Francophonie celebrations

Islamabad :Pakistan National Council of the Arts and Francophonie (hosted by the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, France and Switzerland) joined to celebrate Francophonie 2018 on Saturday at the PNCA. This included screening of four feature films, art exhibition, food festival and a musical evening.

Austrian film Conversation Workshop (Atelier de conversation) directed by Austrian Bernhard Braunstein in 2017, was introduced by the Ambassador of Switzerland The documentary revolves around the art of communication-its trials and errors. The film brings on screen people from different races, cultures and traditions who are in Paris under different circumstances. They meet each other weekly by practicing French language. The background of our members varies vastly from businessmen to students to refugees. Social and cultural upbringing here plays an integral role in how they express themselves, how they are divided and how they integrate through communicating in French language which would brings them together.

The Cat is Paris (Une vie de chat) from Belgium by Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli, is an impressive work of animation about a cat called Dino , living separate life in Paris with a police officer and a burglar. It is a life where law and order is mixed up with criminals and Dino falls into the trap.

French film Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Quai d'Orsay) takes a lighter look at the Foreign Ministry in Paris with French official stand on Iraq invasion in 2003 which was vastly different from many other countries and correctly so. The film won prestigious Cesar Awards. The film ran to packed house. Cultural Counsellor and Ambassador of France introduced the film with Witt and interesting comments.

My Life of Zucchini (Ma vie de Courgette) from Switzerland is another good animation feat both for children and adults. This is a story about police officers, children and foster homes.