Monday, December 24, 2012

So Frenchy So Chic 2013

Modern French music with an Australian tinge.  The double CD is now available at the Merimbula Sanity Record Shop.

"It’s nine years on and the So Frenchy party is showing no signs of slowing down. With a successful series of compilations, TV shows, live gigs and now an annual festival, the So Frenchy So Chic name has gathered a passionate following of Francophiles and music lovers who like their tunes just outside the mainstream.

Each year we wait patiently for the next installment of new music fresh from France, and the 2013 edition will not disappoint. Subtitled, “the unofficial soundtrack of the Alliance Française French Film Festival”, it’s also the unofficial soundtrack to Australian summers, road trips and parties.

This year’s collection will introduce you to the heartbreaking voice of Lou Doillon (daughter of Jane Birkin), the 80s inspired pop of Lescop, the catchy whistling hooks of Féloche, the playful rock of M, the irresistible fun of Skip The Use and the relaxed hip-hop of Odezenne.

Spread the love".


Monday, December 10, 2012

French Murder Mystery Wins in Sydney Film Competition


Three months ago, the Sapphire Coast Anglican College Year 9 – 10 French class entered a short film in French under the direction and guidance of French / English teacher Stephane Cordier for one of the contests of the prestigious Sydney Alliance Française. The film script had to be written, memorised and acted in flawless French by the students.
The competition was sure to be fierce, with many of the top schools in the state entering the French short film contest. Erin Hayman, Kiran Rajesh, Brittany Meers, Matthew Sims, Elly Burhop, Lily Sheridan and Alice Cleveley thought of re-visiting the murder-mystery genre in French with the added zest of humour. The French characters were deliciously stereotyped: the chateau landlord, the faithful butler, the jealous wife, the innocent maid, the cook, the baffled detectives and a strange cat were some elements that were woven into the plot to try and articulate an original narrative in French.
After three weeks of script writing, translating, memorising the lines, pronunciation master classes, filming, editing… and many bloopers later the short French film was ready and sent to the judges in Sydney for the competition.
The award ceremony took place on Friday 30th November 2012 and guess what? The Bega students won, in front of the Sydney selective schools, contributing to putting Bega on the map once more (two of Mr Cordier’s Year 9 – 10 classes had already collected awards in 2009 and 2010!)
It was lucky that there was an extra bag in the luggage taken to Sydney in case the students won anything, since the generous Alliance Française de Sydney literally showered the Bega students with presents: 22 kilos worth of French books and jewellery to take home! A well-earned harvest for the crew, congratulations to all of them and a heart-felt “thank you” to the Sydney Alliance Française!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Lynne MacMillan's cooking class in France

Member Lynne McMillan took two groups of U3A members (including Alliance members) to Gascony to enjoy learning about French cooking and culture.  Here is an article from a local  newspaper.

If you are interested in joining a similar class (but based in Tathra at a far lower cost!), keep your eyes open for two exciting Alliance Française de la Côte de Saphir events planned for May 2013.  Numbers will be limited.  Bookings will not be possible until March or April next year

If you click on the article you will get a larger, more easily read version.
 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

French Film Festival dates

Now in its 24th year the Alliance Française French Film Festival is set to rekindle its love affair with audiences when it returns in 2013 with 40+ spectacular films.
Proudly presented by Peugeot, the Festival, which is the biggest foreign film event in Australia, will enchant the most discerning cinephile with an eclectic selection of the finest movies to emerge from France over the last 12 months!
http://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/

Bargain boules!

Jan and I just bought a set of 8 petanque boules (with cochonet and measure) in a strong plastic case at Sport Scene in Merimbula for $29.95. This was a special pre-Christmas price - they also have the same set in a wooden case for slightly more. It just occurred to us that this was a very good price for members who may need a set.