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London call to France: The 18 June 1940 appeal Anniversary
On 18 June 1940, as the French government prepared to sign an armistice with the Nazi invaders, General Charles de Gaulle broadcast on the BBC to France.
On the afternoon of 18 June 1940, Winston Churchill made his famous “This was their finest hour” speech in the House of Commons. Shortly afterwards, General Charles de Gaulle made his way to Broadcasting House, and was taken down into studio B2. The day before, he had left France, the most junior General in the army. He had no army, no troops, no supporters. He was virtually unknown in France, without influence or contacts.
Yet on 17 June, de Gaulle decided he should broadcast an appeal, directed primarily at French soldiers, sailors and civilians in Britain, calling on them to rally to him and continue the fight. When he asked for permission to use the BBC to broadcast to France, the War Cabinet turned down the request. Major-General Spears, who had been working with de Gaulle, convinced Churchill that the Cabinet decision had to be reversed.
De Gaulle’s short broadcast went out on the BBC French service in the early evening:
"The leaders that have been at the head of the French armies for many years have set up a government. This government considers that our armies are defeated, and has contacted the enemy in order to end the combat. It is true that we have been - and are still being - overtaken by the enemy's mechanical power, both land-based and in the air. Even more than their sheer numbers, it is their tanks, their aeroplanes and the tactics of the Germans that have made us retreat. It is the tanks, the aeroplanes, the tactics of the Germans that have surprised our leaders to the point of leading them to where they are today.
But has the final word been spoken? Must hope disappear? Is defeat final? No! Believe me, I speak to you with full knowledge of the facts, and tell you that nothing is lost for France. The same means that have defeated us may one day bring us victory. Because France is not alone! She is not alone! She is not alone! She has a vast Empire behind her. She can join forces with the British Empire, which controls the sea and continues to fight. Like England, France too has unlimited access to the immense industry of the United States.
This war is not limited to the sad confines of our country. This war will not be decided by the battle taking place in France. This war is a world war. None of the mistakes, none of the delays, none of the suffering shall deny that in this world we can find all the means necessary to crush our enemies one day. Though we may be struck down by mechanical power today, we shall win by a superior mechanical power in the future. Therein lies the world's destiny.
I, General De Gaulle, now in London, call upon the French officers and soldiers who are or who may find themselves on British soil, with or without their weapons; I call upon the engineers and the skilled workers in the armaments industry, who are or who may find themselves on British soil, to contact me.
Whatever happens, the flame of French resistance must not and shall not die.
Tomorrow,as today, I shall speak on the radio from London."
Back in England: Charlotte Gainsbourg @ Shepherd's Bush Empire on 22 June
The daughter of British actress and singer Jane Birkin and French singer-songwriter, actor and director, Serge Gainsbourg, Charlotte Gainsbourg represents a true triple-threat: singer, songwriter, and actress.
With her third musical offering, “IRM” (the French translation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI), Gainsboug returns to her native England on Tuesday 22 June, to play the Shepherd's Bush O2 Empire. The album, produced by Beck, creates a unique musical world, where primitive North African drum patterns can co-exist harmoniously alongside edgy electro technology, where la chanson Francaise and American roots can gainfully cross-pollinate. “IRM” follows 2006's “5:55”, which reached the top of the French charts, where it also went platinum. Gainsbourg's hypnotic voice, sensitivity and individuality make her a truly enchanting and relentlessly interesting artist.
Heaven Can Wait
Charlotte Gainsbourg
O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Tube : Shepherd's Bush
Tue 22 Jun 10
Door time: 7.00pm
Show time: TBC
Tickets
L'Académie française
Get closer to the pre-eminent French learned body on matters pertaining to the French language.
L'Académie française, or the French Academy, is the pre-eminent French learned body on matters pertaining to the French language. The Académie was officially established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, the chief minister to King Louis XIII. The Académie is France’s official authority on the usages, vocabulary, and grammar of the French language.
The Académie consists of forty members, known as "immortels" (immortals). New members are elected by the members of the Académie itself. Academicians hold office for life. The body has the task of acting as an official authority on the language; it is charged with publishing an official dictionary of the language. Its rulings, however, are only advisory; not binding on either the public or the government.
Your Digital Photo @ Culturethèque Launch Party
Get your digital Photo shot at the Culturethèque Launch Party! Simply email library@ambafrance.org.uk with the subject "Culturethèque Launch Party" and we will provide you a link to access and download your photo. All artwork by Marko93.
Yes, Oui Love! Four french Bands touring in UK in may 2010
In may 2010, the The French Music Export Office in London set up a tour with four talented french bands: The Bewitched Hands on the top of our heads, Curry and Coco, Revolver and The Shoes. Watch some sounds and words from them.
Not content with simply showcasing the most exciting new acts France has to offer right now, Oui Love has picked two lucky UK student bands to live the rock n roll dream, sharing the stage with their Gallic counterparts on tour. A true collaboration of French and English talent!
The Shoes
Having decided to swap their guitars for computers in an effort to create a new style of rock n roll, Guillaume Briere and Benjamin Lebeau have been forging their own brand of urban electro ever since. Having done re-mixes for the likes of Late of The Pier, Santogold, Ladyhawke and Mystery Jets to name but a few (earning them the title of remixers of the year 2009 by XFM DJ Eddy Temple Morris) and with two UK single releases already under their belt, The Shoes are now ready to unleash their ferocious live show on the UK ahead of their album release later in 2010.
Bewitched Hands on the Top of Our Heads
Hailing from Reims, Bewitched Hands on the Top of Our Heads don’t subscribe to the usual traditions of French pop. Theirs are catchy melodic songs, where psychedelic, duel-vocal harmonies crossover with folk. A mesmerising live act (comparisons have been made to both Arcade Fire and The Flaming Lips) discovered at the best festivals in France as well as SXSW 2010, Bewitched are now part of the must see artists on the new pop rock scene.
Revolver
Classically trained and yes, named after THAT Beatles album, Revolver members Ambroise, Christophe and Jeremie create what they call ‘chamber pop’— a reference to both Renaissance compositions and the sound of early Sixties Brit Beat. Their unique brand of baroque indie-pop caught the attention of EMI bosses, who signed them up in an instant after hearing their Myspace tracks. A critically acclaimed album ‘Music For A While’ followed, produced by Julien Delfaud of Phoenix and Herman Dune fame.
Curry and Coco
Childhood friends Thomas and Sylvain have been touring Europe under the guise of Curry and Coco non-stop over the last three years, winning over audiences with their utopian mix of suave disco and new-wave movements. Stopping to catch their breath just long enough to record their debut album ‘We Are Beauty’ in London with British producer David Kosten (Bat For Lashes and Chew Lips), the duo have now set their sights on conquering the UK.
Intense Intimacy: The Cinema of Claire Denis
A Watershed programme touring the UK and Ireland in June and July 2010
French director Claire Denis is one of the most critically acclaimed, original and distinctive cinematic voices of our time. Watershed in Bristol is delighted to present to audiences across the UK and Ireland a rare opportunity to see this remarkable director's body of work. Intense Intimacy is a retrospective timed to mark the national release of her latest film White Material on Fri 2 July and celebrate Denis' sensual, evocative technique and complex, stunning films.
Intense Intimacy: The Cinema of Claire Denis will premiere at Watershed, Bristol on Sun 6 June before touring to venues in Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Nottingham, Cardiff, Cambridge, Sheffield and Manchester.
Full programme and venue details are on the Intense Intimacy microsite
Chocolat (1988)
35 Shots of Rum (2008)
Mina Agossi @ Tron Theatre, Glasgow on June 21st
The Glasgow International Jazz Festival, the Alliance Francaise and the French Music Export Bureau have teamed up to enable French-Beninese Jazz Singer Mina Agossi to perform to her growing UK audience. Mina Agossi will be performing at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow on June 21st, 8pm.
In the world of Jazz today, Mina Agossi is one of the artists most generally presented as directly descended from the legendary ¨soul sisters¨. Walking in the footsteps of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan, her music is an intimate search of aesthetics, work and inspiration. Her unique voice, both explosive and feline has been hailed as exceptional by the greatest, Archie Shepp and Ahmad Jamal among others. It bears the hallmark of all black music styles: the spirit of the blues, the tempo of soul, the trance of funk, and the improvisation of jazz.
Offical website
Mina Agossi's profile on RFI website
Ruby my dear by Theolonius Monk played by Mina Agossi and Archie Shepp
Virtual Exhibition: Free French in London and the Institut français during the War
With the Appeal of June 18th, General De Gaulle came to the fore as a national hero for Free France. In light of the significance surrounding this historical appeal which is commemorated across London and in France, the Institut français has decided to focus on the role of famous as well as everyday Free French during the Second World War.
Ici France Inter Londres @ Institut français
France Inter is getting organised for 18 hours of live broadcasting at the Institut français. A joyful Landing
6.30am- 9.00am: Nicolas Demorand with Jonathan Fenby, Former Editor at THe GUardian, The Independent, and The Observer.
6.30am- 9.00am: Nicolas Demorand with Historian & Producer Aurélie Luneau and Pr. Sudhir Hazareesingh (Oxford University - British Academy).
6.30am- 9.00am: Nicolas Demorand with Eric Roussel, Historian, Writer and Director of the Institut Pierre Mendès France.
6.30am- 9.00am: Nicolas Demorand with Stéphane Hessel and Jean-Louis Cremieux-Brilhac.
Bastille Day on Culturethèque
Celebrate Bastille Day on Culturethèque with our selection of documents and join the bal at the Alliance française of Manchester
The Alliance Française of Manchester is happy to invite you on Wednesday 14 July at 6pm onwards to celebrate the French National Day.
Please book early on 0161 236 7117 or event@afmanchester.org
(places limited)
Jean Michel Jarre "2010" Odyssey in October in UK
The French composer, performer, and producer Jean Michel Jarre, regarded as a pioneer in the electric, synthpop, ambient and New Age genres, return to the UK for the second leg of his “2010” tour.
Yann Tiersen touring in UK in October and November
Fresh from releasing a new single, “Palestine”, from his eagerly-awaited album, Tiersen hits the road in a show which will push musical boundaries, and examine his repertoire under a renewed musical light.
Jazz in Marciac Festival (Midi-Pyrennées): 30 July - 15 August
Treat yourself at the 33rd Jazz in Marciac Festival. Food and Music, what else?
www.jazzinmarciac.com
Map of Festivals in France this Summer
Find the festival next door when in France during this Summer
Prix Littéraires: Actualités
Keep up to date with the 'Rentrée Littéraire' and the various nominees for the French Literary Prizes with the following links:
Première sélection for the Goncourt Prize 2010
Première sélection for the Renaudot Prize 2010
Premiére sélection for the Wepler Prize 2010
Le Français par les peintres: an exciting new online language-learning resource
Le Français par les peintres is a new resource lauched by the Courtauld Institute of Art in 2010. This project was co-founded by the Centre de Langues at the Institut français du Royaume Uni and The Courtauld Gallery, London.
Paris Fashion Week!
Fashion Week has just finished in London but the fun is not over yet. Paris Fashion Week is in full swing on the other side of the Channel and we are celebrating all that is 'fabulous' here on Culturethèque! Below, find links to events, fashion shows and blogs to discover all you need to know!
On the Catwalk: Paris Fashion Week!
Maybe you couldn't be in Paris for Fashion Week! That doesn't mean you can't enjoy all the action from afar! Discover all the Spring/Summer 2011 trends from Chanel in the following videos!
Art, Art and More Art!
If you're an art history and painting fanatic, now is the time to indulge! There are so many exhibitions on at the moment between Paris and London that you'll be spoiled for choice! Find out all you need to know about the Gauguin exhibition at the Tate Modern, the Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain at the Grand Palais and the Frieze Art Fair. Enjoy!
"HOME" by Yann Arthus-Bertrand - Watch in English and/or French!
Home is a 2009 documentary by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The film is almost entirely composed of aerial shots of various places on Earth. It shows the diversity of life on Earth and how humanity is threatening the ecological balance of the planet. The movie was released simultaneously on June 5, 2009 in cinemas across the globe!
Discover this amazing documentary here on Culturethèque in the original French version or in English below:
The Environment - Documentary Film Month!
November is documentary film month in France and all French médiathèque libraries all over Europe are celebrating this fantastic event! The Institut français is proud to present the 11th edition of the European Documentary Film Month and Culturethèque is pleased to offer you all you need to know about this year's theme: the environment.
Hubert Reeves - Conteur d'étoiles
Discover this documentary portrait of the Franco-Quebec ecologist, Hubert Reeves, a humanist, an astro-physicist and a scientific thinker. He fights to allow the future generations of the human race to live on a habitable planet. In his opinion, the hours is now to make a change. He reminds us that scientific discovery renders us responsible for the upkeep and care of planet earth. If we don't fight for the same cause, our home will soon become a hell of our own making...
Watch the full film here on Culturethèque!
"HOME" by Yann Arthus-Bertrand - Watch in English and/or French! Copy
Home is a 2009 documentary by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The film is almost entirely composed of aerial shots of various places on Earth. It shows the diversity of life on Earth and how humanity is threatening the ecological balance of the planet. The movie was released simultaneously on June 5, 2009 in cinemas across the globe!
Discover this formidable documentary here on Culturethèque in the original French version or in English below:
Film Documentary Month: Children and the environment!
Combining the Youth Festival and our previous celebration, the European Film Documentary Month, this blog offers you some children's resources to discovery and enjoy learning about environmental issues in a fun and accessible way.
Albert Camus' The Plague at the Barbican London.
Albert Camus' The Plague at the Barbican London, 8pm Saturday 15 January 2011.
Crouch End Festival Chorus.
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année: Alliance française de Manchester.
Discover some of the wonderful events taking place at the Alliance française in Manchester over the holiday season and into the new year! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
My French Film Festival - 1st Worldwide Online Film Festival in January!
For the first time, an entirely virtual French film festival enable everyone, wherever they are in the world, to have access to a selection of films and vote for their favourites. From 14-29 January 2011 film buffs worldwide will be able to access all the films proposed in the 1st edition of the online French Film Festival.
Parisian duo I AM UN CHIEN playing Wednesday 26 January at the Favela Chic in London
Vive La France presents the Parisian duo, I AM UN CHIEN, “Two human dogs playing with electro sounds”. Imagine The Prodigy meeting Rage Against the Machine and having a party. Electro heavy, dance heavy, head banging bliss.In partnership with the French bureau music export and Eurostar, and now, Ricard, the “Vive La France” series of gigs launched in early 2010 at Favela Chic in Shoreditch London.
Restaurant and bar open 6.00pm
Music from 7.30-1
FREE
www.favelachic.com/london
'Do Not Abandon Me' : Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin at the Hauser & Wirth
This is what they say it's about:
"Hauser & Wirth is proud to present ‘Do Not Abandon Me’, a collaboration between Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin consisting of sixteen intimate works made over the past two years. These drawings articulate physical drives and feelings, candidly confronting themes of identity, sexuality and the fear of loss and abandonment through joint expression."
Eugène Labiche’s "Edgard et sa bonne," 22nd - 23rd March in Manchester.
Cosseted mummy’s boy Edgard realises the time has come to contract an advantageous marriage… all that stands in the way is his ongoing dalliance with the housemaid, who has no intention of finding herself jilted! A mordant satire of class, money and sexual mores, Labiche’s sparkling comedy remains utterly contemporary and utterly hilarious.
Oui Love Tour: it's the French Invasion!
Team Ghost and Anoraak, two of France's hottest new talents will be on the Oui Love tour in May this year, supported by a band selected from the UK's music academy Access to Music student network.
The remixes will be released on a limited edition 7" out in collaboration between Oui Love and Sonic Cathedral.
Sat 14 Brighton, The Great Escape.
Mon 16 Bristol, The Louisiana.
Tues 17 Birmingham, Hare & Hounds.
Wed 18 Manchester, The Castle.
Thu 19 Liverpool, Liverpool Sound City.
Fri 20 London, CAMP (with after-party DJs until 4am)
Not only is the tour going happening, but the bands have remixed each other. You can stream and download the tracks here.
Eight Women at the Southwark Playhouse until 9 April
Eight Women can be seen at Southwark Playhouse until 9 April.
www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
Read a review here.
Live: Keren Ann @ Jazz Café - London - on 6th April
Keren Ann was in Lady and Bird, she collaborated with the Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavik. Then she made this song, and she was saying on the front page of the Guardian website how she wrote it. This song (click on the title of this blogpost to find out which one) was produced by EMI France.
Algeria in Manchester
Set against the backdrop of recent social turmoil and a complex colonial and political history, New Cartographies: Algeria – France – UK showcases the work of ten emerging and established artists from the three countries, charting the influence of family, memory, migration and cultural heritage on identity, and mapping an intricate web of connections across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Soirées lyriques de l'Opéra de Paris - Thursday 26th May at the Institut français
Following the success of the first Soirée lyrique in January, the Institut français is delighted to welcome back young professional soloists from the Opéra de Paris for a second concert at Ciné lumière.
Baz Baz and Winston Mc Anuff at the Favela Chic 18th May
On the 17th, they'll be playing at the Notting Hill Arts club.
Christine Angot will read from her latest novel Les Petits on Tuesday 17 May 2011 in London
The Contemporary Women’s Writing in French Seminar is delighted to welcome French author, Christine Angot, who will read from and discuss her latest novel Les Petits (Paris: Flammarion, 2011) on Tuesday 17 May 2011, at the Institute of Germanic & Romance Studies, University of London, Senate House, 5.30-7pm, in Room G37.
Angot will also answer questions from the audience and sign copies of her books (which will be on sale). The event will be in French.
Anish Kapoor at the Grand Palais.
WHO: Anish Kapoor.
WHAT: A giant red thing (contemporary art).
WHERE: At the Grand Palais, in Paris.
WHY: It's a French government initiative.
WHEN: May 11th – June 23rd, 2011.
Booksale in London, Saturday 21st May.
For months now, we've been turning our fingers grey in preparation for the enormous booksale this Saturday. The library of the Institut français plans to buy new books, and so we need you to help us get rid of the old ones. We librarians have been finecombing shelves of art books, graphic novels, books about film, history books, cookbooks, novels, children's literature, taking out slightly damaged or slightly old ones. We're also putting all our VHSes on sale.
Click on the title of this blogpost for details.
David Lamelas
Wednesday 22nd June at 6.15pm at the Institut français: The Invention of Dr Morel (2000, 25 mins) and The Light at the Edge of a Nightmare (2002-2005, 75 mins). Introduced by David Lamelas.
The Illusionist on 16th July
We are a North London community arts group about to screen The Illusionist. The event is intended to be a celebration of Bastille day and of all things French. Entry price is only £1 per person and this includes
refreshments.
Read on for more details.
The Wallace Collection...à la française!
Add an extra zest to your diner table talk, free guided tours of The Wallace Collection in French.
Read on for more information.
Comics Countdown: Exclusive no.1
Culturethèque has the absolute honour of offering over 3,000 free French comics during the BD & Comics Passion festival to all you lovely people. As a warm-up, have a sneaky peek at these exclusives...
Comics Countdown: Exclusive no.2
Pssst...only 36 days until our ginormous comic book takeover. We will be offering over 3,000 FREE French comics on Culturethèque for the BD & Comics weekend (30 May-2 June). In the last blog, we promised training and we stick to our promises like glue!
Comics Countdown: Exclusive no.3
22 days until the ginormous BD & Comics Passion festival crash lands at the Institut français. That's the equivalent of 528 hours, 31,680 minutes or 1,900,800 seconds. This blog brings EVEN MORE surprises.
Sonia Wieder-Atherton, Exclusive Event at the Institut français
Cellist, interpreter of a very broad repertoire reflecting her imaginative world, a designer of projects, and a musician sought after by many contemporary composers, Sonia Wieder-Atherton occupies a special place on today's musical scene.
Prior to her residence at Kings Place on 17, 18 and 19 March 2011, the French cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton introduces three of her creations: Chants Juifs, Vita (Monteverdi's madrigals and Giacinto Scelsi’s Trilogy for cello solo) and D'Est in Music, with images taken from Chantal Akerman's film, D’Est. Sonia will discuss her upcoming programme, perform some extracts from her new CD Vita and talk around some images. This event is a unique occasion to discover the richness of this great musician and the links she creates between art forms and different worlds. There will be a Q&A and CD signing.
Tue 15 Mar 7.00pm | £10, conc. £8 | in English | Institut français du Royaume-Uni
Julia Kristeva: a key proponent of French feminism
Kristeva will be giving a free talk at the French Institute on the 20th of March. Find out more about her works with Culturethèque.
