23 February 2011
BEIRUT: The Culture Ministry in cooperation with the embassies of France, Canada, and Switzerland launched the “Month of the Francophonie” in Lebanon during a joint news conference held at the ministry’s headquarters in Hamra Tuesday.
“Despite the difficult circumstances Lebanon is experiencing at the moment, the Culture Ministry was keen on launching the activities of the Month of the Francophonie in order to reaffirm Lebanon’s attachment to its francophone identity, which is a wonderful instrument of intercultural dialogue,” said caretaker Culture Minister Salim Wardy.
Over a period of five weeks starting March 1, concerts, films and exhibitions of French-speaking artists will be taking place nationwide, with cultural events planned in the capital but also in Baalbeck, Deir al-Qamar, Jounieh, Sidon, Tripoli, Tyre, and Zahle.
“This year’s program is eclectic and diverse, and testifies to the vital nature of the francophone culture vitality here in Lebanon,” Wardy added.
The opening event, a poetry slam show, will take place Tuesday March 1 at the Montaigne Theatre, in Beirut.
“We wanted to have this year as many entertaining and creative events as possible, targeting the general public,” French Ambassador Denis Pietton said, adding there will be events for children, students and families.
Contests revolving around the French language and culture will also take place. One will involve schools across the country, while another will test some 10,000 Lebanese Army soldiers’ knowledge of the French language and culture.
Canadian Ambassador Hilary Childs-Adams said she was “particularly proud” of presenting the Oscar-nominated movie “Incendies,” an adaptation of a play by Lebanese-Canadian director Wajdi Mouawad.
This movie is “not only about the civil war in Lebanon but also about the impact of this war in Lebanon and countries like Canada, where there is a very big Lebanese diaspora,” the ambassador said. – Marie Dhumieres
Copyright The Daily Star 2011.
