Le French Festival promises something for everyone

The highly anticipated Le French Festival 2024 (LFF 2024) makes its grand return to Malaysia starting May 29th. This vibrant celebration of French culture, lasting until July 14th, aims to unite Malaysian and French communities through its core values of Sport, Family, and Inclusivity. Co-organised by the Alliance Française de Malaisie and the Embassy of France in Malaysia, this year’s festival will journey through Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kuching.

For its 22nd edition, Le French Festival promises an exciting lineup of events and activities designed to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds. This year’s theme, strongly influenced by the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, places a significant emphasis on sports. From cinema and digital art to photography, painting, music, dance, theatre, and gastronomy, the festival offers something for everyone.

YAM Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, President of Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur, shared her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to be back once again to light up Malaysia with our 22nd edition of Le French Festival 2024. This year Le French Festival celebrates exciting cross-cultural programmes…. It’s going to be a thrilling fusion of sports, culture, and entertainment. This year’s Le French Festival will kick off from May 29th all the way up to July 14th Bastille Day for our closure. You won’t want to miss all the fun and action”

Cinema: A Cinematic Feast

Partnering with GSC, Le French Festival 2024 brings an exciting lineup of French films to Malaysian audiences. From May 30th to July 7th, 16 carefully curated movies will grace the screens of GSC cinemas across the country. Featuring diverse genres and themes, including sports, family, and adventure, these films promise to captivate viewers of all ages and backgrounds. Highlights include beloved classics like “The Three Musketeers: Milady” and family-friendly animations such as “Epic Tails” and “The Little Nicholas.” Additionally, sports-themed films like “Final Set” and “A Chance To Win” echo the spirit of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, offering audiences an immersive cinematic experience.

Among the festival’s highlights is the Le Petit Workshop, featuring a screening of the beloved animation “Le Petit Nicolas” followed by an engaging workshop session. This event on Saturday, June 15th, promises a delightful blend of entertainment and learning for all ages, with opportunities to explore animation techniques and unleash creativity. Additionally, on July 3rd, audiences can enjoy a screening of “Ola Bola,” a film depicting Malaysia’s soccer team journey into the 80s Olympics Game, followed by an exchange session at Alliance Francaise de KL, offering insights into the film’s narrative and themes.

A Rich Program of Performing Arts

Le French Festival 2024’s performing arts segment offers a diverse lineup, with the upcoming Euroasia Sinfonia Concert themed ‘Fêtes Galantes’ on June 8 at the Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur. This concert harmonizes with the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics theme, featuring selections from composers like Reynaldo Hahn, Francis Poulenc, and Rossini, tying the celebration to sports and elegance. The following day, June 9, a special concert for kids, Bijoux Français III, will enchant young audiences with classic French compositions from Debussy to Saint-Saëns, promising an evening of musical mastery.

In addition to classical music, the festival will feature dynamic performances like Marsu on Stage on June 19 at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC). Marsu, known for their original hits and renditions of French classics, promises a night of infectious rhythms and soul-stirring melodies, blending contemporary pop with the timeless charm of French music. Music enthusiasts can also look forward to Fête de la Musique on June 23 at Titiwangsa Lake Park, celebrating the universal language of music with live performances and a spirit of togetherness.

Theatre lovers are in for a treat with KLSP’s adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s The Story of Cyrano de Bergerac, running from June 27 to June 29 at DPAC. This bilingual production combines English and French, offering a unique theatrical experience and an opportunity for French language learners to expand their vocabulary. The festival also presents Breaking Battles on June 30, featuring French DJ T-Sia and Malaysian breakdancers like Lego Sam, promising an electrifying evening of rhythm, energy, and jaw-dropping moves.

Visual Arts: Capturing Moments

In the realm of visual arts, Le French Festival 2024 offers two captivating exhibitions set to dazzle spectators. First, on June 4th, Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur invites patrons to delve into the realm of athleticism and artistry with the unveiling of Serge Périchon’s photography exhibition, ‘Pour la beauté du geste’. Through his lens, Périchon skillfully captures the essence of sports, portraying the grace, strength, and determination of athletes in action, promising an immersive experience that celebrates the passion and dedication of sporting endeavors.

Following this, on July 10th, French and Canadian visual artist Jack Cave will transport attendees into a captivating universe inspired by the world of comics at his exhibition launch, ‘Jack Cave at the Intergalactic Games’. Known for his innovative approach and transformative artistry, Cave’s previous contributions have garnered widespread acclaim, promising an evening filled with cosmic wonder and artistic brilliance. Both exhibitions offer free entry and promise to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Participative Activities: Engaging the Community

Participative Activities at Le French Festival 2024 offer a dynamic range of events catering to various interests and age groups. The “Little Champions” event provides young adventurers aged 7 to 12 with a morning of excitement and fun-filled challenges, culminating in a special breakdance performance. Sports enthusiasts can test their knowledge at the Sports Quiz on June 5th, while music lovers can join the Karaoke in French session on June 12th for a night of singing iconic French songs.

For those interested in breaking dance, DJ-T Sia will lead a professional breaking class on June 29th, promising an energetic exploration of the art form. Additionally, attendees can participate in the AFKL Fun Run & Flea Market on July 7th and celebrate French National Day on July 14th, ensuring a diverse and engaging festival experience for all.

Gastronomy: A Feast for the Senses

Indulge in a gastronomic journey at Le French Festival 2024 with an array of tantalizing activities. Join the “Fine Wine Meets Fencing” event at Le Gourmandin, Solaris Dutamas, on Saturday, June 22, where seasoned fencers and wine enthusiasts alike can revel in the artistry of fencing while enjoying a classy wine tasting. Delight your taste buds with top-notch wines handpicked to complement the exhilaration of friendly matches.

Additionally, immerse yourself in the artistry of French baking and pastry at PAUL’s exclusive workshops, where you’ll master the techniques of artisan bread and delectable pastries under expert guidance. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your culinary skills and savor the rich flavors of French cuisine. For an enchanting culinary experience, join Delia Wines & Bistro for a Wines Pairing Dinner on June 14th, where authentic French cuisine will be expertly paired with exquisite wines, promising a five-course dining extravaganza that celebrates the best of French culinary traditions.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration of French culture and its vibrant fusion with Malaysian traditions. For more details on Le French Festival 2024, visit Le French Festival on Facebook or the Alliance Française de Malaisie website.