Catch Funan in selected GSC cinemas in KL (Photo: Funan)
The highly-anticipated Le French Festival (LFF), co-hosted by Alliance Française and Embassy of France in Malaysia, returns for another year to whisk Malaysians away on an immersive cultural experience. The 18th edition of the French event will be held across four major cities – Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu – from April 4 to May 12.
The exciting line-up of events includes French cinema screenings, art exhibitions, music and theatre performances and gastronomical experiences.
Here are some highlights that should not be missed:
FILM
FUNAN
LFF will screen the highly-acclaimed Funan, winner of the Crystal Award at the Annecy Animation Film Festival 2018. A remarkable debut from filmmaker Denis Do, inspired by his own family history, the animated film is a powerful tale about family and sacrifice.
'FUNAN' will screen at GSC Mid Valley, Pavilion KL and One Utama. See here for showtimes.
Custody
Directed by Xavier Legrand, Custody won Best Film at the César Awards 2019 after bagging the Silver Lion and Best First Film award when it first premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2017. The drama explores the tragedy of domestic violence and the adverse effects it has on children.
'Custody' will screen at GSC Mid Valley, Pavilion KL and One Utama. See here for showtimes.
MUSIC
Echoes from the Boulevard
For LFF 2019, Malaysian pianist Mei Lin Hii presents Echoes from the Boulevard, an eclectic French repertoire as part of her Ivory Series at No Black Tie. The jazz club will be decked out with complementing visuals designed by French paper artist Anne Dé.
No Black Tie, 17, Jalan Mesui, off, Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang, 50200 KL. Apr 8-9, 9pm. RM64. Buy tickets here for Apr 8 and here for Apr 9.
April In Paris
Conducted by Ergys Koni, Kamerata Kuala Lumpur will present a memorable evening of French chamber music by some of the most influential French composers including Ravel, Couperin, Saint-Saëns and Fauré.
Alliance Française de KL, 15 Lorong Gurney, KL. Apr 17, 8.30pm. RM50. Buy tickets here.
PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS
The Story of Cyrano de Bergerac
LFF partners KL Shakespeare Players to produce a unique French-Malaysian version of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 The Story of Cyrano de Bergerac. KLSP will perform key scenes of the classical masterpiece in contemporary English with a hint of French.
DPAC, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, PJ. Apr 27, 8.30pm; Apr 28, 3pm. RM55. Buy tickets here.
Brave New World
Contemporary French artist ARGADOL showcases his latest collection, which focuses on current global challenges through Pop and Street Art. With his visual world full of flashy and bold colours, ARGADOL’s artworks are confident and alluring.
Alliance Française KL, 15 Lorong Gurney, KL. Apr 11- May 11, 9am-6pm. Free admission. For more info, see here.
FOOD
Tour de France
Chef Nathalie Arbefeuille of Nathalie Gourmet Studio will prepare 16 traditional French delicacies from different regions in France through a testing tapas-style menu. Anticipate a delightful evening as Chef Nathalie takes you on a memorable culinary journey with her French specialties.
Nathalie Gourmet Studio @ Publika, Unit A4-1-05, Dutamas Solaris, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL. Apr 25, 7pm. RM180. Email [email protected] to book.
French Etiquette Pairing Dinner by Martell
Join protocol expert Oliver Cane for an light-hearted educational dinner where you will uncover all the secrets of French etiquette and culinary art. Chef Florian’s delicate and traditional French cuisine will be paired with champagne from the Perrier-Jouët and Mumm houses, followed by a traditional digestive Martell cognac.
Chez Gaston by rendez-vous, 12G, Jalan Bangsar Utama 9, Bangsar, 59000 KL. Apr 15, 7pm. RM299. Buy tickets here.
Gourmet French Mediterranean Vegan Keto Dinner
Ever wondered what a Vegan French Mediterranean meal would taste like? French gourmet chef Tina Barrat and Malaysian nutritionist cum chef Chan Cudennec prepares a French Vegan Keto dinner from organic ingredients supplied by OPIKA.
OPIKA, LG 105-106, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 PJ. Apr 16, 7-9pm. RM200. Email [email protected] to book.
