A series of exhibitions, concerts, literary meetings, film fests, and debates reflecting the evolving facets that define French culture, arts, science and much more will be held in 18 Indian cities between December and February 2010 as part of Bonjour India, the festival of France in India.
Graffiti, street art, installations, opera, dance, music of the French in addition to a series of science based seminars on technology, economy and education are also a part of Bonjour India.
The French Ambassador to India Jerome Bonnafont, who addressed a press conference in Hyderabad on Friday, said that Bonjour India will mirror the cultural changes that are taking place in France.
“Instead of just limiting ourselves to metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi, we wanted wide audience to get exposed to French culture. The festival will also provide a platform for dialogue between Indian and French researchers,” the French Ambassador said.
The French festival will be held in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kochi, Mumbai, Nashik, Mysore, Pondicherry, Pune, Trivandrum and Varanasi.
Nearly 30 leading French scientists from public and private research institutions would be taking part in the festival in Hyderabad in December. The team of researchers will deliver scientific talks on wide variety of subjects like laser and plasma physics, aerospace and aeronautics, medicine and infectious diseases, environment and biotechnology to encourage bilateral dialogues on subjects of global importance.
Other highlights in Hyderabad during the festival include a special art camp of Indian artists who were awarded the artist in residency at France, Music concerts by Dobet Gnahore, China Moses and Sharik Hasan Paris Trio. An extravagant street show that brings alive a parade mixing opera, circus along with gigantic giraffes and other circus characters will taken out along the Necklace Road.
“The Indian Government is planning to hold ‘Namaste France’ next year to showcase every facet of India in France. Such festivals pave way for more interaction between the two countries,” the French Ambassador said.
