AFGrandRapids

Alliance Française de Grand Rapids

2009 - 2010 Activities

Membership Reception - September 23, 2009

The membership reception is an annual event and a way for AF de Grand Rapids members to introduce prospective new members to the organization.

French Language Classes - September thru November 2009

Be prepared for your next trip to France or Québec. Beginner and intermediate classes are available for both Alliance members and non-members. Visit our Learning French page for details.

The 2010 Tournées Festival (French Film Festival) - Calvin College

Friday, September 11, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Entre les murs (The Class) – by Laurent Cantet (2008)
Thursday, September 17, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Azur et Asmar (Azur and Asmar) – by Michel Ocelot (2006)
Friday, September 18, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Le Fils de l'épicier (The Grocer's Son) – by Eric Guirado (2007)
Thursday, September 24, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

La Graine et le mulet (The Secret of the Grain) – by Abdellatif Kechiche (2007)
Friday, September 25, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (I've Loved You So Long) – by Philippe Claudel (2008)

All films are subtitled in English, and will be shown in The Bytwerk Theater on the campus of Calvin College in the DeVos Communication Center. Free admission.

For more information call (616) 526-6361. Sponsored by the Calvin College French Department and the Calvin College Film Forum with the support of a FACE Tournées grant.

French Conversation Group - October thru May

Practice your "parlez vous français" at the once-monthly meeting of the French Conversation Group. All levels of French speakers are invited and encouraged to participate in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The group meets on the second Saturday of the month (Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 13, April 10, and May 8) at a location to be announced.

Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration - November 19, 2009

AF de Grand Rapids members stick to tradition and host a Beaujolais Nouveau reception the third Thursday of November. The event is held at a member's home and includes a discussion about the current year's Beaujolais Nouveau by a local wine expert.

Mardi Gras - February 24, 2009

Celebrate Mardi Gras and all that jazz at the home of a member. Costumes are encouraged and prizes are awarded. Wine, light hors d'oeuvres, a jazz band and Joel's famous gumbo are all a part of this event.

Pétanque Tournament and Picnic - June 2010

This is a bring-a-picnic-lunch-and-lawn-chair event. You can either watch or learn the French national game for a chance to win prizes. This is an easy to learn game, so come prepared to "tirer ou point." Date and location will be announced.

Bastille Day Celebration - July 11, 2010

Americans have The 4th of July; the French have Bastille Day. On July 14, 1789, an outraged group of Parisians stormed the Bastille, a fortress and prison in France where prisoners of influence were held, in hopes of capturing ammunition. Shortly thereafter, King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette took refuge in Versailles as the violent peasants pillaged and burned châteaux, and destroyed records of feudal dues; this reaction is known as the Grande Peur (great fear).

For the peasant class, the Bastille stood as a symbol of the hypocrisy and corruption of the aristocratic government - controlled mostly by nobility and clergy. This important event marked the entry of the popular class into the French Revolution. The French recognize Bastille Day as the end of the monarchy and beginning of the modern republic. The lasting significance of the event was in its recognition that power could be held by ordinary citizens, not in the King or in God.

Today, Parisians celebrate this national holiday with a grand military parade up the Champs Elysées, colorful arts festivals, and raucous parties marking the holiday. Uncork a bottle of wine, pop in an Edith Piaf CD, and join the celebration!

Additional events will be announced as information is available.