Cultural Services | French Embassy in the US

Today is World Press Freedom Day! World Press Freedom Day was established in 1993 by the United Nations to mark the duty of governments worldwide to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. Freedom of the press has been championed for hundreds of years in both France and the US, with the protection of the press guaranteed in the French Press Law of 1881 (also known as the Lisbon Law) and under the First Amendment of the American Constitution. Thanks to France’s... freedom of the press, Émile Zola was able to publish his famous J’accuse letter in L’Aurore newspaper in 1898. : The Wall Street Journal #PressFreedomDay

In March, we worked with Unity, Games For Change, and the Consulat Général de France à Québec to host the first virtual Cross Cultural Impact Jam! It brought together 70 student developers from Canada, France, Senegal, and the United States to explore how to present social issues and address diversity and inclusion in gaming, looking at the theme Amplifying Voices. Learn more about the jam and see the incredible games put together by the participants: https://bit.ly/3sX3Ond

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, and we’re kicking it off by revisiting a yoga practice and philosophy talk with Simon Critchely from the 2018 Night of Philosophy and Ideas at the Brooklyn Public Library. Put on some comfy clothes, roll out your mat, and join us for some mindfulness: https://bit.ly/3sUi6VN #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #Yoga

From May 5-9, don’t miss a solo presentation by French artist Annette Messager for Frieze New York, presented by Marian Goodman Gallery. Messager will present Petite Babylone, 2019, a floor installation that shows a fin du monde scenario, and a new series of drawings and effigies inspired by history, from Constructivism and Brancusi to Oscar Schlemmer and Giacometti. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3gCQW2X

Voting is now live for the 2021 #PrixAlbertineJeunesse! We’ve selected a shortlist of 10 outstanding works of Francophone youth literature that are available in English translation, for kids age 3-14. Over the next few days, we’ll be introducing the nominees, so stay tuned to learn more! Already know your favorite? Vote now: https://bit.ly/2PHgaCq

Paris’s Arc de Triomphe is located on the Place de l’Étoile, an intersection of 12 avenues, including the Champs Elysées. If you go to the top of the Arc, you can see the Étoile (star) from a bird’s eye view. Patrick Mondiano’s novel La Place de l’Étoile takes its name from this intersection, and the story follows a Jewish Frenchman during World War II. #FrenchBookTravel

French film I Lost My Body (2019) is the story of a severed hand searching throughout Paris for its body. Available for streaming on Netflix, it was nominated at the 2020 Oscars and won the César for Best Animated Film. #SundayatHome

Happy Halloween! Today’s #FrenchExpression is un déguisement, or costume. Amélie is going as Zorro, who are you dressing up as tonight?

Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique, a French department and island located in the Caribbean. The area is known for its beautiful architecture, picturesque beaches, and stunning natural landscape. In his novel Texaco, however, Patrick Chamoiseau explores Martinique’s complex and painful history through its effects on a family near Fort-de-France.

Bon anniversaire to French writer Édouard Louis! In 2014, Louis became a household name with his autobiographical novel The End of Eddy, and his subsequent works History of Violence and Who Killed My Father were praised for realistically depicting sexual violence and the hardships of the working class. Through his writing, Louis exposes flaws in our culture and also humanizes the victims of our political systems.

Dear Emily in Paris, The French may enjoy a good pause café and would rather work to live than live to work, but if no one showed up to work before 10:30AM, how would you buy your morning croissant? Behind that sacred pastry is a boulanger who is up by 3 and ready to go by 5! No slackers here! ;) #NewMusicFriday Looking for music that will transport you to the City of Lights? Alter K has curated a playlist of songs featured in #EmilyinParis, including music by Husbands, Isabelle Pierre, and more! Listen here: https://spoti.fi/3oE9VvS

French comedy Call My Agent! follows three ambitious but overworked agents at a Paris talent firm. To celebrate the release of the new season on November 4, here is Arlette and her dog Jean Gabin for #FrenchPetFriday

The theme of this week's edition of our French Streams with Telescope Film is "Paris, je t'aime." Stream these films if you’re experiencing wanderlust, already missing the beautiful backdrop of Emily in Paris or simply want to be transported to the City of Lights! The Red Balloon (1956) by Albert Lamorisse The Lovely Month of May (1963) by Pierre Lhomme Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962) by Agnès Varda... Flight of the Red Balloon (2007) by Hou Hsiao-hsien The Lovers on the Bridge (1991) by Leos Carax See more

Today’s #FrenchExpression is tenez-moi au courant, which is the French expression of keep me in the loop. If you’ve ever watched Call My Agent!, you’ve probably heard this one!

Here’s an easy look to put together for #FrenchHalloween: Isabelle from The Dreamers! Celebrate from home as everyone’s favorite French free spirit by pairing a red beret with a blue dress. When social distancing measures are no longer necessary, wear this outfit while running through the Louvre for the full effect!

Happy #NationalChocolateDay! Good news: French dark chocolate is actually good for your health! Although it is the least sweetened chocolate in the world and is good for your heart and digestion, it is no less delicious! To celebrate, here is a delicious chocolate cake recipe from French chef Dominique Ansel, known for his cronuts and cookie shots: https://bit.ly/3olFXfS

Dear Emily in Paris, Even though France has some of the best wine on the planet, there can be side effects to drinking it at any time of day (especially during work hours!). But we strongly suggest a good old café crème on the terrace, or waiting for l’apéro!

The 2020 Tournées Film Festival has officially launched! Between October 28 and November 10th, universities across the United States can apply for the exciting opportunity to virtually showcase a unique selection of classic and contemporary films within their academic communities. Some prefer dramas and some prefer thrillers, but if one thing’s unanimous, this year’s selection is stellar! Learn more at https://bit.ly/37Q4OCD and explore a dazzling collection of films to feature at your virtual festival.