Events - Edimbourg Francais: Edinburgh's French Conversation Group

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Tuesday, October 24, 2006

This week: so much to do, so little time...

This week, francophonie is being showcased in a big way with a series of fabulous African films showcased at The Filmhouse! (some are partly in French, others are in various Agrican languages: wolof, arabe, etc.)


Make sure that you also check out the Disco Bidochons free event next Monday - good times are sure back with this fab club!


Lise xox


Tuesday 24 October ::: 9-11pm
MEET PEOPLE ::: French/English @The World on Thistle Street
- come and practise your French or your English with friendly native speakers....
Where? The World on Thistle Street
How much? FREE!


Wednesday 25 October ::: 6.00
FILM ::: Marie Antoinette



(12A) Coppola Jr follows her much lauded ’Lost in Translation’ with a punky biography of the misunderstood Queen of France, adapted from Antonia Fraser’s book on the subject. A daring and bold attempt to rework formulaic staid costume dramas or a feature-length pop promo that reaches new depths of shallowness? You decide.


US (2006)
Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn
Sofia Coppola
Duration: 122 mins.


Web: www.sonypictures.com/movies/marieantoinette/
 
Where? Well, it’s a bit like the Scarlet Pimpernel: here, there, and everywhere...
When ? Same as above, for a time at least.....
How much? That would depend on where and when... Check out The List for details.....


Wednesday 25 October ::: 6.00
FILM ::: Touki Bouki



(15) With a title that translates as ’The Hyena’s Journey2, this Senegalese offering follows two children on an odyssey towards the promised land of Western riches in France. Director Mambety has explained that it’s ’about Africans sick with the idea of Europe, Africans who consider that Europe is the door of Africa and that it’s necessary to have been there in order to be able to come back and be highly thought of’.
Senegal (1973)
Magaye Niang, Mareme Niang, Aminata Fall, Ousseynou Diop
Djibril Diop-Mambety
Duration: 85 mins.


Where? The Filmhouse
When ? Wednesday 25 October ::: 6.00pm
How much? erm, Filmhouse prices I guess.....
   
Thursday 26 October ::: on opening times of the French Institute
EXHIBITION ::: Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
Have a look at an interesting exhibition, currently on at the French Institute:



The Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop invites us to view a selection of works from
the European Biennal of Contemporary Art, which took place in Nîmes, on 1-14
July 2006, under the title “Taboo or not taboo”. After a European tour, the IFE
exhibition will give the public the opportunity to discover the work of artists
from France, Scotland, Lithuania and Poland in the fields of sculpture,
photography and contemporary video.


Where? The French Institute, Randolph Crescent
When ? Wednesday 25 October ::: 6.00pm
How much? Hey, it’s free!.


Friday 27 October ::: 3.30pm & 6.00pm
FILM ::: Waiting For Happiness / Heremakono



Abderrahmane Sissako | Mauritania/France 2002 | 1h35m | 35mm | French and Hassianya with English subtitles | PG
Cast: Khatra Ould Abdel Kader, Maata Ould Mohamed Abeid, Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mohamed, Nana Kiakite, Fatimetou Mint Ahmeda.


A sleep-walking, introverted youth, an elderly electrician who can’t make lights come on, and a child worker who likes to sing are some of the inhabitants of Nouadhibou, a costal town on the edge of the Mauritian desert.



Abdullah arrives to visit his mother before leaving for Europe. He hardly knows the local language, can’t communicate with the place and the people he came from, and doesn’t want to try. Yet he becomes increasingly involved in the lives of the inhabitants of this strange and unfamiliar world. Sissako’s film is so visually beautiful it almost hurts your eyes; so poignant you can feel it pull at your heart. A vivid examination of the conflict between progress and tradition, Waiting For Happiness is more about those who leave than those who stay. They leave by train, by boat, on foot and by death.


This screening is sponsored by the Departments of Film & Media, English and Languages, at the University of Stirling.


Where? The Filmhouse
When ? Friday 27 Oct ::: 3.30pm & 6.00pm
How much? erm, Filmhouse prices I guess.....


Saturday 28 Oct :: 1.15pm
FILM :: Abouna / Our Father



Mahamat-Saleh Haroun | Chad/France/Netherlands 2002 | 1h24m | 35mm | French and Arabic with English subtitles | PG
Cast: Liamza Moctar Agud, Ahidjo Mahamat Moussa, Hamza Moctar Aguid.


Stunning, both visually and emotionally, Abouna is a story about family. Two young brothers look for their missing father only to find him where they least expect to. Their hunt takes them on a journey of love, loyalty and loss.


Taking place in director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s native country Chad, the landscape and the characters in Abouna form a breathtaking combination of picturesque aesthetics and unmitigated sincerity.


Where? The Filmhouse
When ? Saturday 28 Oct :: 1.15pm
How much? erm, Filmhouse prices I guess.....


Monday 30 October :: 1.15pm
MUSIC ::: Edinburgh Quartet - Edinburgh concerts 2006-2007
Thomas Erskine, Earl of Kelly String Quartet in A
Haydn String Quartet in G, Opus 54 No 1
Fauré Elegie Op 24
Fauré Piano Quartet in c minor Op15
(with Jill Morton, piano)


Where? All concerts will be held in Stockbridge Parish Church, Saxe-Coburg Street,
Edinburgh
When ? Monday 30 October :: 7.30pm
How much? Ticket prices: £10, £7 conc, £2 students and schoolchildren (including a free glass of wine or soft drink). To book: The Queen’s Hall Box Office, tel: 0131 668 2019.....


Monday 30 October :: from 10pm
CLUB :::
DISCO BIDOCHONS



"La Disco Bidochons est de retour le lundi 30 Ocotobre. Pour les novices, c’est une soirée francophone en boite, environ tous les 2 mois. Ca se passe au Red Vodka Club, 73 the Cowgate, de 22h à 3h, entrée gratuite, boissons pas chères, et on a meme du ricard et de la chartreuse. Pour plus d’infos ou pour toutes suggestions, contactez moi thierry.dullieux@netcourrier.com"


Where? Red Vodka Club, 73 the Cowgate
When ? Monday 30 October :: 10pm-3am
How much? Free, and also, cheap drinks!...


Things to look forward to.... Yeepee!!!


10 Nov: 7.30 >>> Royal Scottish National Orchestra: A French Collection
Stéphane Denève directs Dame Felicity Lott in a series of sensual French works: Dukas’ ’La Péri’, etc... @ Usher Hall, 0131 228 1155 - £10-£28 (concessions available) 
Tue 14 Nov only >>> Bob le flambeur / Bob the Gambler
Melville’s famous film is showcased at the Filmhouse!
Fri 17 to Sun 19 Nov >>> Le Cercle rouge / The Red Circle
Another Melville’s work, with Delon, Montand, Bourvil... @ The Filmhouse
Thursday 23 November at 6.30pm >>> Philippe Meyer Event
@ the Institut Français d’Ecosse - Admission Free - Tel.: 0131 225 5366 - contact@ifecosse.org.uk
Writer, journalist, satirist, actor, director, animator, researcher and teacher of social sciences, all barely adequate to describe Philippe Meyer, as he has many strings to his bow. Among his investigations, he has studied the mysteries of the city of Paris through, on the one hand, a show called “Paris la Grande” based on texts and songs illustrating life in the capital and, on the other hand, a book under the same title. Not to be missed by those in love, the curious and the sceptical of the “ville lumière” and a must for the fans of Philippe Meyer!
22 Nov: 6.00 >>> The Watson Gordon Lecture: Caroline Elam
Roger Fry was Britain’s leading art critic in the first half of the 20th century. Caroline Elam will explore his journey from scholarship in Italian quattrocento art, to Post-Impressionism and modern French painting. @ National Gallery of Scotland: Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, 0131 624 6200 - Free
Fri 1 to Sun 3 Dec >>> Du Rififi chez les hommes @ The Filmhouse
Thursday 7 December at 6pm >>> Lecture by Joëlle Pagès-Pindon: "Marguerite Duras, a myth, an opera" (also Friday 8 December at 5.45pm - Filmhouse: presentation and screening of “Hiroshima, mon amour”)
Marguerite Duras, a major figure of the 20th century French literary scene remains, a decade after her death, a controversial character. Her minimal novels and to her activities in theatre, film, and journalism have given her both a national and an international notoriety. This lecture will offer an opportunity to rediscover an outstanding personality. The following evening, the Filmhouse will screen “Hiroshima, mon amour”, a film by Alain Renais on a scenario and the dialogues of Marguerite Duras, of course!
14 Feb 2007: 2.15 >>> France in America
Alison McCleery explores the little-known French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. @ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre, 0131 247 4219 - £6; free for students and RSGS members 

Marché Français

Information fournie par le site d’Edimbourg Accueil: Marché Français - Edimbourg accueil



Frederick street - le 1er Novembre 2006


C’est le moment d’acheter du fromage et du saucisson !!! Marché français sur Castle street du jeudi 23 novembre au dimanche 26 novembre [10h à 20h] Vente de produits français, fromage, chocolats, vêtements, accesssoires...


A suivre.....

Monday, October 23, 2006

31 October - Samhuinn festival

OK OK it's not French, but... it looks like good fun!
More info on the Festival and Beltane's activities

"Come all and witness the ancient Celtic Samhuinn festival! It was the
Celtic New Year, the Day of the Dead, and marked the beginning of
winter. It was the time of year when the veil between this world and
the next, between mortality and infinity, was at its thinnest and
spirits were said to roam the lands...

Come and celebrate, feast and carouse in our procession of fire,
drumming, music and performance art! See the fight between waning
Summer and the growing darkness of Winter!

The Samhuinn procession begins from the Castle at 9 pm and ends up on
the Mound (beside the National Galleries) for performances on the
stage. It is presented by the Beltane Fire Society, a not for profit
organisation run by volunteers, the event is free but to keep it free
they rely on donations from the public on the night, so if you see
someone shaking a bucket near you, give them some change please."

There are also after-parties but I am not sure where, as have got conflicting info: either The Bongo Club or Cabaret Voltaire. Or maybe both. Who knows? (add in comments if you do! ta!)

All proceeds go the Beltane Fire Society

Création d’un Chœur Mixte – French Choir

All levels accepted – beginners welcome.
Concert de Noël le 6 décembre 2006. / Christmas concert: 6 December 2006
Répétitions tous les mardis au théâtre de l’Institut Français. Rehearsals – every Tuesdays in the Theatre of the French Institute

Renseignements et inscriptions: 225 5366 or courses@ifecosse.org.uk

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Edimbourg Accueil - Plus d'infos

Je vous parlais d'Edimbourg Accueil la semaine derniere car cette nouvelle association organisait un cocktail d'accueil le 2 octobre.


De quoi s’agit-il en effet? J’ai reussi a contacter la Presidente de l’Association, qui m’a explique de quoi il s’agissait:


C'est un groupe qui s'adresse aux francophones (pas seulement aux Francais) mais qui est seulement ouvert aux personnes/familles bilingues.


Ils organisent:



  • 'coffee mornings',

  • activites diverses et variees (sorties ballet, ateliers cuisine....)

  • cocktails

  • barbecues

Aspects positifs:


C’est une initiative interessante pour les nouveaux arrivants. Geree et organisee uniquement par des volontaires deja installes sur Edimbourg depuis au moins un an, cette assoce est liee officieusement au Consulat Francais.


Ils semblent dynamiques, et prets a organiser toutes sortes de choses.


Negatif:


Personnellement cela me semble un peu exclusif, dans la mesure ou l’assoce n’a pas vocation d’integrer des apprenants de francais ecossais (alors que cela pourrait etre utile pour une integration efficace des francophones au sein de la societe ecossaise).


Ca a aussi un petit cote ’morningside’ qui ne plaira sans doute pas a tout le monde...


En bref: c'est une association a suivre. Je posterai des que je l'aurai recue la brochure qu'ils ont confectionnee.


(j’ai pas le temps de traduire ca en anglais aujourd’hui... Desolee... et puis desolee aussi pour l’absence d’accents: j’utilise un nouveau protocole de publication et j’ai pas encore trouve ou etaient les accents...)


Lise x


edilang


frenchedinburgh2


Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Talented Students....

My students are incredibly talented! And here is just another example of a lovely young actress who is taking part in a production of 'Kiss me Kate'.

Yes, I know it's not French, but... just you wait!!!

Go on, you know you want to run and watch this fantastic play !!!
It's on until Saturday!!!



Monday, October 02, 2006

Tomorrow the World will be my oyster

... well, not literally as am sadly allergic to real life oysters!
:-)

Anyway, will go to the World pub on Tuesday 3 October, so please do come along if you want to meet me, and speak French in a relaxed environment.

It's all free and has been in existence for the past 13-14 years (the group was started by students from the French Institute who felt they wanted to get a bit more out of their weekly lesson).

One cannot help but admire the (free!) initiative, and the fact it's been going for so long (mainly thanks to one of the organisers, John, who is present almost every week!)

Anyway, the meeting starts at 9pm, and normally lasts until 11pm... I will try and be there myself for 9.30pm or 9.45pm as am teaching before.

Do drop me a line if you want!

THE WORLD:::: Thistle Street (between Hanover and Frederick Street)

Lise

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Free: Aperitif, French conversation, Concert...

Monday 2 October: Apéritif
A new association aimed at integrating French people in Edinburgh has been created in August. It is linked to FIAFE, and they are organising an Aperitif, in the French Institute. More info here!
Where? French Institute
How much? FREE!

Tuesday 3 October, 9-11pm
French/English @The World on Thistle Street - come and practise your French or your English with friendly native speakers....
Where? The World on Thistle Street
How much? FREE!

Wednesday 4 October: 7.30pm
The Gipsy Kings: "The legendary French band return to keep the flamenco tradition flying."
Where? Edinburgh Playhouse
How much? £36.50

Thursday 5 October: 6.30pm
MARIONAS (concert)
Gordon Ferries is musical director of the Baroque ensemble Symphonie des
Plaisirs and he teaches lute and guitar. This concert is an opportunity to
discover period instruments used in baroque compositions, as well as
French and Spanish, with dancing accents borrowed from mediterranean
music.
Where? French Institute
How much? Entry free

EXHIBITIONS::::::

Toulouse-Lautrec and the Art Nouveau Poster
"A display of French poster prints, spanning from the Romantic period to the start of the Art Nouveau movement, including 15 works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec."
When? Until 22 October
Where? City Art Centre
How much? £5 (£3.50-£14 family)

To look forward to in October and December:

Wednesday, October 18 at 8:30 PM

Au Bar in Edinburgh (map)

20 Oct: 12.45
Travel and Study: George Reid in Holland and France
"Dr John Morrison examines George Reid's travels to Utrecht, The Hague and Paris between 1866 and 1871."
Weston Link
Free

24 Oct: 7.00
Phoenix: "Groovy French popsters who marry the best of 70s pop with a club sensibility."
The Arches (Glasgow)
£12

24 Oct: 12.45
Painting Idleness: Boudin in Normandy and the South of France
"A talk on Boudin's paintings of tourists on the Normandy Coast by Frances Fowle."
Weston Link
Free

30 October
Disco Bidochons
"La Disco Bidochons est de retour le lundi 30 Ocotobre. Pour les novices, c'est une soirée francophone en boite, environ tous les 2 mois. Ca se passe au Red Vodka Club, 73 the Cowgate, de 22h à 3h, entrée gratuite, boissons pas chères, et on a meme du ricard et de la chartreuse. Pour plus d'infos ou pour toutes suggestions, contactez moi thierry.dullieux@netcourrier.com
"

14 Dec: 7.30
Scottish Chamber Orchestra: The Old Rivalry
"A comparison of dance music and symphonies from France and England featuring the composers Rebel, Charpentier, Haydn, Handel and Purcell by director and harpsichordist Richard Egarr."
More info: www.sco.org.uk
Queen's Hall
£8-£24 (£6-£18)

Lise

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