Kuala Lumpur, 12 MARCH 2019 – The French are at it again! Malaysia’s highly-anticipated annual French event is back with the 18th edition of Le French Festival (LFF). From 4th April to 12th May, LFF is set to whisk Malaysians on an immersive experience of captivating events including French cinema screenings, art exhibitions, music and theatre performances, gastronomy and more.
Since its inception in 2001, LFF has progressively evolved as an indomitable bridge of cultural exchange between France and Malaysia while successfully establishing its roots in four major cities, reaching over tens of thousands of spectators: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu.
This edition will - for the first time - be proudly presented by G. H. Mumm Champagne, the No. 1 Grande Maison champagne in France, and Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) as a longstanding collaborator and partner of the French Film Festival – pulling together a festival for everyone from all walks of life including families and children, French enthusiasts, movie buffs, and foodies among others. Some programmes of the French Festival are even designed specifically for schools and universities.
For the first time in the LFF history, organisers Alliance Française (AF) together with the Embassy of France in Malaysia will not only be curating a variety of programmes and artistes from France but will also play the role of “producer” as they collaborate with the nationally acclaimed theatre company in Malaysia, KL Shakespeare Players (KLSP) to create a special performance for LFF 2019: a re-interpretation of “Cyrano de Bergerac” (“The Story of Cyrano de Bergerac”) deemed to be the most famous play in French theatre.
Mr. Jacques Bounin, Director of Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur shared that with Malaysia being France’s second-largest economic partner in ASEAN, cultural exchange and appropriation is important in all segments of growth for both countries.
“A platform of exchange is inevitably in need for everyone to be able to express and interact with, without the existence of cultural boundaries. With LFF’s perennial history, we’re encouraged to see the affinity between Malaysia and France thrive as we are honoured to reach a pinnacle of our journey (to date) where this year, we have the privilege of working with local collaborators to create and present French content by Malaysians,” said Mr. Bounin during the press conference.LFF 2019 will feature the most current trends and entertainment from France including:
- The largest French Film Festival in Malaysia with 15 of the latest award winning French films (with English subtitles)
- A diverse range of Malaysian musicians performing French music
- Live theatre shows and dance performances
- Art de Vivre events including food & drink tastings, cooking classes and much more!
- “FUNAN” – Enjoy the French animated film that won Best Movie Award at the Annecy Animated Film Festival 2018, written and directed by talented French filmmaker Denis Do.
- “Paris, by Lorànt Deutsch” – Take a walk along the Seine river with renowned French actor and writer Lorànt Deutsch in a lively theatre show.
- “Exit” – A humorous and frivolous extraordinary hip-hop performance, by Art Move Concept.
- “Brand New World” Pop Art Exhibition – Marvel at contemporary French artist Argadol’s masterpieces created exclusively for Le French Festival 2019 that depict current global challenges through visually stunning Pop and Street Art.
- Artisan bread workshops with PAUL – Learn to make French breads first-hand from the Master Bakers of PAUL, the Ambassador of the French art de vivre.
- Kuala Lumpur : 4 April – 28 April
- Penang : 25 April – 5 May
- Johor Bahru : 2 May – 5 May
- Kota Kinabalu : 9 May – 12 May
Some other exhilarating highlights to look forward to at LFF 2019 include: Shedding light on the festival’s expectations this year, Ms. Fanny Surzur, Cultural Coordinator from Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur shared that this year’s edition of LFF strives to make Malaysians more involved and immersed in the French experience, by working and supporting the local arts to create content that resonates with both Malaysians and the French.
“Not only are we creating a special event with - and for - our fellow Malaysians, we also really ensure that our programmes cater to Malaysians of all ages. Take The Story of Cyrano de Bergerac for example, while it may be a heavy piece of classic literature, together with KL Shakespeare Players we are able to translate and design two shows: a child-friendly version and a version for the adults – because the French culture is for everyone and everyone should be able to enjoy it together,” added Ms. Fanny.
Festival enthusiasts can look forward to Le French Festival 2019 at the below cities and dates:Gracing the LFF 2019 press conference was special guest and esteemed Malaysian actress, director, and comedian, Ms. Sharifah Amani who is an unwavering supporter of diversity in cinema and an ardent enthusiast of French cinema.
Le French Festival 2019 is made possible with the support of presenter G. H. Mumm and French Film Festival partner Golden Screen Cinemas, as well as various Malaysian and French sponsors and partners including:
Sponsors
G.H. MUMM, Sofitel KL Damansara, Pullman KLCC, Novotel KLCC, Mercure KL Shaw Parade, Air France, Thalgo, Peugeot, Airbus, Atalian, BNP Paribas, Danone, Naval Group, CCI France Malaysia - CCIFM, ESCATEC, Intermovers, Paul and Vinci.
Partners
Brew n Brush, Chez Gaston, Club Med, The French Academy, Hotel Equatorial Penang, Istana Budaya, Kamerata Kuala Lumpur, KL Shakespeare Players, Institut Français, Malongo, Monin, Nathalie Gourmet Studio, Opika, SOL Wellness, Tina Barrat, Damansara Performing Arts Center (DPAC), Gallery des Artistes, MATIC, No Black Tie, Pavilion KL.
For more information, please visit the website www.lefrenchfestival.com.my or Facebook page facebook.com/lefrenchfestivalmy .
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