Bigger, bolder and better – Malaysia’s favourite French cultural festival is now live
Kuala Lumpur, 12 April 2018 – Culture enthusiasts can now mark their calendars with lively not-to-be-missed French programmes offered by Le French Festival (LFF), as the 17th instalment of Malaysia’s largest and widest-reaching French festival is now happening from 12th April to 20th May.
Organised by Alliance Française (AF) and the Embassy of France in Malaysia, LFF 2018 will take place over a 5-week period spoiling festival goers with choices from a variety of film screenings, musical concerts, theatre and live shows, foodie gatherings, and more.
Proudly presented by renowned French cognac house Martell, LFF together with Martell invites all festival-goers to “Be Curious” – to go beyond borders and explore the various aspects that French culture has to offer.
At the opening ceremony, Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Zatashah, President of Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur (AFKL) shared her excitement for this year’s festival which is– for the first time – a more compact programme.
“Our team at AFKL always strive to up our ante – to bring to our local shores a myriad of fresh, exuberant, French experience for the edification and enjoyment of Malaysians. With at least one programme happening a day, I’m confident that we are creating a stronger and more immersive platform to boost momentum for cultural exchanges, as well as to encourage the exploration of new ventures,” said Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Zatashah.
According to Mr. Jacques Bounin, Director of AFKL, there is an increasing advantage in having the ability to speak French, as more and more companies are in demand to hire people who are capable in that regard.
“We hope to equip and provide Malaysians with the right tools and French experience to kickstart their French journey. As such, it is our goal for LFF 2018 to present both the rich French heritage as well as the creation of new art through our programmes, for a wholesome French experience,” said Mr. Bounin.
With the French Film Festival already having long-standing presence in the Klang Valley and Penang, and last year debuting in Kota Kinabalu, this year LFF will also reach culture vultures in Johor Bahru for the very first time.
Showcasing a new generation of French talents, LFF 2018 will be celebrating youth and highlighting only the most current trends and entertainment direct from France including:
- 16 recent movie releases for the French Film Festival (with subtitles in English),
- Numerous visiting musical artists from France including award-winning bands,
- Live theatre,
- A photography exhibition,
- As well as a number of Art de Vivre events featuring returning festival favourites including drink & food tastings with Martell, cooking classes, and more.
Some of the exciting highlights LFF2018 visitors can look forward to:
- ‘Amok’ – a French theatre adaptation of Stefan Zweig’s novel (set in Malaysia, in the beginning of the 20th century)
- Rock-power trio Lysistrata – an award winning band and a familiar face at some of France’s biggest festivals
- With 2 grand pianos and 4 hands, Duo Jatekok is one of the most promising classical and jazz piano duos of their generation
- Of bagpipes and drums – Bagad de Lann Bihoué is a French navy musical act from the French region of Brittany consisting of 30 musicians
This year the festival will bring in fresh new faces and youthful programmes to cater to the younger crowd where this includes, for the first time, a day dedicated to children.
“This 17th edition of Le French Festival is about communicating feelings – beautiful feelings – through the diversity of French culture to an ever-growing number of Malaysians. This is because we believe the French culture is a pleasure to be communicated and to be shared with all, regardless of age and background,” shared H.E. Mr Frédéric Laplanche, Ambassador of France to Malaysia, who was also present at the opening ceremony.
Other notable guests from the Franco-Malaysian community graced the opening ceremony together with special guest Malaysian actress, Siti Saleha, who shares an affinity with the French culture having been influenced by French cinema growing up.
Le French Festival 2018 is made possible with the support of presenter Martell and French Film Festival partner Golden Screen Cinemas, as well as various Malaysian and French sponsors and partners including:
Sponsors
Martell, Etihad, Aloft Hotel, Aésop, Château de Lafont, Intermovers, AGS Four winds, Bachy Soletanche, BNP Paribas, Brandt, Colas Rail, Naval Group, NAZA, Thales, Vinci, Equatorial Penang, Escatec
Partners
Club Med, JKKN, Damansara Performing Arts Center – DPAC, Gallery des artistes, Golden Screen Cinemas, MaTiC, Malongo, Monin, No Black Tie, Paul, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Pisco Bar, Sutra foundation, The Bee, L’Officiel, Vision KL
For more information, please visit www.lefrenchfestival.com.my or its Facebook page facebook.com/lefrenchfestivalmy.
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