In the Language Centre
The cultural week
In March 2004, the Language Centre inaugurated its first "cultural week". The French programme included wine and cheese tasting, lessons on French wine by Angela Berrocq, guest lecturer from the University of Bordeaux 1, and a viewing of Sylvain Chomet's animated film les Triplettes de Belleville (Belleville Rendez Vous in English).
In March 2005, the Language Centre held the second edition of its "cultural week". Students and staff were invited to take part in a wide range of events, including lectures on French wine for 1st year students, and on French politics for 2nd year students, crêpe making and a viewing of Cédric Klapisch's L'Auberge Espagnole.
Make sure you don't miss next year's programme!
Guest lecturers
Every year, the Language Centre welcomes guest lecturers from French universities. Regular guest lecturers include Angela Berrocq from the University of Bordeaux 1, who gives an eye-opening and mouth-watering lecture on French wine for level 1 students; and a lecture on French politics and the political system in France for Level 2 students.
In order to prepare them for their year abroad, level 2 Science and Engineering students are offered the opportunity to attend lectures in French in their specific fields. Previous lectures have covered a wide range of topics such as "An introduction to Chaos"; "Network and protocols"; "Understanding a Chemical Reaction".
At the university
Frog Soc
The French Society is for everyone and everyone to join (not just people who do French!). It's a really good way to get to know people interested in languages.
The Wine Circle
Visit the Wine Circle to learn more about wine, not only from France but from all around the world!
Outside
Cinema
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The Watershed, 1 Canon's Road, Harbourside Bristol, BS1 5TX
+44 (0)117 927 6444
Angel-A (dir. Luc Besson; 2005; French subtitled)
The story: Shot in exquisite black and white on location in Paris this latest film from Luc Besson (The Big Blue, Léon, The Fifth Element) follows Andre, a small-time crook, down on his luck.For more information about this film, visit the website
Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (Dirs: Philippe Parreno/Douglas Gordon; 2006)
Turner Prize-winning artist and filmmaker Gordon teams up with French artist Parreno to create a work glorious in its simplicity. This is a portrait on film, in action and in real time, using seventeen synchronised cameras each focusing solely on Zinedine Zidane, one of the world's greatest footballers, over the course of a single match between Real Madrid and Villareal.
- The Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA
boxoffice@arnolfini.org.uk
Jacques Rivette: director in focus
One of the greatest living and working directors, credited by some with launching the French New Wave, Rivette has managed the difficult trick of producing relevant and intriguing films for over 50 years. A celebration of women, light, art, la vie Parisienne and the free filmmaking, his work is mischievous, playful and testing.
For the full programme, visit the website
Cockles and Muscles (dir. Jacques Martineau & Olivier Ducastel; 2005; French subtitled)
The story: a slice of breezy, sexy cinema as only the French can do. Based around the return of Marc to his childhood summerhouse, Cockles and Muscles fits into the carnivalesque tradition of rural getaways as the site of farcical inversion and deceit.
For more information about this film, visit the website
Godard double bill: Vivre sa vie & Alphaville
Jean Luc Godard's work is steeped in a love of cinema. The impact of his eclectic tastes is visible in all his work, but most memorable in his early films.
For more information about the films, visit the website
Theatre
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Bristol Old Vic, King St, Bristol, Avon BS1 4ED
Box Office 0117 987 7877
The Three Musqueteers (Alexandre Dumas; a new version by ken Ludwig); 2 december - 20 january
For more information about the play, visit the website
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Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET
Box Office 01225 448844
Please note: There are currently no French plays at the Theatre Royal.
Exhibitions
Please note: There are currently no French exhibitions in the Bristol area.