ISLAMABAD: An art exhibition and a films’ screening was organised by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with the embassies of Austria, Belgium, France and Switzerland to celebrate Francophonie 2018.
Embassies from the Francophonie countries also arranged a food festival at the PNCA. A large number of visitors and foreigners tasted various cuisines from the Francophonie countries.
People appreciated the role of Francophonie countries and hoped it will continue to host such events even in the coming days.
Austrian film ‘Conversation Workshop’ (Atelier de conversation) directed by Bernhard Braunstein in 2017 is basically a documentary that revolves around the art of communication, its trials and errors.
The film brings on screen people from different races, cultures and traditions who are in Paris under different circumstances. They meet each other weekly by practicing French language. Social and cultural upbringing plays an integral role in how they express themselves, how they are divided and how they integrate through communicating in French which hopefully would bring them together.
‘The Cat in Paris’ (Une vie de chat) from Belgium by Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli, is an impressive work of animation about a cat called Dino, living a separate life in Paris with a police officer and a burglar. It is a life where law and order is mixed up with criminals and Dino falls into the trap.
Cultural counselor and ambassador of France introduced the film with witt and interesting comments. The ambassador opened the festival.
‘My Life of Zucchini’ (Ma vie de Courgette) from Switzerland is another good animation feat both for children and adults. This is a story about police officers, children and foster homes.
Published in Daily Times, March 27th 2018.