Get ready to broaden your horizons because French culture is so much more than Paris and the Eiffel Tower, and the Francophone Film Festival is here to prove it! This groundbreaking event, launched by French Around the Corner in collaboration with the Spurlock Museum, Institut Français, and Villa Albertine, is shaking up the way we perceive French-speaking cultures. But here’s where it gets controversial: what if the French language and culture we’re taught in school is just a fraction of the real story?
Kicking off on September 12 and running through December 5, this festival isn’t your typical film series. Every two weeks, it showcases a French-language film, each carefully selected to challenge stereotypes and highlight the global diversity of Francophone communities. And this is the part most people miss: these aren’t just any films—they’re deliberately chosen for their rarity in the U.S., offering audiences a glimpse into narratives often overlooked by mainstream media.
The Spurlock Museum hosts these screenings for free, complete with English subtitles, making them accessible to both French speakers and newcomers alike. Take, for instance, Six pieds sur Terre, directed by Algerian-born Karim Bensalah. This film tells the story of a diplomat’s son who takes a job at a Muslim funeral home to avoid deportation, immersing himself in rituals like ghusl mayyit—the washing and wrapping of the deceased. It’s a powerful exploration of cultural identity, death, and familial bonds that leaves viewers questioning their own perceptions.
But is Hollywood really devoid of originality? Robert Barthell, an engineering student, thinks so. He praises foreign films for their ability to expose audiences to new cultures and languages, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the festival’s mission. Yet, not everyone agrees. Some argue that Hollywood’s global influence makes it a more universal storyteller. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
French Around the Corner, led by Aurore Mroz, isn’t just about films. It’s a public research project dedicated to making the French language more accessible in the Champaign-Urbana community. From free French classes for children to expanding French-language books in public libraries, the initiative is tackling the growing need for Francophone spaces. Mroz warns, “We’re completely underprepared for the tsunami of Francophone speakers coming our way.” With a diverse community hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Algeria, and beyond, the festival is more than entertainment—it’s a call to action.
The films themselves are a bold departure from the ‘typical old, white, Parisian man’ narrative. They feature female characters and characters of color, offering representation that mirrors the community’s diversity. Nico Norris, a graduate student studying French, notes how these films challenge skewed perceptions of French culture. “When you’re learning French, you think it’s all about Paris and baguettes,” Norris says. But what if French culture is just as complex and multifaceted as any other?
The festival doesn’t shy away from tough themes either. Police brutality, family tensions, and grief—these are universal human experiences that transcend language and geography. Isn’t it time we stop glamorizing French culture and start seeing it for what it truly is—a rich tapestry of diverse voices and stories?
The adult film series wraps up on November 5 with Un petit frère, a poignant tale of a family immigrating to the Parisian suburbs from the Ivory Coast. And the best part? The festival is already planning its return next semester with six new films. So, mark your calendars and join the conversation. Because when it comes to understanding Francophone culture, there’s always more to uncover. What’s your take on the diversity of French-speaking cultures? Let’s debate it below!
