Le mois de la francophonie

March is the month when the international community celebrates francophonie. The Alliance Française de Portland presents a variety of events to celebrate francophone cultures. Find out the details about each event below. 


Algiers in 1942: American Landing in North Africa

Book Presentation And Discussion With Claudine Fisher

March 16, 3:30-4:30pm, in-Person, at the historic Kamm house

Join us for a presentation featuring Claudine Fisher and her latest novel in a book overview and discussion. Mme Fisher is a distinguished retired Professor of French at PSU, a former Honorary Consul of France, and an honorary board member of the Alliance Française de Portland. As we delve into the pages of her intriguing narrative, Mme Fisher will guide us through the book's themes, shedding light on its significance within the context of a Francophone cultural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of her presentation and discussion where francophonie and literature converge in an enriching dialogue.

Attendance at this event is free of charge; however, we kindly request that you register in advance to secure your spot.

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About the book

The latest historical novel She & I by Claudine Fisher evokes the little known episode of WWII when, on November 8, 1942, British and American troops invaded Algeria and Morocco in a successful amphibious landing of Algerian beaches with little resistance.

Seen through the eyes of two young French women from Algiers and its surroundings, the story recounts the first time American troops fought against the Nazis. The hardships of the war are illustrated on the personal level through the lives of the two women and their families.

The WWII background emphasizes the political nuances which existed at the time of the Petain Regime, free France, the Giraud partisans, the Jewish stands, and the Allied forces aims.

For the local population and for the two main characters who lived in those historical moments, how easy was it to sort out the direct and indirect causes, effects, and ethical questions produced? Can one’s choice be neutral in an acute crisis?

To be or not to be? That is the question! A relevant question nowadays.


Unveiling "La Cordonnière" From Québec 

Movie Night - Ciné Soirée

In collaboration with the Québec Government Office in Los Angeles, the Alliance Française de Portland presents "La Cordonnière" as part of the francophonie celebration. Join us for a captivating exploration of Québec cinema, contributing to the cultural richness of f rancophonie and fostering a shared appreciation for the diverse narratives within the French-speaking world.

Adapted from the series of historical novels by Québecois author Pauline Gill, published between 1998 and 2003, this movie tells the story of Victoire Du Saut, the founder of the shoemaking industry that made the fortune of the Dufresne family, known for the Château Dufresne in Montreal. 

Victoire Du Sault, the first woman to practice the cobbler's craft in 19th-century Québec, defied the norms at a time when the profession was exclusively reserved for men. Explore the life of this overlooked pioneer, one of the first women to establish her own business in Québec.

Although the entrepreneurial spirit and professional journey of this visionary command admiration, it is primarily her romantic impulses that form the core of this melodrama. It weaves together an impossible love, a sultry love triangle, and a poignant family secret that has the potential to leave no one unscathed.

This movie is in French with English subtitles.

Where: Cinema 21

616 NW 21st Ave, Portland, Oregon 97209

When: March 19, doors open at 7:15pm


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Related Event


Dive into the literary world that inspired the movie "La Cordonnière." The Alliance Française book club, Cercle Littéraire, invites you to join an engaging discussion about the book on which the movie is based. Whether you're a book enthusiast or a movie lover, this is a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of the narrative and delve into the themes that have captivated audiences on the big screen. Read the book in advance and bring your insights to the in-person discussion on March 13, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Find more details about Cercle Littéraire here.

Cercle Littéraire Cercle Littéraire


Concours de La Plume d’or

French Language Contest

March 20, 10:30am, In-Person, At The Kamm House

For the Alliance students level A2 and up: enter this French language contest for a chance to win 1000 €. The results of three winners from Portland will be sent to Paris. The jury will then choose the best submissions from all participants from Alliances worldwide, and award prizes. First prize is a week-long trip to Paris.  To register email Director of Education and Culture, Elene Zedgindize. 


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FESTINEMA JUNIOR 

Young Audiences Film Festival - Open To All Schools Offering French Programs

March and April - in participating schools or in theater

To celebrate the month of francophonie, the Alliance is presenting Festinema Junior, a francophone film festival for young audiences. Festinema Junior is an educational project created in 2014 by the Alliance Française Network in the US, with films generously provided by the French Institute.

The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts will be hosting a Festival Screening on March 14. Additionally, you can also request screenings at your school on a different date. 

All of the screenings are entirely FREE for the participating schools. For inquiries about the festival, please contact Director of Education and Culture, Elene Zedginidze.


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PARKING

Street parking on SW 20th St. facing the Kamm House is limited. Free parking is available in Lot A at SW 18th and SW Columbia. Please obtain a parking pass from the office. After 6 pm weekdays, students may park in the Willamette Dental lot at SW 20th and SW Jefferson as available.

OFFICE HOURS

The Alliance office is open 10am-3pm Monday through Friday.
Call us at 503.223.8388 during business hours or leave a message.
Email us at  info@afportland.org.

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