As part of the Francophonie Days 2025 celebrations, a unique concert of French-speaking artists was held on March 24th at the Masovian Institute of Culture, while the Francophonie Film Festival took place at the Kultura cinema in Warsaw from 4 to 25 March.
The concert and accompanying culinary experience at the Masovian Institute of Culture was organised by GADIF Pologne – the Group of Embassies, Delegations and Institutions of the Francophonie – with the participation of the embassies of France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Romania, and Tunisia.
The musical part of the evening featured performances by artists from Switzerland and France, as well as a young Belgian singer, whose concert opened the event. The Swiss duo Aliose and the French duo François Martineau & Mateusz Gurgul also took to the stage.
Aliose blended pop, folk and acoustic styles, earning recognition for their melodic compositions and evocative lyrics about love, longing, and everyday life. Their performance rich in nostalgia and emotion, drawing the audience into a musical journey filled with both intimate and joyful moments .
François Martineau (piano) and Mateusz Gurgul (vocals) form a duo that combines classical and contemporary influences. Their programme included chamber music with French and Polish elements, ranging from solo pieces to duets, and from classical works to modern, at times cabaret-style arrangements . he performance was emotionally nuanced and deeply lyrical.
The musical interpretations of both duos complemented each other beautifully, creating a memorable and atmospheric Francophone evening.
Following the performances, a reception was held, where guests had the opportunity to sample traditional specialities prepared by the embassies of the GADIF member countries: France, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Romania, and Tunisia. The dishes not only delighted the palate but also offered guests a chance to discover the flavours and aromas of diverse Francophone cultures.
The event was warmly received by attendees , who praised not only the unique atmosphere but also the richness of the music and cuisine, which allowed them to feel part of the global Francophone community. The culinary experience was enhanced by exquisite wines from Luxembourg, Romania, France, Switzerland, and Belgium, carefully selected to complement the dishes and offer a harmonious journey through flavours and cultures .
It was a beautiful evening dedicated to the French language and Francophonie.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Francophone Film Festival, held at the Kultura cinema in Warsaw from 4 to 5 March, featured four films : “The Poet’s Bride” (directed by Yolande Moreau), “Oasis of Frozen Water” (Mohamed Raouf Sabbahi), “The Priceless Package” (Michel Hazanavicius) and “Three Kilometres to the End of the World” (Trei kilometri până la capătul lumii) directed by Emanuel Părvu). The Romanian Institute of Culture and the Romanian Embassy invited guests to the screening of “Three Kilometres to the End of the World”, a Romanian production that received acclaim at the Cannes International Film Festival.
This poignant drama tells the story of a young boy who navigating the challenges of adolescence and identity in a rural Romanian setting. The film explores themes of self-discovery, family relationships, and the harsh realities of small-town life .
It was lauded for its subtle storytelling, outstanding performances, and realistic portrayal of its subject matter. Its recognition at Cannes marks a significant achievement for Romanian cinema, which continues to gain prominence on the international stage.
Francophonie Days are more than a celebration of the French language – they are an invitation to explore the cultural richness of the Francophone world through music, cinema, and cuisine. This year’s events offered a powerful display of multiculturalism and international exchange, showcasing the artistic, culinary, and cinematic traditions that are integral to the Francophone community.
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