconstruction Transplant Games ness, that resulted from the earth- programs and would foster opportunities of 3 France & America quake abruptly halted the childrens' empowerment rather than dependency. Overall, French Rappers Visit U.S. studies, with many returning to live the mission aimed to sensitize the national and

Courtesy: Emmauel Jacq with their families in the capital city. the international community to the tragic situa- 4 In Depth Emmanuel Jacq communicates with the Those who remained in the capital tion, especially for the deaf, who risk becoming Paris Fashion Week mayor of Delmas via sign language to despite the wreckage face substantial abandoned, without guidance or information. 5 Business & Tech discuss relief efforts. obstacles receiving vital information Jacq hopes that generating awareness among the High-Tech Trains regarding post-earthquake support. Many of these announcements, such as where to find international community and maximizing the 6 Society food and clean running water,are transmitted via radio and can run the risk of eluding the opportunity for the deaf to participate in U.N. Cookbook Festival deaf and handicapped communities. programs such as "cash for work" will secure a Emmanuel Jacq, a deaf administrative agent at the Embassy of France in Washington, unique place for them in Haitian society and 7 Culture D.C., played a fundamental role in the mission whose objective was to procure a walled plot social consciousness. Parkour of land with forty tents to create a resource center for the deaf community which reached For more information on the delegation, 8 France in America approximately 400. Jacq used sign language to communicate with the deaf and to guide please turn to page 2. Mois de la Francophonie En bref [ Current Events ] EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHEMISTRY AND ART Transplant Games Reflect Goodwill of International Community The athletes in Vancouver weren't the only ones to vie for medals for their country this winter. Over 300 athletes competed in the sev- enth Winter World Transplant Games, in the French Alps city of Sainte-Foy Tarentaise. The events aim to raise public awareness of organ donation and their benefits. Over 25 countries participated in this year's winter games from Walter’s team discovered that January 17-22, with the objective of promoting Cleopatra’s eyeliner held the rehabilitation of the participating organ medicinal properties. recipients, who range from 4- to 80-year-olds. In addition to snowboarding, slalom and In its tradition of promoting the arts cross-country skiing, this year's edition also and culture, the Embassy of France in featured snowshoeing. Washington, D.C., welcomed Philippe The winter games incorporate an event Walter, a researcher from the Louvre Museum, to La Maison Française on designed specifically for children, the Nicholas Courtesy: World Transplant Games February 25 for a conference titled Cup.This competition was founded in honor Participants of the Nicholas Cup enjoy a ski lesson. Beyond the Appearance of Works of of Nicholas Green, a young boy whose death Art: The Chemist's View. Over 250 prompted his family to donate his organs. During this week on the slopes, children who have received transplants met guests attended the free event. other such children and participated in ski lessons. Similar to the Olympic Games, there are both summer and winter components. The first Transplant Games date back to 1978. During his discussion, Walter related the France has long been a friend to the Transplant Games, hosting the first two winter versions in Tignes in 1994 and Pra-Loup in long-standing history between chemistry 1996, both located in the French Alps. France took the lead in this year's games and brought home 47 medals. Switzerland was the and art. Since antiquity, new chemicals second highest contender with 22, and Austria followed closely with 20. According to the World Transplant Games Federation, the have been created to use as pigments as "30 percent increase in organ donation rates in the countries which have hosted the games" underscores the organization's success well as for cosmetic and therapeutic uses. in increasing awareness about organ transplants. The biannual World Transplant Games not only bring people together for friend- During the Renaissance, optical effects ly competition, but also in the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity to give hope to those who need it most. created glazes or glistering. Recently, the technical know-how of ancient chemists has been rediscovered through the meth- Interview with Emmanuel Jacq, challenging when my professor would turn his face towards the ods of analytical chemistry. The precious Administrative Agent at the Embassy of blackboard so I could no longer read his lips. I was given notes character of the most famous works of France in Washington, D.C. from other students in my class to read afterwards, but it was art and their uniqueness imply particular extremely time consuming. I wish I would have had the oppor- cautions and require methods that yield While you were in Haiti, what were the tunity to study at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. I the maximum amount of information linguistic challenges the delegation faced would love to help French students access the opportunity I never with the minimum amount of sample. in communicating between people of various backgrounds? had. In my professional life, using telephones is difficult because I require an interpreter. Recently, tech services installed video- Philippe Walter is the Director of the Traveling to foreign countries to work with other hearing- CNRS Laboratory Center for the conferencing capabilities in my office that allows me to connect impaired people is always a challenge. This is because sign lan- Research and Restoration of the with an interpreter for free, a tool for non-professional use to help guage in one community can differ greatly from that in anoth- Museums of France, a laboratory me access valuable services. er. French Sign Language (LSF), whose establishment is largely housed within the Louvre Museum. A attributed to Abbé Charles Michel de l'Épée, fused with What support structures are in place to facilitate entry for chemist by training, Walter's work handicapped French citizens into the workforce? revolves around using chemical analysis American Sign Language (ASL), but as the two languages have and state-of-the-art instruments to dis- evolved, they have become less In France, of the 4.9 million people cover the stories behind some of the mutually intelligible. While there is identified by the French Government greatest masterpieces of the art world. an International Sign Language as having a limitation in their work- Walter's team also recently discovered (ISL), it is used as more of an auxil- ing capacity,only 1.3 million current- that Cleopatra's eyeliner —also used by iary system for communication ly enjoy a disabled worker status. ancient Greeks and Romans — had internationally and was standardized Statistics indicate more than 800,000 medicinal properties that cured eye in the 1950s at the World Deaf handicapped persons are employed infections. Congress. Haitian Sign Language is an adaptation of American in the workforce. Therefore, a need exists for supporting structures Sign Language and thus there is not as much of a connection that serve to maximize the potential of those left out of the above Philippe Walter's conference was part between what the people sign and the words they convey. For groupings. By 2011, France plans to have videoconferencing options of Les Rendez-vous du CNRS, a series example, in Haitian Sign Language, the symbol for water is available for deaf people and to bolster its capacity to supply them of conferences launched in March made by pointing three fingers in the formation of a "W" for the with interpreters for telephone calls. There are two principles that 2009 by the CNRS Office in English word "water," as opposed to motioning an "E" for the have been fundamental to advancing opportunities for handicapped Washingon, D.C. The conferences are free and open to the public. For more French word "eau." persons. The first is an emphasis on accessibility,one aspect of which information or if you would like to be the aforementioned 2011 plan underscores. The second is legislation What were some of the obstacles that you have faced in the added to the mailing list for Les relating to compensation. Thanks to the government's efforts, pursuit of your career? Rendez-vous du CNRS, please email: employers now better understand the difference between disability associate-cnrs[at]ambafrance-us.org. When I was studying biology at Montpellier University,it was most and incapacity. 2 NEWS FROM FRANCE AN AMERICAN LOVE AFFAIR WITH [ France & America ] PARIS ON THE BIG SCREEN

Trip Fosters Transatlantic Appreciation for French Rappers

profit F.A.C.E., based in the heart of the rappers’ neigh- borhood, the young artists enjoyed a busy schedule of events from late February to early March. The group was hosted by the Harlem Biennal, a New York-based non- profit concerned with gentrification and dedicated to stimulating the resurgence of Harlem as a thriving eco- nomic, tourist and arts community. The Harlem Biennal arranged a series of workshops with American students, recording opportunities, and excursions to discover key Paris is the focus of over 250 American institutions and places of memory, such as the foreign productions annually. White House and Ground Zero. The New York City com- © Deyola Adekunle ponent of their visit included performances at Columbia In their sixth annual ranking of Super Our Better Angels perform at the opening University and the Hip Hop Cultural Center along with Bowl advertisements, researchers at cermony of le Mois de la Francophonie. workshops at the Harlem Children's Zone and Pratt the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University awarded top Diplomacy through rap? A group of eight promising College. During the Washington, D.C., leg of their tour, honors to a Google commercial that young French rappers traveled to the United States to dis- the troupe showcased their talents while performing at the chronicles the courtship of an cover the heritage and culture of their preferred music kickoff reception to the Mois de la Francophonie. American man and a French woman genre, but the impact of their visit extended far beyond An American who has been living in Paris for nearly 20 in Paris. The advertisement narrates the evolution of the couple's romance the realm of art. years, Laster believes that change is possible through the by combining search queries — that Known as Our Better Angels, the troupe of French implementation of creative models, and his initiative indicate the American's intentions — musicians comprised 15- to 21-year-old men from a mar- received an outpouring of support. Having obtained assis- and thematic background music that ginalized suburb of Paris. The central premise of their visit tance from both the French and American governments to parallels the progression of the rela- was to expose them to "unexpected connections with other defray the travel and cost-of-living expenses, Laster and his tionship. The top Super Bowl ad begins with the American's searches worlds" by having them explore American music, urbanism colleagues volunteered their time and resources to chaper- for "study abroad Paris" and "how to and politics. Starting their tour at the birthplace of hip hop one and support the group in their journey to discover a impress a French girl," then moves engendered the opportunity to develop a cross-cultural mutual appreciation of different cultures. "We're leaving onto "long distance relationship appreciation through a common interest: music. The the country with a different vision. It's one thing to see the advice" and "jobs in Paris," and culminates with the faint sound of entirety of the transatlantic trip was documented by blog- United States on television and another to come breathe [its wedding bells as the queries gers from the French-language Web site Bondy Blog. air], its energy, its movement, " one of the rappers reflected "churches in Paris" and "how to Spearheaded by French-American Monte Laster's non- in the French daily Le Figaro. assemble a crib" are displayed. American Women Celebrated for WWI Civilian Relief As this commercial shines the limelight on the City of Romance, France is no The exhibition American Women stranger to the silver screen. Rebuilding France, 1917-1924, set to Approximately 250 foreign films, com- open at the National World War I mercials and television shows are shot Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, in in France annually, of which 20 to 25 May, will bring to life the extraordi- percent are American and represent nary efforts of 350 American women between 60 to 80 percent of foreign volunteers who left their homes in the cinematic expenditure in France. The U.S. between 1917 and 1924 to help French capital has been featured in the civilian population of northeast- many films. From Moulin Rouge to ern France in the aftermath of First Something's Gotta Give, a Parisian World War. Organized by Château de backdrop goes hand-in-hand with Blérancourt, the original exhibition romance. Parisian love is all encom- was held at the Franco-American passing, gastronomy included. The Museum in northeastern France. The recent Golden Globe recipient Julie exhibit comprises over forty vintage and Julia depicts the beginning of Julia photographs and rare silent film Child's lifelong love affair with cooking footage. Anne Morgan, the dynamic during her stay in Paris during the leader of these efforts, and daughter © American Friends of Blérancourt Inc. 1940s and ‘50s. From commercials to of financier John Pierpont Morgan, 350 American women volunteered between 1917 and 1924 to leave their films, the long-standing friendship collected private funds to found the homes and participate in the aid initiatives in northeastern France. between France and the U.S. is repre- American Committee for Devastated France that first took its roots at the Château de Blérancourt. These women pro- sented through cooperatives in busi- vided basic necessities to the wounded, directed the reconstruction of buildings and agricultural production, created a ness and culture. network of visiting nurses and libraries, and organized festive social and sporting events. Today, the Château de Blérancourt is a French national museum devoted to chronicling the history of friendship and collaboration between For more information about the the United States and France. Following the exhibition's presentation in Kansas City, it will move to the Morgan Library French film industry, including foreign and Museum in New York City in September. tax incentives, please visit: For more information on the exhibition, please visit: www.theworldwar.org. www.cnc.fr.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 3 [ In Depth ]

Parisian Fashion Puts On a Show The season's hottest styles made their expression of oneself has remained fashionable, and has metamorphosed into a debut at the annual Paris Fashion Week multi-billion dollar, world-wide industry. held from March 2-10. Models flaunted Since the early 1900s, American designers, manufacturers, buyers and jour- clothes from some of the most nalists made biannual pilgrimages to the earliest incarnations of Paris Fashion renowned design houses, including Week to get the first glimpse at the newest French couture.The Second World War, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Yves Saint- however, interrupted the fashion season in Paris, and industry enthusiasts in New Laurent during the week-long celebra- York organized what would become the precursor of Fashion Week. The tion. The French capital city is one of the Fédération française de la couture, du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de world's "Big Four" hubs of fashion, along mode was established in 1973 as a derivation of an earlier fashion association, the with New York, London and Milan. Chambre syndicale de la haute couture.The modern Fédération has three branch- Organized by the fashion industry asso- es — haute couture, ready-to-wear, and menswear — corresponding to the fash- ciation Fédération française de la couture, ion events that annually take place in Paris. The French capital's ready-to-wear- du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créa- themed fashion week, which normally occurs during the first three months of the teurs de mode,Paris hosts three sets of year, has existed in its current form since the Fédération's inception. An image from Galerie des shows twice a year, each highlighting a Modes et des Costumes different category of the fashion world Hightlights of Paris Fashion Week 2010 Français, one of the first and introducing the highly anticipated fashion magazines, illustrates styles of the coming seasons. Many of the heavy hitters of a style of the 18th century. The haute couture shows, held this the French fashion world year in January and July, put the spotlight on apparel specifically tailored to participated in Paris Fashion fit the wearer. In addition to being meticulously handcrafted, these pieces Week. Marc Jacobs, creative must meet certain standards set by the Paris Chamber of Commerce to earn director of the Louis Vuitton the distinction of haute couture.The menswear shows, also held in January design house, dazzled audi- and July, display the most cutting-edge male fashions. Finally, the prêt-a- ences with a new collection porter, or ready-to-wear-themed shows, taking place during the March titled And God Created Fashion Week, boast the newest styles crafted for a larger audience. Woman at a fountain in the courtyard of the Louvre. The retro-themed show featured History of Fashion Week such illustrious models as Coutesy: CHANEL The French fashion industry traces its Adrianna Lima, Elle Chanel featured an Arctic-themed collection at origins as far back as the late 1600s, McPherson and Laetitia Casta. Fashion Week set to the backdrop of 265-ton glacier. and emerged as the country's head of Reminiscent of 1950s-era fashion in America, the show featured corsets, long skirts and state became a leading trendsetter. flared coats. The event elicited a sense of nostalgia as the collection also showcased elegant Sporting lavish garments sparkling handbags, accentuating its chic, retro vibe. Hailed by the New York Times as the best col- with diamonds and other eccentric lection not only during Paris Fashion Week, but of all of the year's international Fashion combinations of accessories, French Weeks, the Times also emphasized that Jacobs's collection "took us all over the rainbow King Louis XIV frequently intro- with his pared-down dissertation on Americana." According to Fashion Week Daily, the duced new styles. As his court and the Louis Vuitton creative director Jacobs "has without a doubt cemented the current title as rest of society gazed upon his ensem- the most significant designer working in fashion today." bles and aspired to emulate his cre- No Fashion Week in Paris would be complete without a spectacular by Chanel.This year, ative style, the Sun King is often cred- the French design house's creative director Karl Lagerfeld broke the ice with his Arctic- ited with playing a fundamental role themed collection, in which models in faux-fur winter wear and other pieces posed in front in the popularization of fashion. of a gargantuan, imported iceberg.It took six days for 35 sculptors from all around the world Famous for his propensity to use to carve out the 28-foot tall, 265-ton glacial backdrop. While knit sweaters glittered with King Louis XIV played an fashion as a vehicle to impress, King beadwork like icicles, Angora wool sweater dresses boasting white and blue tones resembled instrumental role in Louis XIV characterized it as a "mir- popularizing fashion in France. the Arctic. Adding to the sucess Lagerfeld's show, the 76-year-old designer received news ror," reflecting both the garment from French President Nicolas Sarkozy that he will be decorated as a Commander of the wearer's personal taste and class. With clothing becoming a precious French Legion of Honor for his contribution to French culture. Lagerfeld will join the ranks commodity, embellishing accents such as velvet and laces could make any with other iconic designers such as Valentino and Yves Saint-Laurent. man or woman appear fit for the royal court. In her book, The Essence of The bright splashes of color captivated the industry elites, fashion aficionados and Style,University of Pennsylvania professor Joan DeJean asserts, "When other distinguished members of the audience, as cobalt and fuchsia ensembles strutted he inherited the throne […] the Sun King set out to make both himself down the runway between the dramatic color-neutral pieces of the Yves Saint-Laurent col- and his country legendary for a sense of glamour and elegance never lection.The renowned French fashion house's designer Stefano Pilati presented a crisp and before seen." In later decades, French citizens would browse publications elegant line that featured a stark contrast of black and white.As the program noted, the fall such as Journal de la Mode et du Goût and Galerie des Modes et Costumes collection was designed with "a woman in motion" in mind, one who is dynamic, con- Français for a look at the latest clothing designs in vogue. People relied temporary and aware. Several of the models donned long,gold medallions reminiscent of on magazines such as these as sources of modern stylistic innovation, the fashion giant's designs of the 1970s, evoking the memory of the late designer whose with women and dressmakers taking their fashion cues from the pictur- creative contributions continue to inspire generations of industry leaders. esque sketches. Though trends have come and gone as the institution has For more information on French Fashion Week, please visit: evolved over the centuries, the inclination to use clothing as a visible www.modeaparis.com.

4 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Business & Technology ] UBIFRANCE FACILITATES TRANSATLANTIC BUSINESS New SNCF Train Pulls Out All the Stops large doors to account for the smooth exchange of travelers and extending walkways to bridge the gap between the doors and the platform. These features allow for a smooth acceleration of the cadences and facilitate the steady flow of traffic. The train also represents a fast track of tech- nological advancement with its LCD screens that display touristic images of the region as Select French executives will well as railway traffic updates. The train is travel to San Francisco to meet equipped with sensors that provide essential potential American collaborators. information to a diagnostic computer, which then automatically relays vital updates to main- The San Francisco chapter of tenance centers. The high-tech train can also UBIFRANCE, the French agency © TRANSILIEN SNCF / Dominique SANTROT count the number of passengers who board the committed to assisting small and midsize French companies in The sleek new Francilien integrates cutting-edge technology to train and automatically adjust the temperature facilitate commuters’ transit. international development, will accordingly. Adding to its aesthetic appeal, over host the fourth annual French Commuters gather at the Gare du Nord platform to marvel 50 percent of the train's surface area is covered in windows. Tech Tour from June 4-11 in at the latest addition to the region's rail service. With its Thanks to the train's discrete motors, which are twice as California's Silicon Valley. The round forms and bright colors, the new Francilien trains quiet as its predecessors, passengers can comfortably CEOs of 15 French startup com- represent a drastic change from the suburban trains that engage in conversation. panies will fly to the San have been operating around Paris since the 1960s. Although there are only two trains in service at the Francisco Bay area to meet with The new Francilien is designed to improve the overall moment, France's railway operator is on track to revamping potential partners, American commute of its passengers. It is equipped with a new France's rail network. By 2015, 172 new Francilien trains are startups and venture capitalists. "booster" motor that increases acceleration by 20 percent, expected to be circulating the Ile-de France region. The Tour serves as an exceptional springboard for those hoping to penetrate the American market. Since the previous 2009 confer- A New Dimension of Technology ence, six out of the 16 participat- After the record-breaking success of three-dimensional ing French companies have now established themselves in the films such as Avatar, television manufacturers and broadcast United States. companies are now shifting their attention to this lucrative © Maat 3D trend. A long-time leader in the field of animation, France This year, each company will take has implemented the technology in various fields, produc- part in a six-day program of ing Oscar laureates and other notable award recipients for intensive training and prepara- French artists savvy in digital animation. tion, focusing on interview and French telecom operator Orange has been testing 3D communication strategies with possibilities for two years by selectively broadcasting American professionals. In addi- events such as the tennis tournament Roland-Garros, box- tion, various workshops coupled ing matches and opera performances. Specifically, Canal+, with networking events will pro- vide the French executives with a a French premium pay-television channel, could be ready deeper understanding of the to launch programming that "brings screens to life" as business dynamics in the United soon as this year.The use of 3D technology is not strictly States and help enhance their limited to the entertainment sphere. For example, a group visibility outside of France. of French scientists has benefited from 3D technology in UBIFRANCE will arrange, on an its study of mummies. Instead of manually investigating individual basis, successive busi- the thousand-year-old relics, innovations in technology ness-to-business meetings have allowed scientists to scan the body and create a 3D between the French companies image without opening the sarcophagus and risking and U.S. business and corporate potential damage to the mummy. The visualization tech- development teams. To date, some of the corporate partners nology is being used to determine the identity and origins include Apple, Adobe, Google of the Champollion mummy in Figeac, France. The new 3D technology helped scientists study the mummy at and Microsoft. Not only do the movement has even caught the attention of some of the Musée Champollion in Figeac, France. French companies benefit from France's top officials. In Paris on January 18, Culture this program, Silicon Valley part- Minister Frédéric Mitterrand and Prime Minister François Fillon attended a presentation about fiber optic technology ners gain a unique glimpse into and donned 3D glasses themselves. French innovation and entrepre- The interest in the 3D movement is not limited to France alone. The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa will be the neurial spirit. focal point of 3D manufacturers and broadcasters around the world. As the 2006 World Cup brought in over 26 billion total cumulative television viewers, companies are working hard to showcase their technology on TV screens for the wide- For more information on ly celebrated event. Putting aside competition, many French specialists are collaborating with and learning from 3D experts UBIFRANCE and its services, please visit: www.ubifrance.fr. in the United States. Without a doubt, this technology will soon influence various "dimensions" of everyday life.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 5 Society "BIO-WINE" BRINGS NEW [ ] MEANING TO GREEN VARIETY Cookbook Festival Spices Up Paris

This year's Paris Cookbook Festival welcomed over 40 nationali- © TIBORFOTO.com ties in February, allowing the rich sources of culinary inspiration from gourmet aficionados to marinate all continents. The Festival offers the opportunity for professionals and the public alike to discover the many cookbooks published throughout the world. A city long renowned for its rich heritage of culinary excel- lence, Paris has continued to heat up interest in gastronomy over Organic wine is becoming the past 15 years by hosting the conference. The Paris Cookbook increasingly popular in the Festival aims to foster the transmission of tastes and knowledge, field of viticulture. the promulgation and assessments of new innovations, and a forum in which to discuss contemporary issues, such as molecu- France, the world's leading exporter in wine, has added a lar cuisine and bio-wines. new type of wine to its reper- The 4,000 works exhibited from February 12-15 tickled the taste buds of both experienced and novel enthusiasts. In addition toire. Organic wine, distinct Chef Michael Troisgros (left) was one of many from traditional varieties in the to browsing the editorial exhibitions and participating in round- culinary artists at the festival. way the grapes are cultivated, is table discussions with prominent chefs, attendees also had the emerging as a growing export in opportunity to watch culinary demonstrations and take part in wine tastings. Epicureans took delight in moments spent France. The Association among the cookbooks and chefs, whose tantalizing recipes impelled spectators to get busy cooking or to get into the Interprofessionelle des Vins kitchen and turn up the heat! Biologiques du Languedoc- Roussillon (AIVB-LR) defines these organic "bio-wines" as "wines produced without using Festival Offers an Animated History pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or GMO." Organic viticulture For the 37th year, the International the recognition for his comics, aims to promote sustainable Comics Festival Association celebrated which often portray the rebellion farming practices as the vegeta- bande dessinée (comics), also referred to and joy associated with youth. The tion cover in the winter limits as the ninth art, at the annual festival held prestigious award also carries an erosion and protects under- in Angoulême, France, in late January. appointment as president of next ground water supplies. The festival began in January 1974 with year's International Comics Festival. an exhibition named Ten Million Images, In 2009, the award went to Organic farming developed in celebrating the famous comic creators Strasbourg native Christian Hincker, France during the 1960s and blossomed in ensuing decades. from the area, consequently establishing known to most as Blutch. In 1972, the International Angoulême as the city of comics. The thousands of visitors to the Federation of the Organic During the festival, several honors festival also had the opportunity to Agriculture Movement was were awarded based on age and ability visit the National Museum of Comic formed, followed by the French for non-professionals, but the highest Strips, located in a converted paper Organic Farmers' Union in 1978 distinction at the event is the presenta- mill, featuring over 8,000 original and the French Organic tion of the Angoulême Grand Prize, drawings, including favorites such as Federation in 1979. The increase which recognizes one creator's contribu- Astérix, Peanuts, Tintin and other in the number of producers of tion to the evolution of comics. This comics from throughout history. organic wine in recent years A celebration with “character,” year, French comic strip author Hervé For more information, please reflects the growing interest in the International Comics Festival the variety. According to AIVB- Baruléa, better known as Baru, received Association brings comics to life. visit: www.bdangouleme.com. LR, organic vineyards in France jumped from 498 in 1998 to over 1,500 in 2005.

The budding excitement in the FIND FRANCE OFF THE seminated via Since the site's inception, founder BEATEN PATH... variety is not limited to France. email to fol- Fany Pechiodat has created My On the other side of the Parisians, future Parisians, lowers in a Little Lyon and My Little Marseille Atlantic, wine enthusiasts in San and anyone else with a special place newsletter for those who wish to stay in the Francisco, Washington, D.C., in their heart for the French capital every week. know about France's other promi- and Montreal were invited to sample a wide range of organic can stay up to date on the city's lat- In the weeks nent metropolises. The sites serve wines from France at the 2010 est cultural trends with the My Little preceding Paris as digital treasure maps for anyone French Organic Wine "Rendez- Paris blog. Available in both French Fashion Week looking to uncover the riches of Vous" from March 1-4. The local and English, the site aims to equip in March, My what each city has to offer. For French Trade Commissions readers both in France and abroad Little Paris more information, please visit: organized these wine tastings in with a diverse knowledge of some of Café Verlet, one offered readers www.mylittleparis.com. of Paris's hidden their respective cities with sup- the city's best-kept secrets in fashion, the opportuni- News from France does not treasures. port from UBIFRANCE, the food, home and beauty, among ty to stay cur- endorse the content, views, and French agency for international other areas of interest. New content rent with the event via the mini- opinions of authors expressed in the business development. from the site is summarized and dis- newsletter My Little Fashion Week. aforementioned Web site.

6 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Cultural Highlights ] les coups d’oeil ACTORS KNIGHTED FOR Parkour: Scaling an Urban Playground CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMEDY Running up walls has never been so exciting! The practice, considered a "com- Described as a mix of martial arts and urban plete sport," was created by acrobatics, Parkour is a natural method of Frenchman David Belle in the late training the human body to move forward 1980s as a way to release himself from quickly by making use of the urban environ- constraints and to hurdle both physi- © Farida Bréchemier/MCC ment, and of training the mind to be free from cal and mental obstacles. Belle has Min. Mitterrand (center) honored physical obstacles. The movement, an impres- taken his passion to the silver screen, as McGregor (left) and Carrey. sive stunt to spectators,seeks efficiency and con- he stars in French director Luc The honor bestowed upon actors Jim trol. Parkour was showcased in the opening Besson's recently released film District Carrey and Ewan McGregor by French chase scene of the James Bond film Casino 13: Ultimatum,a follow-up to his 2004 Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand Royale, as Bond himself chases the adept fugi- ock/American Parkour hit,District B13;both set in the Parisian oor on February 1 is no laughing matter. tive by scaling the scaffolding of a construction suburbs. Parkour has developed The Hollywood stars received the site and fighting while dangling from danger- throughout the world with several Insignes de Chevalier dans l'Ordre des ous heights. Aside from these elaborate growing regional groups in Canada, Arts et des Lettres as a recognition of Courtesy:Mark T Hollywood-inspired chase runaway scenes, the Brazil,Australia and various U.S. cities. their lifetime contribution to comedy. Parkour artist Paul Mederos performs the The prestigious award is given to those essence of Parkour emphasizes the values of art at Georgetown University. With the release of the first Parkour social responsibility, community integration video game, the art gains more global who have impacted France and the and mutual respect, while practitioners of the art, known as attention and has been featured in music videos and advertise- world through significant work in the arts or literature. This February, the traceurs,are encouraged to abide by the law in their agile pursuits. ments, including clips for Nike Air and Sprite. actors were hailed by Minister Mitterrand as "the two complimenta- Technology Bridges International Borders ry faces of the comedic genius." The Culture Minister commented that the As technology plays an increasing role in the realm of international to create a stars stand on opposite ends of the relations, its importance is also extending the field of global educa- joint Web site. comedy spectrum, with Carrey repre- tion.On February 24,French Ambassador to the United States Pierre The students senting an "art constituted by an Vimont, along with education officials from the Académie de Lyon are already extraordinary presence, by a truculence and Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro,signed taking advan- that practically reaches exuberance," an agreement to promote educational ties between France and the tage of the while McGregor is able to hold an audience's attention through "an United States. The Memorandum of Understanding encourages high-spe e d economy of means and a concentra- cooperation between educators and students in the city of Lyon, internet tech- tion of effects" which characterize his France, and the state of Missouri, U.S. Taking place at the Missouri nology, and quieter acting style. Carrey has starred History Museum, the historic signing was streamed live via Skype have been in hits such as The Mask, Ace Ventura communication software to officials in France. exchanging pictures and news about their hometowns with and Yes Man, while McGregor has With communication technology such as Skype, educa- each other. Commissioner Nicastro emphasized that this most notably acted in Star Wars and tion is no longer limited to the physical boundaries of one accord will reinforce the academic exposure many students other well-known films such as Moulin classroom. Ambassador Vimont observed that, "In today's in Missouri gain to French via their school's foreign lan- Rouge. This year, the two recipients will world, where globalization is not just a word but a way of guage instruction, while this agreement will also allow the join each other in I Love You Phillip life, it is more essential than ever to develop cooperation in students of the schools that do not offer French "to have Morris, a film about a police officer who reassesses his life after a dramatic event. K-12 and higher education and also to expand the interna- some experience with foreign language and culture that tional dimension of teaching." Students in Jefferson City, broadens their horizons and introduces them to the global ROMANTIC OPERA COMES TO THE Missouri, are collaborating with their counterparts in Lyon society." BASTILLE The Opéra Bastille, located in the heart of Paris, opened its curtains last month to Jules Massenet's 1892 opera, Centre Pompidou-Metz Prepares for Grand Opening Werther. The opera is based on the original Centre Pompidou spirit, concomitantly boasting its "twin novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, regional and European identity […] born from a vision of inte- written by German author and poly- grating European growth, globalization in the arts, and the evolu- math Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1774. This specific performance was tion of French society." first staged by French director Benoît The Centre Pompidou-Metz unites two resolutely forward- Jacquot for the Covent Garden in looking institutions, the original Centre Pompidou and the Metz London in 2004. Werther tells the Metropole region, through the new museum's extensive collection story of a poet who falls in love with a of 59,000 pieces. The modern institution also provides the oppor- married woman and reveals his emo- tunity for visitors to explore the area as a meeting point between tions through a profuse letter-writing © Centre Pompidou-Metz the city itself and the wider European community. campaign, which she reads and Centre Pompidou-Metz is preparing for its grand According to Alain Seban, president of the Centre Pompidou, rereads. Just as she confronts the situa- opening. "Arts policy has featured strongly in Metz's development for many tion, tragedy ensues. A shining cast of Paris's Centre Pompidou eagerly awaits the opening of its counter- years, and the city has demonstrated remarkable energy and stars at the Bastille breathes new light into this classic, featuring German part in northeastern France this May.A complement to the origi- unwavering determination in this area." The inaugural exhibition tenor Jonas Kaufmann, French mezzo- nal home of modern and contemporary creation, the Centre ofthe Centre Pompidou-Metz titled Masterpieces? will examine the soprano Sophie Koch, and French bari- Pompidou-Metz will represent the extended expression of the concept of a masterpiece; what it is and who decides. tone Ludovic Tézier.

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