Spring Programming at the French Institute Alliance Française |
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New York, NY (April 10, 2019)— The US premiere of an acclaimed theatrical adaptation, an immersive exhibition created out of recycled and high-tech materials, screenings of two new French films, and a cross-cultural talk celebrating French icons are highlights this spring at the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF). As New York’s premier French cultural and language center, FIAF is dedicated to presenting innovative works and ideas by inspiring artists and thinkers from all over the Francophone world. The next several months offer engaging programs in Florence Gould Hall, its first-floor gallery, and the intimate Skyroom. At the center of FIAF’s spring season is The Heart, a one-night-only presentation of the award-winning French play adapted from Maylis de Kerangal’s best-selling novel, Réparer les vivants. Starring and directed by Emmanuel Noblet, FIAF’s presentation on May 8 marks the 300th performance of this theatrical gem, a poetic interpretation of a 24-hour race against time to successfully transplant a human heart. On view from May 1 to June 1 in the FIAF Gallery, the exhibition Fabrications presents the work of Elodie Blanchard, a multifaceted French-born artist currently working in New York. Employing materials from threads and fibers to recycled cloth and high-tech textiles, Blanchard creates whimsical and inviting environments for viewers to explore. In conjunction with this show she will also offer a pair of art-making workshops for families. Continuing its collaboration with Focus on French Cinema, FIAF will present the closing evening of the 2019 festival with a pair of new French comedies on Tuesday, April 30. Les Invisibles (2018), at 4pm, has been wildly successful in France for its humorous yet sensitive look at a women’s shelter on the verge of closing. Screening at 7:30pm, L’Amour flou (2018) documents the conscious uncoupling of a once romantic relationship. A closing party and reception follows. This spring also offers an intimate luncheon celebrating Art and Wine at Versailles. Château de Versailles director Catherine Pégard and owner of Château Mouton Rothschild Philippe de Rothschild will discuss their institutions’ shared legacy of commissioning some of the greatest artists of their time. Several of Château de Rothschild’s unparalleled wines will be served with lunch. Tickets to these events can be purchased at fiaf.org. A chronological listing of events follows. |
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FIAF:Talks Honoring more than 400 years of art, wine, and the Château de Versailles, Catherine Pégard, president of the Château de Versailles, and Philippe de Rothschild, owner of Château Mouton Rothschild, will join for an intimate conversation and luncheon delving into the cultural history of this iconic landmark. Philippe de Montebello, Director Emeritus of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will moderate. This talk centers around the recent creation of Mouton Rothschild's limited edition Versailles Celebration cases, featuring labels designed by five celebrated contemporary artists who have exhibited at the palace: Jeff Koons, Giuseppe Penone, Anish Kapoor, Bernar Venet, and Lee Ufan. The cases will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York on May 4 to raise funds for the restoration of the Château de Versailles. Château Mouton Rothschild 2005 and Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild 2010 will be served with lunch. More information is available here |
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FOCUS ON FRENCH CINEMA 2019 INVISIBLES (LES INVISIBLES) — 4pm When a town in France decides to close a homeless shelter for women, the social workers have only three months to help the residents get back on their feet and reintegrate into society. Inspired by a book and documentary by author/filmmaker Claire Lajeune, director Louis-Julien Petit cast well-known comedic actors alongside nonprofessional ones, including a few women who appeared in Lajeune’s film. The result is a story that humorously honors the resiliency of the human spirit while poignantly bringing attention to an underserved community. More information is available here. IN THE MOVE FOR LOVE(L’AMOUR FLOU) and After 10 years together, two children, and a dog, Romane and Philippe find that they have fallen out of love. But they still love each other. Rather than separate completely, they decide to build a “separtment”: two distinct living spaces connected through the children’s room. A play on the phrase l’amour fou, crazy love, (which was also the title of a 1969 Jacques Rivette film), L’Amour Flou translates to uncertain love, which Romane and Philippe navigate with comedic flair. Obscuring fact and fiction, it stars the real-life couple Romane Bohringer as Rose and Philippe Rebbot as Raoul whose own long-term relationship broke up. More information is available here. |
