Encore!: Recent Episodes
FRANCE 24 English
How do artists and writers see the world? We take you to the crossroads where culture meets the news and engages with what's happening in our lives today. From Monday to Friday at 12.15 pm Paris time.
His risky market trades at French bank Société Générale saw Jerôme Kerviel convicted of breach of trust and forgery in 2008. Now, the docu-series "Breaking the bank: One trader, 50 billion" revisits his story. Director Fred Garson tells us why he wanted to hear Kerviel's point of view, as well as accounts from his colleagues at the bank, and discusses the psychological investigation within the series. Also on the show: Dheepthika Laurent tells us why author Marlon James's adaptation of his own material "Get Millie Black" is a must-watch this month. Plus we check out the spectacular series "Dune: Prophecy", a prequel to the 2021 film, which zooms in on the Harkonnen sisters fighting for the future of mankind.
This year's Booker Prize winner Samantha Harvey speaks to FRANCE 24's Culture Editor Eve Jackson about her wonder-filled space novel "Orbital". They discuss climate change, fiction's role in politics and Elon Musk's space endeavors.
It's been 24 years since Russell Crowe stepped into a dusty arena as the mighty Maximus. Now, Ridley Scott has returned to his blockbuster hit for a sequel starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen. Film critic Emma Jones tells us why it's a spectacularly entertaining time at the cinema. We also discuss the documentary made by an Israeli-Palestinian collective about forced displacements in the West Bank, and Emma tells us more about Demi Moore's big comeback in "The Substance". French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat has tapped into some timely female anxieties for this body horror, which won the best screenplay prize at the Cannes Film Festival. And we check out a promising début from Corsican filmmaker Julien Colonna, as he returns to the island of his birth for "The Kingdom".
She was on the show back in June to discuss her bilingual viral comedy sketches about the French and English that have millions of views. Tatty Macleod is the ultimate FRANCE 24 guest who fits right in here in our “franglais” world. She’s back as she’s just moved to Paris from London and she’s got three dates coming up in the city of lights at the Théâtre de l'Atelier. The British comedian speaks to FRANCE 24’s culture editor Eve Jackson about starting a new chapter in Paris, the difference between French and British men and using her French-dar.
In this music show on arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim is joined on set by American-Haitian multi-instrumentalist Leyla McCalla. She’s on tour with her fifth studio album “Sun Without the Heat”. It blends sounds from the diaspora – Afrobeat, Ethiopian modalities, Brazilian tropicalism, folk and American blues. The title of the record is a reference to a 1857 Frederick Douglass speech made six years before the Emancipation Proclamation. The songs on the record juxtapose grief and joy and despite being released in the spring, it reflects the current mood in the aftermath of the US presidential election.
Dheepthika Laurent talks to Lebohang Kganye, recipient of the 2024 prestigious Deutsche Börse photography prize. The South African visual artist is displaying her work at the 27th edition of Paris Photo, one of the biggest photography fairs in the world. She talks about how her upbringing in a township post-apartheid influenced her work, why light installations, real-life silhouettes and theatre are part of her photography and the importance of language and literature. She also tells us about the connection between lighthouses and her family name.
"7 Days", 'Walking Away", and "Rewind" were songs that defined an era of UK music and made waves across the globe in the early noughties. With these catchy lyrics and melodies, Craig David became the voice of the UK garage genre. The multimillion selling album "Born to Do It" led him to be one of the most successful artists in UK chart history. Nearly a quarter of a century on, Craig David is on tour, set to release his ninth album and has just completed his seventh season residency in Ibiza. He sits down with FRANCE 24's culture editor Eve Jackson to talk about his new music and even picks up the FRANCE 24 mic for an exclusive performance of "7 Days", just for you.
Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Harrison Ford and even The Avengers have come out in support of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, while Republican hopeful Donald Trump has the likes of Elon Musk, Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan supporting him. In this edition of arts24, Eve Jackson tells us more about the American culture wars, including book bans in schools and colleges in Florida. We also hear from some of arts24's previous guests about America’s political situation, including "Godfather" director Francis Ford Coppola, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead and Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi, whose movie "The Apprentice" tells Trump's origin story.
FRANCE 24 Journalist Jenny Ben Brahim tells us more about Quincy Jones, the superstar producer behind Michael Jackson's thriller album, who died at 91. Born in Chicago, Jones’ decades-long career started in smoky jazz clubs where he collaborated with jazz innovators like Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. He also worked on arrangements for Frank Sinatra. Jones also left his mark on pop music, notably through his collaboration with Michael Jackson for whom he produced what is still the biggest selling album of all time – Thriller.
The 2024 Prix Goncourt, France’s top literary prize, was awarded Monday to French-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud for his novel “Houris” (ed. Gallimard) that looks back at the Algerian Civil War in the 1990s. Executive Director at the American Library in Paris' Audrey Chapuis tells us more.
On today’s music show on arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim is joined on set by Norwegian-American singer Okay Kaya and Syrian-British musician Ziyad Al-Samman. Okay Kaya is known for juxtaposing her sweet vocal melodies with her unfiltered take on the human experience. She’s just dropped her fourth album called “Oh My God – That’s So Me”, a reflection on social media and “meme culture”. The album also discusses isolation and storytelling. Okay Kaya is playing this week at Paris’ Pitchfork music festival. Ziyad Al-Samman is on track to becoming everyone’s favourite habibi music maker: His childhood in Jordan helped inform his musical style, which is also influenced by Prince and David Bowie. He’s set to drop his debut EP “Pleasure Complex” and is performing next month at Trans Musicales festival in Rennes, France.
In this edition of arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim meets the master of millinery, Stephen Jones, at a monumental exhibition of his work at Paris's Palais Galliera museum. The British designer has been working for over four decades on both sides of the English Channel, for the likes of the late Princess Diana to Lady Gaga at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. From collaborating with couture houses like Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier, Stephen Jones has made the hat more than just an accessory, turning it into wearable art.
We learn more about the history and traditions surrounding zombies at the Quai Branly museum in Paris, as our reporters take a tour of a new exhibition there. Contemporary art from Benin is in the spotlight at the Conciergerie in Paris, as dozens of creatives from the West African country show pieces as part of the Festival de Francophonie. Plus we check out work from artists shortlisted for the UK's most prestigious award, the Turner Prize, as Tate Britain hosts an exhibition which explores decolonisation, culture and identity.
It won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival this year: "Anora" is Sean Baker's most sophisticated film yet, according to critic Emma Jones. She tells us why there is lots to love in this story of a sex worker and an oligarch’s son, and why lead actress Mikey Madison is tipped for great things. We also discuss Clint Eastwood’s courtroom drama "Juror No. 2", as the 94-year-old director reunites Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette for this rumination on justice and truth. Plus, Emma tells us why Tom Hardy’s superhero caper "Venom: The Last Dance" is a fun way to wrap up the trilogy under the direction of Kelly Marcel and we check out "Flow", a captivating animation which follows a cat and its animal companions in beautifully rendered landscapes.
“We have no other land to go to," a Palestinian woman responds to Israeli soldiers seeking to displace her community from their village in the West Bank. It's one of the many moving moments captured in the documentary "No Other Land", by an Israeli and Palestinian collective of filmmakers: Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor. Yuval and Basel join us in the studio to discuss working together to collect evidence in the village of Masafer Yatta, where Israeli soldiers have destroyed homes, a primary school and the water supply since the zone was declared a military zone by Israeli authorities. Since the film won the Best Documentary Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, Yuval tells us about the violent threats he’s been subjected to from Israeli and German figures and Basel flags up the position of the international community in the face of the ongoing war in the region.
English singer-songwriter Katy J Pearson has just released her third album "Someday, Now", which sees the indie-folk artist reconnect with people around her while drawing in 1980s-tinted aesthetics. We also hear from Xavier Boyer, the singer of the indie-pop French band Tahiti 80, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary with a tenth album, "Hello Hello". Plus we take a look at new releases by The Cure, who are releasing their first album in 16 years; and Tyler, The Creator, who is back in full form with his seventh studio album "Chromakopia".
His 1989 film "The Killer" is a cult classic of Hong Kong action cinema, featuring John Woo's dynamic style as a filmmaker and highlighting Chow Yun-Fat's charisma as its protagonist. Woo has now revisited the film for a 21st-century audience, shifting the action to Paris and putting Nathalie Emmanuel in the leading role, a femme fatale with a strong sense of remorse. We caught up with cast at the film's Paris premiere, where Omar Sy told us more about playing the good cop and doing his own stunts. We also get the latest from the El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt, as FRANCE 24's Lyana Saleh explains how the geopolitical context is affecting the event.
When the cult French film "La Haine" came out 30 years ago, it sent shockwaves through the world of French cinema. The movie has now been adapted for a musical; our reporters went to La Seine Musicale theatre to check it out. Meanwhile, Lyon is currently hosting its contemporary art biennale, with hundreds of pieces popping up in the streets and in venues around the city. This year’s theme is "Crossing the Water" and includes artwork from all over the world. Plus, we take a look at a celebration of pop art at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris entitled "Pop Forever, Tom Wesselman &…". The show shines a light on artists from the 20th and 21st centuries and the far-reaching influence of pop.
He was an icon of la chanson française. Charles Aznavour's lyrical talent illuminated the 20th century and shone until his death in 2018. The singer-songwriter's life has now been brought to the screen by Mehdi Idir and slam poet Grand Corps Malade. Film critic Perrine Quennesson tells us why actor Tahar Rahim's performance as "Monsieur Aznavour" is an excellent reason to see the film. We also discuss another biopic, "Niki", which revisits the trials and triumphs of Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Plus we check out François Ozon's latest family drama "When Fall is Coming" and an animated feature, "Savages", which blends environmental questions with a jungle adventure.
The American fine art photographer Tina Barney is known for giving us a glimpse into the soul of her subjects, deftly capturing a passing glance, a wistful gaze or a confident look. The artist has been honing that singular perspective from behind her traditional tripod set-up for more than four decades. As her exhibition "Family Ties" goes on show at the Jeu de Paume gallery in Paris, she speaks to us about returning to familiar subject matter, documenting the rites and rituals of the American upper classes and why she thinks the Instagram age is "pretty horrific" for photography.
Franco-British singer-songwriter Emily Loizeau joins us on arts24 to tell us about her new album "La Souterraine", which she produced with John Parish, a longtime collaborator of PJ Harvey. She tells us more about her multi-layered pop and rock album, the people who inspire her and her ambitions to bring her music to a UK audience.
Three years after the majestic Parisian monument closed for renovations, the Grand Palais is once again the HQ of the contemporary art world, as it hosts Art Basel Paris. We hear from Oliver Beer, one of the artists showing his sound-inspired pieces at the event, who tells us how his Resonance Project has inspired installations, paintings and even an operatic film experience. Our reporters also check out the sculptures popping up in public spaces around Paris, as the fair brings contemporary art to the streets. And we meet some of the artists bringing their work to the Also Known As Africa fair in Paris, as the annual art fair shines a light on creativity from France's overseas territories and the Caribbean.
After the phenomenal success of her first novel, "The Twelve Tribes of Hattie", author Ayana Mathis returns with a story that shifts between 1980s Philadelphia and a mythical Black utopia in Alabama. She tells us about finding inspiration in a particular moment of American history – of dashed hopes and failed social projects – and discusses the challenge of creating three-dimensional characters, including their flaws. We also talk about the upcoming US presidential election and Ayana tells us about an unexpected encounter with Oprah Winfrey herself.
Gilles Lellouche's take on the euphoria of teen romance was savaged by the press at the Cannes Film Festival, but critic Emma Jones tells us why "Beating Hearts" won her over by capturing the intensity of first love. We also discuss the dark undercurrents in Romanian drama "Three Kilometres to the End of the World" and check out the talent on the red carpet at the Lumière Festival in Lyon. Plus, Disney's most famous fawn gets the live action treatment in French director Michel Fessler's "Bambi: The Story of a Life in the Woods".
The Spanish powerhouse dancer has been called on by the likes of Beyoncé, Coldplay and Paul McCartney to create memorable works. One of the world's most sought-after choreographers, Blanca Li is Eve Jackson's guest to talk about her latest creations showing in Paris and beyond. Her most recent work was for French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, with Olympic swimmers performing in high heels in a Paris swimming pool. Coming soon is her modern retelling of the tragic love story "Dido and Aeneas", based on the 17th-century opera, at Paris's La Villette venue, as well as a hip-hop take on the Christmas classic "The Nutcracker" at the Théâtre Libre in Paris.
In this edition of our music show on arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim is joined on set by one half of the Franco-Congolese duo Tshegue. Faty Sy Savanet and Nicolas Dacunha AKA “Dakou” burst onto the music scene in 2017 with their powerful blend of afropunk, rock, electro and funk. They are back with their third EP “Argent”, a call to arms to today’s youth. Faty Sy Savanet once again sings in her native Lingala, and references the important Kotazo cultural movement of Kinshasa in this latest record. We also shine a spotlight on an up-and-coming soul singer from London called Elmiene. The British-Sudanese artist has been compared to the likes of D’Angelo, and is set to release his debut album later this month. We also bring you some of the latest music releases from Bon Iver and Kylie Minogue.
Chris Sanders is the artistic mastermind behind children's films "Lilo and Stitch", "How to Train Your Dragon" and "The Croods". His latest animated feature sees a lone robot, Roz, cast adrift on an island where her artificial intelligence is pitted against the innate intelligence of the local flora and fauna. Sanders joins us to talk about why actress Lupita Nyong'o was the perfect voice for his protagonist and discusses the challenge of conveying big issues like climate change to the small people who make up much of his audience.
This week arts24 is in the delightful seaside town of Dinard in Brittany, for France’s yearly celebration of British and Irish film. For 35 years, it’s been a launchpad for independent gems that go on to conquer the world of cinema. Culture editor Eve Jackson shares some of this year’s highlights.
Four-time Oscar-nominated Irish actress Saoirse Ronan speaks to Eve Jackson about her heart-wrenching addiction drama "The Outrun", based on Amy Liptrot's memoir. Known for "Lady Bird" and "Little Women" in German filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt's film, Ronan plays a recovering alcoholic who returns to her hometown in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. The actress also talks about her role in Steve McQueen's new movie "Blitz" and the reasons behind the recent success of so many Irish actors.
Depicting a young woman yearning for freedom and suffocated by village life, "Norah" is a striking account of provincial life in the Saudi Arabia of the 1990s. The film was shown at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Director and writer Tawfik Alzaidi joins us on arts24 to discuss his inspirations for the story, the fledging film industry in his home country and how, despite growing up without access to movie theatres, he was determined to become a filmmaker.
Fashion critic Samantha Tse speaks to Eve Jackson about the highlights of Paris Fashion Week, including Louboutin's swimming spectacle in stilettos, the return of Bella Hadid to the runway and our top picks including Alessandro Michele's debut at Valentino, and shows from Loewe and Courrèges.
In this edition of our music show on arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim is joined on set by two artists from very different musical universes, but linked by a similar nomadic spirit. Model and actress Hen Yanni is starting a new chapter of her life as a singer-songwriter. Her lifelong passion has transformed into a debut album called "Version of You". It's an intimate portrait of her life and journey from Israel to France, told with a new-wave twist. She is also joined by Saràh Phenom, who describes herself as an alien thanks to her singular outlook on the world and music. The Rwandan-born singer makes an empowering blend of R'n'B, afropop and electro. She's set to drop a new EP later this month called "Girl", full of songs to dance to and songs to make you cry.
Colson Whitehead is one of the rare authors to win the Pulitzer Prize twice. The first time was for his novel "The Underground Railroad" in 2017, loved by Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey and made into a TV series by Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins. It led to him being on the cover of Time Magazine, the first author in nearly a decade to grace the front page since Jonathan Franzen. Colson Whitehead was honoured again for "The Nickel Boys" in 2020 – adapted into a film due out in the autumn. He is in Paris at the Festival America and for the French release of his novel "Crook Manifesto". The multi-award-winning American author speaks to Eve Jackson about his crime trilogy set in Harlem.
She's one of the greatest contralto singers in the world; a French-speaking Canadian opera star who has performed on stage across the planet. Marie-Nicole Lemieux talks to Eve Jackson about wanting to speak to the audience’s emotions through music, being a body positive role model for women of different shapes and sizes and why Maria Callas's tragic life nearly put her off becoming an opera singer. You can see her perform at the Bastille Opera house as Mrs Quickly in Verdi's "Falstaff" until September 30. After that she’ll be back in January for Wagner's "Das Rheingold".
It was a low-budget, erotic film that became the most successful French movie of the time. "Emmanuelle" went on to be the symbol of the sexual liberation and free love of the 1970s. Fifty years after Just Jaeckin's softcore movie first became a global phenomenon, a remake is being released with some big changes. Directed by a woman, award-winning director Audrey Divan has moved the action from Thailand to Hong Kong and the sensual character exploring her sexual desires is played by Noémie Merlant. Film critic Perrine Quennesson and erotic literature specialist and author of "Emmanuelle Arsan", Camille Moreau join Eve Jackson to talk about whether having a female behind the camera frees this iconic sex symbol from the male gaze. They also discuss how the 1974 film plays in a post #MeToo era.
One of the greatest filmmakers of all time speaks to Eve Jackson on arts24 about his new movie. Francis Ford Coppola has five Oscars and two Palmes d'Or from the Cannes Film Festival. The man who gave us the "Godfather" trilogy, "Apocalypse Now", "Dracula", "The Rainmaker" and "The Conversation" now brings us an ambitious original sci-fi apocalypse drama, "Megalopolis", starring Adam Driver. It's wildly original – and has left the critics baffled.
Garage Punk queens The Darts formed in 2016 and have since attracted fans around the world. They are currently on a 100-date tour of Europe which has taken them from Spain to Finland. They popped by FRANCE 24 to tell us about their latest album “Boomerang” and how they keep going from venue to venue. We also look at new releases from Manu Chao, Katy Perry and Sophie.
From cartoon baddies to Hollywood pin-ups, Bill Plympton’s animations embrace an eccentric collection of characters, all of them set in motion in his unique, shimmering style. As the animator and cartoonist’s work goes on show at the Formula Bula Festival in Paris, he joins us to discuss the tens of thousands of hand-drawn plates that go into his feature animations, some of which have won him the industry's most prestigious awards. He tells us about the one-minute movie about Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin that prompted death threats and why his latest exploration of the Western genre, “Slide”, features the largest cast of bad guys that he’s ever drawn.
In this arts24 episode, we talk to fugitive director Mohammad Rasoulof about his powerful Iranian film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”, a brazen and startling picture about the misogyny and theocracy in his country. The director had to flee Iran where he was sentenced to prison for his filmmaking. The movie won a special prize at the Cannes Film Festival in May where it premiered. French culture editor Louise Dupont sat down with him in Paris.
Director Mohammad Rasoulof had escaped a prison sentence in Iran just days before his latest film screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year. "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" went on to stun critics and win the Jury Prize. Critic Emma Jones tells us why it was her favourite film of the festival and how Rasoulof managed to incorporate the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests to great effect. We also discuss Francis Ford Coppola's epic project "Megalopolis" and see James McAvoy in a chilling new role in "Speak No Evil". Plus, French actress and director Julie Delpy injects her unique humour into "Meet the Barbarians", a comedy about a community's response to refugees in France.
Australian author Anna Funder talks to Dheepthika Laurent about her latest book "Wifedom", a part-fiction, part non-fiction and part-hybrid novel about Eileen O'Shaughnessy. She was the highly educated wife of George Orwell, who played a pivotal but largely uncredited role in his career. Anna Funder also responds to criticism by the Orwell Society that the book portrayed Orwell as "maleficent" and talks about what propelled her to leave her career as a government lawyer to pursue writing full-time.
Olivia Salazar-Winspear and Dheepthika Laurent take a look at all the winners, losers and surprises from the 2024 Emmy Awards ceremony, including historic wins for American-Japanese epic "Shogun" in the drama category. Also: they look at season four of irreverent British spy drama "Slow Horses" and a new season of Ryan Murphy's true crime series based on the story of the Menendez brothers, who killed their parents in 1989. Plus: don't miss "La Maison", a new "Succession"-style family drama à la française!
Navid Sinaki speaks to Dheepthika Laurent on arts24 about how much of his own story is echoed in his novel "Medusa of the Roses". It traces an illicit gay romance in modern-day Iran and explores a little-known reality: that the government subsidises sex changes for gay people willing to transition. He also talks about visiting Iran for last time in his 20s, the vibrant Iranian cinema industry and the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, launched after the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022.
Eve Jackson brings you a roundup of the week's arts and entertainment news, including pop megastar Taylor Swift's domination of the MTV Video Music Awards. Earlier this week, Swift drew more than 10 million likes on her Instagram page for her post endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the November US election. Listen to her rally the fans to register to vote in the US presidential election in November.
We're live at the Deauville American Film Festival with Genie Godula, who brings us the highlights from this year's 50th edition, including Francis Ford Coppola's screening of his latest film "Megalopolis", a talent award for Natalie Portman and a transformational role for Juliette Lewis in "The Thicket". Eve Jackson also brings you the rest of the week's film news, including the French premiere of "BeetleJuice Beetlejuice", where we hear from director Tim Burton, Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder.
From France's new immersive Viking city to a first look at Paris's restored and spectacular Jacquemart André museum and a celebration of the 100th birthday of the surrealism movement at Paris's Pompidou Centre, arts24 takes you on a trip to some of the best art shows and museums to visit this season. We also meet the toddlers whose art is selling for thousands.
Fresh from her performance at the Stade de France, award winning electronic artist Irene Dresel joins us this week on Arts24 to share her impressions of the 2024 Paralympics closing ceremony and how she's looking forward to touring her recent album "Rose Fluo". We also speak to French guitarist Waxx who rose to fame through collaborating with famous Francophone acts and covering cherished classics. He's set to play at Paris's cabaret music hall Folies Bergères (dates all sold out) after releasing his second album "Etincelle". Finally we get a glimpse of Suki Waterhouse's new album double “Memoir of A Sparklemuffin” that comes out on prestigious grunge label Sub Pop.
FRANCE 24’s Genie Godula brings us the latest from the 50th edition of the American Festival in Deauville, as Hollywood stars flock to the beach resort on the Normandy coast. As Michael Douglas receives a special award for his career in cinema, we take a look back at the actor and producer’s love affair with France. The seaside setting has always had a starring role in the festival’s success and we learn more about the enduring appeal of its iconic boardwalk and celebrity-themed beach huts.
It’s arguably the biggest show in the world: Epic performances involving some 3,000 dancers, breath-taking musical numbers and a constellation of stars. Director of choreography Maud le Pladec and artist Lucky Love join us on Arts 24 to talk about creating and executing the performance of a lifetime, as they reflect on the Paralympic opening ceremony at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. We discuss the messages of unity, inclusion and diversity that artistic director, Thomas Jolly, wanted to convey through these events and how the experience has informed their own paths as creative souls.
Showcasing upcoming movies starring Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and George Clooney, there’s a generous dose of Hollywood glamour at this year’s Venice Film festival. Film critic Emma Jones brings us the latest from La Serenissima, and flags up some of the major new releases which could be in the running for the top prize: the Golden Lion.
His first improvisation session was on the violin as a small child, but when Immanuel Wilkins switched to the saxophone, his musical destiny was sealed. His critically acclaimed début, "Omega", was released in 2020 on the Blue Note label and in the four years since then, Wilkins has explored many different facets of jazz with his quartet. As he embarks upon a European tour, the musician tells us about exploring the Blues and its meaning for Black history and identity on his latest record. We also discuss the ritualistic power of music and sound.
On today's arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with Thibaut de Longeville, director of the award-winning documentary series "DJ Mehdi: Made in France". The French-Tunisian producer was one of the rare musicians to unite the worlds of hip-hop and electro as well as being synonymous with the Ed Banger label – the pioneers of the "French Touch" movement. DJ Mehdi passed away in September 2011 after a tragic accident; he was only 34 years old. The six-part documentary series weaves together archival footage, first-hand accounts from loved ones and musicians to form a rich tapestry that was the life of DJ Mehdi.
Photojournalist Jérôme Gence has turned his lens on "The Screen Generation", documenting the daily lives of young people immersed in a digital culture that englobes both the virtual and real worlds, often at the same time. As his exhibition goes on show at the 36th Visa Pour L'Image photojournalism festival, Jérôme tells us about what he discovered while making the series, including the psychological consequences of childhoods illuminated by the glow of tablets and smartphones. We also discuss the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in the art world and Jérôme explains why an extraordinary experience in the Himalayas put him on the path of photography.
Eve Jackson brings us a wrap of the week's arts and entertainment news, including the "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" starry red carpet at Venice and Sigourney Weaver's news conference, where the three-time Oscar nominee got teary when asked about her powerful roles inspiring women such as US presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Also on the show, the Oasis reunion and a look at the pioneering work of late French female street artist Miss.Tic.
As "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" stars arrive at the Venice Film Festival for its opening, film critic Emma Jones speaks to presenter Eve Jackson from the Lido about some of the most anticipated films of the Mostra, including Luca Guadagnino's "Queer", starring Daniel Craig, "Joker: Folie à Deux", with Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga and Chilean director Pablo Larrain's "Maria", starring Angelina Jolie. We also review the French film of the week, "Visiting Hours" by Patricia Mazuy, starring this year's Venice jury president Isabelle Huppert, as well as actress Hafsia Herzi and Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut "Blink Twice", starring Kravitz's fiancé Channing Tatum.
From the tranq dope crisis in Philadelphia to voodoo in Benin, Belgian photojournalist Gaël Turine speaks to Eve Jackson on arts24 about his award-winning work. Over the past 25 years, his photographs have been widely exhibited throughout Europe and the world. He's also regularly published in the international press. Gaël Turine has taken some startling and uncomfortable photos in a series being shown in the south of France at the Visa Pour L’image photojournalism festival, entitled "The Ravages of Tranq Dope". The photos are taken in Philadelphia – the ground zero for a new and dangerous sedative called "tranq". A side effect of this drug can be struggling to stand upright, which is why users are commonly described in the media as "zombies". Gaël Turine also has a parallel exhibition called "The Spirits of the Forest" about the voodoo religion in Benin at the Gacilly photo festival in Brittany.
On today’s music show on Arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim takes us backstage at one of France’s biggest music festivals: Rock en Seine. The 20th edition had an impressive lineup including Lana Del Rey, Massive Attack and Kasabian. The Olympics were also front and centre at Rock en Seine this year, with the festival showcasing the shared values between music and sports.
With its breathtaking location on the Mediterranean, Marseille is one of the French cities hosting the 2024 Olympics. The Games are a perfect opportunity to promote its cultural wealth to the world. Join Eve Jackson for a special show about the French city going for gold when it comes to music, food and the arts. We meet 3-star Michelin chef and former professional basketball player Alexandre Mazzia, who's an Olympic torchbearer and one of the chefs chosen to cook for the athletes. We also visit the photo exhibition where sportswomen are in the spotlight and speak to dancer and social worker Marina Gomes about promoting the cultural richness and talent in Marseille's working-class areas.
As FRANCE 24 takes a look at the artistic and cultural iterations of the Olympic Games, fashion designer Stéphane Ashpool invites us into his Paris workshop to get a sneak preview of his creations for the French athletes competing this summer. With a modern take on French heritage, Ashpool blends his love for sports and his eye for detail in these hi-tech garments.
For the 2024 Olympics, Paris has become an open-air art gallery. In part three of our arts24 Olympic series, we talk to American artist Alison Saar, who was commissioned to create an Olympic sculpture at the foot of the famous Paris avenue, the Champs-Élysées. The work, entitled "The Salon", shows a Black woman holding an olive branch and a golden flame – designed for the city of lights by an artist from the city that will host the next Games in 2028, Los Angeles.
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, dancer, choreographer and photographer Mathieu Forget invited athletes to dance with him for a series of jaw-dropping photographs in iconic cultural spots around France. Through these gravity-defying photos with athletes, the Frenchman has succeeded in making photography an Olympic art. In part two of our arts24 Olympic shows, Mathieu Forget speaks to Eve Jackson about working with fencing double world champion Enzo Lefort in Paris's Petit Palais, playing handball in the Paris Modern Art Museum and the common values shared between sport and the arts.
The summer sees the return of hit shows “Emily in Paris” and “Only Murders in the Building” for their fourth seasons. Dheepthika Laurent tells us why – love them or hate them – the new instalments of those series are set to delight their loyal fans. We learn more about Natalie Portman’s limited series “Lady in the Lake”, a slick crime drama adaptation of Laura Lippman’s 2019 novel. Rashida Jones stars in “Sunny”, a dark comedy set in Japan exploring grief and AI, and Netflix series “The Man with 1000 Kids” recounts the true story of a serial sperm donor who went too far.
We take a look at some of the summer blockbusters filling air-conditioned movie theatres around the globe, as film critic Lisa Nesselson showcases some of the more enticing meteorological, extraterrestrial and fantastical pictures coming to the big screen. Jacque Audiard’s award-winning “Emilia Perez” opens in French cinemas after a warm reception at the Cannes Film festival, and with Paris poised to welcome the Olympic Games, we check out a documentary following the city’s preparations. A group screening French films with English subtitles means that movie fans can enjoy a rich selection of features with nothing getting “Lost in Frenchlation” and we learn why Abel Gance’s 1927 “Napoléon” warrants its spectacular new release.
Forging his own artistic path in the shadow of Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti was a challenge that his son, Femi Kuti, struggled with in the early years of his career, he reveals. The Nigerian musician joins us in the studio to discuss the highs and lows of growing up with a globally celebrated artist and to explain how his own activism aligns with his father’s political positions. We also talk about breaking the world record for the longest note on the saxophone, the corruption that holds back many African countries, and his recent performance at Glastonbury with Coldplay.
On today’s music show on Arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with Gen-Z punk idol Yungblud, before his much anticipated headlining set at France’s equivalent to Glastonbury – the Vieilles Charrues festival. Three chart-topping albums in, the British musician has built up a loyal fan base around the world. His artistry and activism has made it cool to talk about mental health, sexuality, and standing up to the haters.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of music lovers make their way to Carhaix in Brittany for the “Vieilles Charrues”. This year France 24’s Jennifer Ben Brahim joins them to bring us the highlights. She tells us how EDM giant David Guetta had festivalgoers dancing late into the night and ran through the big international names headlining at the four-day event: PJ Harvey, Sting, Simple Minds and Kings of Leon. We also check out a show in Paris that walks us through the history of breakdance and meet the women changing the face of Morocco’s Gnawa music scene in Essaouira.
As the dramatic arts fill the streets of Avignon, Arts 24 relocates to the southern city for a special edition. Olivia Salazar-Winspear takes us through the highlights of the annual event, which artistic director Tiago Rodrigues has called the festival of “resistance”. With Spanish as the selected language this year, artists from Peru, Chile, Spain and Uruguay are staging their work in historical sites, cultural venues and all sorts of outdoor spaces in Avignon. Argentinian director Lola Arrias talks to us about her latest piece of documentary theatre “Los Dias Afuera”, which explores the experience of women adapting to life outside of prison after serving sentences. We also check out Boris Charmatz’s joyful dance workshop “Cercles”, which invites amateurs and professionals to create a live artistic happening.
We take a trip back to late 1960s thanks to “Fly Me to the Moon”, as Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum pair up in Greg Berlanti’s stylish take on the Apollo 11 space mission. Film critic Emma Jones tells us why the film still feels timely more than 50 years after the moon landings. We also discuss French director, André Téchiné’s latest release “My New Friends”, starring Isabelle Huppert. Plus, Danish film “Sons” gives leading lady Sidse Babett Knudsen a meaty role to tackle and we check out the return of those lovable minions in “Despicable Me 4”.
His second novel, "Grow Where They Fall", shifts between the wonder of childhood and the existential pangs of 21st-century adulthood in South London. Michael Donkor's elegant reflections on sexuality, class and British-Ghanaian identity dominate his latest novel. The author and former English teacher discusses his experience as a Black person in modern Britain, the challenge of inspiring a love for literature in the classroom and what the recent election results could mean for British society.
Culture reporter Olivia Salazar-Winspear speaks to Eve Jackson about the highlights from the Avignon Theatre Festival in the south of France, including Greek tragedy "Hecuba, not Hecuba" from the event's artistic director Tiago Rodrigues, and French director Boris Charmatz's delightful outdoor style rave "Circles". The directors also comment on the importance of immigration and openness for artistic creation in the current political context in France. Also on the programme, we hear from the all-female metal band Voice of Baceprot, who made history at Glastonbury as the first Indonesian group ever to play at the iconic event.
Inspired by a true story, "Ghost Trail" introduces us to the clandestine groups tracking down Syrian war criminals in Europe. Director Jonathan Millet joins us to talk about how he constructed an espionage film with amateur spies at its centre, and we discuss the long road to justice for the millions of Syrians devastated by the horrors of 13 years of war. Film critic Lisa Nesselson also takes us through Kevin Costner's passion project, "Horizon", as the first chapter of his four-part epic opens in French cinemas. Plus we get a rundown of the best road movies on show at the Cinémathèque Française.
Born in Cameroon and now based in a village in northern France, the self-taught musician Blick Bassy has a knack for marrying his cultural heritage with modern soundscapes. Singing in his native language Bassa, on his four previous albums he explored his thoughts and feelings about his native land, as well as subjects like France's colonial past. He sells out concerts in places like La Cigale in Paris and the Jazz Café in London. Blick Bassy speaks to Eve Jackson about the deluxe edition of his album "Mádibá" that came out last year. "Mádibá Ni Mbondi" includes four previously unreleased tracks.
He's been described as the king of reggae and dance hall artists in Africa. For the past decade, Stonebwoy has cemented himself as one of Ghana's most successful artists, winning more than 50 awards. His music has reached millions on streaming platforms, earning the respect of artists and fans far beyond the West African nation’s borders. On his recent album "5th Dimension", he collaborated with the likes of Davido, Angelique Kidjo and Stormzy. He’s in Paris to talk about his new single "Your Body" and its message for people to love and accept themselves. Stonebwoy speaks to Eve Jackson about being one of the most decorated voices in African music after winning six trophies in June’s Ghana Music Awards, his mission to use music to unify Black people across the African diaspora and his plans to work with Taylor Swift.
Haute Couture week has just wrapped up in the French capital and the major fashion houses have taken inspiration from the upcoming Olympic Games to bring sporting details to their runway shows. Dubbed "Athcouture", some of the collections featured clear nods to the Games, past and present. FRANCE 24’s Jennifer Ben Brahim takes us through the highlights. We also take a look at the first exhibition dedicated to a supermodel, as Naomi Campbell's career is displayed in all its glory at London's V&A museum.
Her online sketches about being bicultural and the radical differences between the British and French have garnered her 50 million views and nearly 500,000 followers on social media. Tatty Macleod’s videos tackle the idiosyncrasies surrounding booty calls, Parisian chicness, French waiters and British binge drinking. She's performed across Europe and is a regular at some of the biggest clubs in the UK, including the Comedy Store and the Glee Clubs. Tatty Macleod launched her debut show "Fugue" at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe to sold-out audiences and is still touring with it. She speaks to Eve Jackson about some of the fundamental differences between France – where she was brought up by her English mum – and Britain, where she lives now.
We discuss "Kinds of Kindness", Yorgos Lanthimos' latest collaboration with Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why the Greek director has set himself up as a hard act to follow after 2023's award-winning "Poor Things". We also take a look at a new documentary charting the life and music of American folk icon Joan Baez and discover the dark comedy at the heart of French film "Plastic Guns", which revisits a horrifying and unresolved true crime. Plus, Pierre Niney plays the title role in the "The Count of Monte Cristo" as Alexandre Dumas' beloved adventure novel gets the big screen treatment.
On your marks, get set! The time has come for the long-awaited Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. With millions of visitors expected in Paris over the summer, in this edition of arts24 we look at some of the cultural highlights taking place in the city that's arguably the artistic champion of the world.
Uuhai are bringing to the world their blend of traditional Mongolian folk with metal. Their music features the Morin Khuur, a traditional horse-headed violin with Khöömei singing, which is a form of throat singing listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Ahead of their Paris and Hellfest dates, their youngest member and bassist Anand Naranbaatar tells us more about their unique genre before the rest of Uuhai treat us to a wonderful performance in the FRANCE 24 studio. We also get to meet New York-based French Caribbean artist Adi Oasis.
FRANCE 24 TV critic Dheepthika Laurent brings us the latest from the world of television, starting with the passing of TV and film stalwart Donald Sutherland. We also look at highlights from the 63rd edition of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, where Morgan Freeman was honoured with a lifetime achievement award as he presented his latest project as a producer: Civil War-era drama "The Gray House". Plus, Dheepthi brings us some of this month's big releases, from fashion biopic "Becoming Karl Lagerfeld" to "Land of Women", a family dramedy starring Eva Longoria as a socialite who drags her mother and daughter into hiding in Spain. Finally, the return of two audience favourites: Season 3 of restaurant drama "The Bear", and the second instalment of "Game of Thrones" prequel "House of the Dragon".
She's becoming the voice of a generation: singer, comedian, podcaster, poet and actress. A self-proclaimed, self-obsessed millennial, Catherine Cohen puts the concerns of her peers to music in comedy clubs in New York City and beyond, saying the outrageous things we think but never say out loud. Her stand-up show "The Twist…? She's Gorgeous" won best newcomer prize at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 and was made into a Netflix show. Catherine Cohen speaks to Eve Jackson about her new show "Come for Me", which is on at the Apollo in Paris as part of a European and North American tour.
Shuchi Talati's first feature-length film, "Girls Will Be Girls", tells the story of 16-year-old Mira, a model student at an elite Himalayan boarding school who gets swept up in a budding romance with a new male student. Things get complicated when Mira's mother inserts herself into their relationship. Talati says she wanted to tell a story about sexual awakening without the shame she experienced in her own adolescence. While the film's dynamic has been described as a love triangle, she says it's really about two generations of women trying to push back against societal boundaries. Plus, film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about Jessica Palud's "Being Maria", which explores how French actress Maria Schneider was traumatised by a now-infamous sex scene in the 1972 film "Last Tango in Paris".
FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear sits down with American filmmaker Jeff Nichols to discuss his latest movie, "The Bikeriders". The director of "Take Shelter", "Mud" and "Loving" has a knack for depicting small-town America, with its heroes and misfits. His latest feature was inspired by the motorcycle gangs of 1960s America, one of which was captured in an iconic book of photos taken by Danny Lyon. "The Bikeriders" stars Tom Hardy, Austin Butler and Jodie Comer.
On this edition of our music show on arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with Irish singer-songwriter and producer James Vincent McMorrow. He emerged in 2010 with the album "Early in the Morning" and since then, his blend of folk, indie and rock has garnered over 1 billion streams. He's worked on some unexpected projects, from covering Chris Isaak's iconic "Wicked Games" for the "Game of Thrones" season six trailer, to lending his voice to the Drake song "Hype". James is back with his seventh studio album "Wide Open, Horses", a musical experiment first performed in front of an audience, before being recorded. It's a soulful album that offers respite from the chaos of the modern world, most notably technology. It also features an adorable collaboration with his young daughter Margot.
In this edition of arts24, we met the author being called the best new writer of fiction in America. Nathan Hill's first novel "The Nix" in 2016 was named one of the books of the year and optioned for a TV series with Meryl Streep. He's in Paris as his second, "Wellness", is being translated into French by publishing house Gallimard. It's a look at modern love and marriage, society's pursuit of health and happiness, and the stories we tell ourselves. Nathan Hill talks to Eve Jackson about being picked for Oprah Winfrey's book club, modern-day marriage with mention of polyamory and why love is a verb.
Italian actress Monica Bellucci and French-Iranian filmmaker Marjane Satrapi talk about their dark comedy "Dear Paris", which is set in the French capital and follows a flurry of charming characters confronting death. Also on the programme: the video games to look out for over the summer, including "Assassin’s Creed", "Call of Duty" and "Star Wars"; plus Colombia's underwater art gallery created to save the coral under threat from climate change.
One of France's best-loved singer-songwriters, Françoise Hardy was a leading cultural icon of the Swinging Sixties and one of the biggest stars of the "yé-yé" boom that swept across Europe at the time. Hardy has died at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer. Renowned for her hits "Comment te dire adieu" and "Le Temps de l'amour", she enjoyed a career that spanned more than six decades. Last year she was named one of the 200 best singers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine – the only French performer on the list. Music critic Jenny Ben Brahim and film critic Lisa Nesselson speak to Eve Jackson about her life and career.
In this edition we meet a true superstar from Nigeria – the sensational singer-songwriter Yemi Alade. A musical trailblazer since 2015, Yemi has captivated audiences worldwide with her incredible talent. Her music is a mixture of Afropop, highlife, dancehall, pop and R'n'B. We had the pleasure of meeting her during her performance at the 16th edition of the Femua festival in Abidjan. She sat down with FRANCE 24's Fatimata Wane for a special interview.
American composer and organist Kali Malone popped by FRANCE 24 to tell us about her new album "All Life Long" and how composing for an organ, a brass ensemble and a choir was a process that enabled her to reconnect with her own voice. We also check out new music videos by John Cale, Soprano and Billie Eilish.
The Impressionist painters, from Monet to Renoir, Pissarro and Morisot, are beloved around the world. This year, France is celebrating their very first exhibition – a show that was one of the most momentous exhibitions in art history 150 years ago. To mark the event, arts24's Eve Jackson takes us to the home of Claude Monet in Giverny just outside Paris – a place of flowers, fields and water bathed in natural light that inspired his most famous works.
As commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings take place in Normandy, film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about her favorite D-Day classics – from star-studded extravaganza "The Longest Day" to Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan". Plus, Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard star in "Memory", a harsh tale about what happens when suppressed memories meet early-onset dementia. Finally, Lisa tells us about Roman Polanski's latest film "Palace Hotel", which she was surprised to enjoy after it was eviscerated by other critics.
She's best known on the small screen as Kate Sharma after her star turn in the second season of the hit series "Bridgerton". Eve Jackson sat down with Simone Ashley at the Cannes Film Festival to talk about her upcoming movie, embracing fashion and the fabulous costumes she gets to wear in "Bridgerton". We also look into some of the would-be blockbusters that have failed to set Hollywood alight this summer, while a new documentary on an all-woman softball team in Mexico is quietly helping change cultural norms in their home state. Plus, Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh tells FRANCE 24 more about his latest feature, revisiting a crucial moment in the demise of Pol Pot's regime.
Classical violinist Guy Braunstein has just released a record that revisits the Fab Four's classic "Abbey Road". It was recorded in the mythical London studios. He popped by FRANCE 24 to tell us more about what inspired him to revisit The Beatles and how there are only two categories of music: good and bad. We also look at new releases from Bon Jovi, Eminem and Manu Chao.
"Bridgerton" is back with more scandal and more sex! FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear and Dheepthika Laurent take a look at everyone's fan favourite focusing on Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's story. Meanwhile, "The Big Cigar" looks at the improbable story of a daring escape by Huey P. Newton, the founder of the Black Panthers. Plus, they discuss the exploration of an alternate universe in sci-fi thriller "Dark Matter" and the return of BAFTA-winning Muslim girls rock band comedy "We Are Lady Parts".
As one of the winners of the Africa Lyric's Opera prize, Aaron-Casey Gould has just wrapped up a string of concerts across France, performing a repertoire that embraced Verdi, Gershwin and contemporary African compositions. He joins us to talk about introducing a younger generation to the traditional repertoire, his latest, playful role at the Vienna Volksoper and a modern opera inspired by the drag ball scene of 1980s New York, where he sings the role of "House of Legendary"'s charismatic mother.
Yolande Zauberman's documentaries venture into the lesser-seen corners of life in Israel; her latest film is inspired by the journey of a transsexual woman who apparently travelled from Gaza to Tel Aviv on foot, in search of a new life. Film critic Lisa Nesselson applauds this insightful endeavour, and tells us why questions surrounding gender are less entertaining in "Marcello Mio", French director Christophe Honoré's latest feature starring Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. We also check out a new version of the fascinating 1982 film "Chien Blanc" and discuss the apocalyptic high jinks in "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga", fresh from its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Jamaica’s beaches, gentle Rastas and uplifting reggae music make up the postcard version of an idyllic island nation – an image Safiya Sinclair says she wanted to flesh out in her compelling memoir "How to Say Babylon". The author recounts a childhood spent observing tropical fauna and flora and reading poetry, far from tourist hotels and the bustling street life of the Jamaican capital. She joins us to discuss the double standard for Rastafari boys and girls, the symbolic meaning of cutting off her dreadlocks and the hidden literary talents of a mother who inspired her personal and professional journey.
Irish native Liv Monaghan embraced Paris a dozen years ago where she fell headfirst into the local jazz scene. She's just released her second folk-tinted new album "First Light" and popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more about the evolution of her jazz sound. We also take a look at new releases from Lenny Kravitz, Willie Nelson and Bat For Lashes.
It’s been political, it’s been sexy, it’s been gasp out loud surprising. The winners of this year’s competition have been announced. The top prize, the Palme d’or, has been awarded to "Anora" from American independent film maker Sean Baker. It’s about an erotic dancer in New York who marries a Russian oligarch’s son. France 24's culture editor Eve Jackson and film critic Lisa Nesselson tell us more about this year's winners.
Elle Fanning talked to France 24 at the 77th edition of the Cannes film festival. The actress was in town to present L'Oréal's "Lights on Women's Worth" award, an initiative to shine a spotlight on young female directors. She told Jennifer Ben Brahim about some of the women she has worked with throughout her career, from Sofia Coppola, Nicole Kidman and Helen Mirren.
Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren talks to Eve Jackson about her Cannes memories, being the face of L'Oréal Paris at age 78 and why she prefers swagger to beauty. We also learn more about the films up for the Queer Palm and meet the best onscreen dogs at this year's festival.
From the big screen treatment of one of French literature’s greatest classics, "The Count of Monte Christo", starring French favourite Pierre Niney, to "Wild Diamond", a gritty social drama about a young French woman who dreams of becoming a famous influencer, arts24's Eve Jackson looks at France’s offerings at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. We also look back at the life and career of "Star Wars" creator George Lucas as he receives a lifetime achievement award and ask critics for their picks for the top prize, the Palme d'Or.
In this edition of arts24 from the Cannes Film Festival with Eve Jackson, we explore glamorous fashion on and off the red carpet. Also on the programme: an apartheid documentary about an unsung hero photographer in "Ernest Cole: Lost and Found", directed and written by Raoul Peck and narrated by US actor and rapper Lakeith Stanfield.
Catherine Deneuve appears in French director Christophe Honoré's new film "Marcello Mio". Honoré is known for his provocative features; this is his third time in competition at Cannes. In this film, his longtime collaborator and Deneuve's real-life daughter Chiara Mastroianni plays a version of herself, who adopts the persona of her movie star father, Marcello Mastroianni, creating chaos with her mother.
The star of the Cannes Film Festival today is the Paris Olympics: Sports personalities and athletes are here for the premiere of Mickaël Gamrasni’s documentary, "Olympiques! La France des Jeux", in which three generations of French athletes explain why the country has such a special relationship with the games. And on the red carpet for the event this evening will be a prestigious guest – the Olympic flame.
David Cronenberg – or Dave Deprave, as he's sometimes nicknamed – is the father of body horror. "The Shrouds" is the director's seventh film in competition at Cannes. Each one has been controversial. His first Cannes movie in 1996, "Crash", inspired mass walkouts at its premiere but ended up winning a Special Jury Prize. Cronenberg says this film could be his last, but he has threatened retirement in the past. The subject of the new film is death – inspired by his own grief at the loss of his wife. We hear from star Vincent Cassel, who plays a businessman overwhelmed with grief at the death of his wife, played by Diane Kruger.
Today in arts24 live from the Cannes film festival, Kevin Costner is presenting "Horizon: An American Saga", a Western he directed, co-wrote and stars in with Sienna Miller. It’s been 20 years since his last appearance here on the Croisette. You might know him best for "The Body Guard", his Oscar-winning film "Dances With Wolves" or the TV series "Yellowstone". The new film is a monumental project consisting of four episodes about the conquest of the American West. It’s beautifully shot, with impressive period detail and a talented cast.
Described as her best big screen role in decades, Demi Moore talks about her debut in Cannes’ Official Selection as the co-star of “The Substance”. In this body horror picture with a feminist take, Moore stars alongside Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. Moore plays a fading Hollywood star whose career is set to be axed by misogynists when she’s offered a secret new medical procedure. The movie is directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat and had audience laughing, wincing and gasping in disbelief.
Today on "arts24" from the Cannes Film Festival, Eve Jackson chats to actor, director and producer Eva Longoria about her best memories of the event including wearing a 40-dollar dress for her first red carpet and her ongoing mission to give more opportunities to Latinos in the film industry.
In Eve Jackson's daily roundup from the Cannes Film Fesitval, we hear from actor Richard Gere and the director Paul Schrader on their film "Oh Canada", 40 years after they made "American Gigolo" together. Also on the programme a transgender crime musical starring Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez and Carla Sophia Gascon directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard and a look at Cannes by night at one of the legendary soirees.
From the Cannes Film Festival's red carpet, Eve Jackson brings us the latest on Friday's premieres, including "Kinds of Kindness" with Emma Stone and "Oh, Canada", which marks the return of Richard Gere. Also on the programme, after the Euphoria series and his role in the film "Saltburn", we take an in-depth look at the career of Jacob Elordi so far. We also hear from Franco-Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch on his musically rich story about female empowerment 'Everybody Loves Touda', starring Nisrin Erradi.
Eve Jackson brings you the latest from the Cannes Film festival including the premiere of Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos' “Kinds of Kindness” with Emma Stone, Willem Defoe, Margaret Qualley and Jesse Plemons. His last movie “Poor Things” took four Oscars earlier this year. It’s the third time the filmmaker has worked with Stone on a feature film. Also on the programme we hear from the team behind Syrian drama “Ghost Trail” about the little-discussed realities that face people displaced by war.
It's said to have been re-written up to 300 times in 40 years ... Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis" finally premiered in Cannes on Thursday, with star Adam Driver on the red carpet. The director won the festival's top prize – the Palme d’Or – in 1974 with "The Conversation" and then a second time in 1979 with the now legendary "Apocalypse Now". FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson reports from the red carpet.
Before Judith Godrèche kickstarted a #MeToo wave in the French film industry, she was one of the first prominent actors to go on the record against Harvey Weinstein. Godrèche and the film's collaborators walked the Cannes Film Festival's red carpet Thursday to take a photo with collaborators on her film "Moi Aussi - Me too", which is dedicated to survivors of sexual abuse. Together, they stood on the steps of the Palais des Festivals with hands covering their mouths. Eve Jackson tells us more.
Nine years after "Mad Max: Fury Road", the Australian director, screenwriter and producer George Miller’s famous saga’s is back on the Croisette. Eve Jackson tells us more about the highly anticipated "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga", premiering Wednesday in the presence of the director and the cast, led by Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke.
Every year the Cannes film festival honours a great figure from the movie industry. This year, Meryl Streep is in Cannes to receive a lifetime achievement award at the opening ceremony – 35 years after she first set foot on the red carpet at the festival. Over the past 6 decades, Streep has played in dramas such as "The Deer Hunter", "The French Lieutenant's Woman" and "Kramer vs. Kramer" as well as family favourites like "Mamma Mia!" and "The Devil Wears Prada". Surprisingly, she has been to Cannes only once before – though she did manage to win best actress that year – for 1989's "A Cry in the Dark". Together with Oscar winning French actress Juliette Binoche they declared the festival open.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson and presenter Eve Jackson are live from opening night at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. They discuss France's #MeToo reckoning, the opening film "The Second Act", starring Bond girl Léa Seydoux, and some of this year's expected highlights, including "Megalopolis", a new film from "Godfather" director Francis Ford Coppola.
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival comes at a moment when the French movie business faces a belated reckoning over sexual abuse. Eve Jackson reports from the Croisette on opening day.
On today’s edition of arts24, FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim meets Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen. She’s performed on some of the most hallowed stages around the world: From the Royal Opera House to the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala. Lise Davidsen is now taking on one of the most iconic female leads in the eponymous theatre play “Salomé”, which tells a tale of sex, religion, death and decadence, at Paris’s Bastille Opera house.
In this episode of Arts24, Eve Jackson takes you to Italy for the oldest and largest cultural exhibition in the world – the Venice art Biennale. The breathtaking floating city hosts the Olympics of the art world every two years. It’s the original biennale on which others in the world have been modelled. The 60th edition opened in April and runs until November. In that time it will welcome around 800,000 visitors, who flock to see the work of the world’s best artists all in one place. With more than 85 countries represented, the city’s gardens, palaces and monuments are overflowing with art, transforming the city into a gigantic museum.
Our guest is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed authors of her generation. More than 20 years after bursting onto the literary scene with her debut novel "White Teeth", Zadie Smith's sixth book "The Fraud" is out in French – based on real events in Victorian England. The British author speaks to Eve Jackson about her fascination with the Victorians, her experience of writing head-on about slavery for the first time and why she has always been interested in the sex life of the English.
From the tenth entry in the "Planet of the Apes" saga – "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" – to Viggo Mortensen's feminist Western "The Dead Don't Hurt", film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news.
Her powerful performances give voice to some uncomfortable truths. Lebanese playwright and director Chrystèle Khodr wades through the ruins of a society in her latest play "Ordalie", exploring the social, political and physical wreckage of her homeland and its history. She tells us more about the quest for justice in contemporary Lebanon, why 19th-century playwright Henrik Ibsen is a fitting contemporary inspiration and how making theatre in a crisis-ridden country is a constant endeavour of creativity and solidarity among artists.
Sébastien Devaud, aka Agoria, is a French electronic DJ and producer whose career has spanned over two decades and branched out into mixed media. He recently exhibited a digital art show at Paris's world-famous Musée d'Orsay and is enthusiastic about what artificial intelligence can bring to the creative game. He popped by FRANCE 24's studios to tell Marjorie Hache about the video for his new single "I Feel Good", which was entirely AI-generated. We also find out more about Nigerian artist Godwin, who has just released his EP "Road to Nirvana", and look forward to Beth Gibbons's up-and-coming record "Lives Outgrown".
Painting his very own canvases into a vivid, red scene, Henri Matisse marked an important – and somewhat controversial – moment in his artistic journey with the 1911 piece "Red Studio". As the LVMH Foundation shows the painting in a new setting in Paris, we take a look at its relevance in art history. Meanwhile, the cityscape of Marseille is the backdrop for Chanel’s 2024/25 cruise collection, as they elevate the catwalk to the roof of Le Corbusier's iconic "Cité Radieuse" building. And we discuss some of the artists drafted to the jury of the upcoming 77th Cannes Film Festival, where Meryl Streep will receive an honorary Palme d'Or for her career in cinema.
The incontestable reigning queen of pop, Taylor Swift has broken dozens of records on her way to the top. As she heads to Paris for the latest leg of her Eras tour at the La Défense Arena, author and journalist Morgane Giuliani joins us to discuss the cultural phenomenon the US musician has generated in a 17-year career. We explore some of the secrets to her success and discuss why the loyalties of the "Swifties" extend beyond their steadfast support on social media and could even affect the next US presidential election.
In this edition of arts24, we hear from British pop star Dua Lipa on her much-anticipated new record "Radical Optimism", we remember rock star writer Paul Auster and we visit the Paris Louvre as one of its most famous works returns after a six-month facelift.
FRANCE 24's culture editor Eve Jackson tells us about the life and work of US writer Paul Auster, who has died aged 77. Best known for "The New York Trilogy" mystery novels, Auster wrote more than 30 books that were translated into 40 languages. He had a particularly big following in France.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news, including "The Fall Guy" with Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling, Philippe Caland's three films "Hollywood Buddha", "Ripple Effect" and "The Guru and the Gypsy", plus Luana Bajrami's "Phantom Youth". We finish with Lisa convincing Eve that a film about old French people is entertaining: Claus Drexel's documentary "Les Vieux", which translates as "Old Folks".
His images have been celebrated, vandalised and even discussed in Congress. Andres Serrano's art tackles religion, sex, death and above all, America: its idiosyncrasies and the questions of politics, religion, class and ethnicity, which divide its citizens. He discusses this body of work as the show "Portraits of America" opens at Paris's Musée Maillol, with an eye on the symbols that reveal so much about his fellow Americans. Serrano talks about photographing Donald Trump two decades ago and discusses how the former US president has continued to feature in his work. He also tells us why, when dealing with hot-button issues like race and religion, his work is so often misunderstood.
In this edition of arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim meets American singer-songwriter, producer and guitarist Jesse Harris. He has collaborated with the likes of Melody Gardot and Lana Del Rey, as well as taking home a Grammy for his work on Norah Jones's smash-hit album "Come Away with Me". He's also a frontman, blending folk, jazz and world rhythms, such as on his latest album "Paper Flower". It's a joyful yet melancholy-tinged ode to Paris. We also look at this week's big releases: Dua Lipa's 1970s psychedelia album and the return of pop sensation Sia.
Paris's landmark museum is gearing up for the Olympics, with a special exhibition that takes visitors through the history of the Games. We hear more about a project for those who want to combine exercise and culture, as the Louvre launches a fitness circuit that puts participants among the artwork. Plus, a new show shines a light on the work of mysterious Dutch painter Jan van Eyck, and French land artist Saype gets his first solo show in Paris, after painting his immense frescoes on landscapes around the world.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news, including the Amy Winehouse biopic "Back to Black"; the release in France of the 1960s American independent film "Bushman", which explores one Nigerian immigrant's experience living in the US; and Israeli director Dani Rosenberg's second movie, "The Vanishing Soldier".
Forty years after the release of his sensational sci-fi thriller "Terminator", iconic filmmaker James Cameron's work is being celebrated at Paris's Cinématèque Francaise. We also hear from Zendaya at the premiere of tennis drama "Challengers". Plus, French actor and director Mathieu Kassovitz – best known for his 1995 film "La Haine" – talks to us about his upcoming projects of two movies, a series, a documentary and a musical.
Arts24 welcomes glittery punk poppers Lulu Van Trapp to talk about their second studio album "Love City", which plays with contrasts and draws inspiration from the French capital, home to band members Maxime and Rebecca. We also check out new releases by St. Vincent and Fat White Family.
It’s the oldest, largest contemporary art show in the world: the Venice Biennale has kicked off its 60th edition under the heading "Foreigners Everywhere". Arts editor Eve Jackson brings us the latest from the event, explaining why the artist and curator selected for the Israeli pavilion chose to keep it closed. The Biennale's artistic director, Adriano Pedrosa, had called for a more inclusive selection of artists this year; we hear about the Ethiopian, British and Canadian pavilions who are changing the face of post-colonial art. Plus our reporters give us a glimpse of a floating museum, as the Art Explora boat brings a moveable feast of arts and culture to cities around the Mediterranean.
Its majestic dome is a curvilinear flourish on the Paris skyline. After three years of renovations, the Grand Palais is ready to welcome visitors for the Olympic Games this summer. The site will then open its doors to the public for a host of cultural events in the spring of 2025.
In the latest speculative fiction from British director Alex Garland, Kirsten Dunst stars as a war reporter documenting a conflict she once never thought possible: a new civil war in the United States. With the US in the midst of another divisive election year, the scenario may seem cliché, but FRANCE 24 film critic Lisa Nesselson says the film is engrossing, entertaining and unsettling.
She has featured in Beyoncé's music videos, choreographed a sell-out stage musical and brought underground nightclub moves to the stage of the Opéra de Paris. Now Josepha Madoki is hosting a weekend of waacking in the Musée d'Orsay’s imposing entrance hall; she tells us more about this 1970s queer subculture and how she became France’s unofficial queen of waacking. She also tells us about the phone call from her friend and colleague, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, which led to a video shoot in the Louvre with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Plus, Josepha explains why sports and the performing arts are complementary disciplines as she discusses her part in the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad.
Émilie Simon is a French electronic pop pioneer who emerged some 20 years ago and is known for her organic, mineral-driven compositions. On top of creating her own instruments, the award-winning artist has also signed scores for documentary films like “March of the Penguins”. She's just released "Polaris", her first full album in nearly a decade, which was recorded between Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Montreal. She tells Marjorie Hache about this new cosmic pop adventure through the lens of her alter ego Lucie Mercier and her winged tiger. We also talk about new releases by Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, Mdou Moctar and Lucy Rose.
Maya Rudolph is back with a second season of her quirky billionaire workplace comedy, "Loot", while Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr dons multiple disguises for his role in the Vietnam War spy drama "The Sympathizer". Dheepthika Laurent and Olivia Salazar-Winspear also bring you the latest news from Canneseries, including Michael Douglas's historical drama "Franklin" and a biopic about Karl Lagerfeld.
Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis" will premiere on the French Riviera this year, alongside new releases from Cannes Film Festival favourites Jacques Audiard, Yorgos Lanthimos, Sean Baker and Karim Aïnouz. Those movies will all be scrutinised by jury president Greta Gerwig. FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear takes us through the line-up and flags up two major red carpet events: "Furiosa", the fifth instalment of the Mad Max films and "Horizon: An American Saga", Kevin Costner's passion project.
The film "Back to Black" has been described as a never-seen-before glimpse into Amy Winehouse's rise to fame and the release of her groundbreaking album of the same name, which won five Grammys and sold 16 million copies. The pop star, who died in 2011, is played by Marisa Abela, known for her role in the banking TV drama "Industry". The movie is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, who brought us "Fifty Shades of Grey" and "Nowhere Boy". Eve Jackson sat down with them in Paris.
"Bearded ladies" were once a regular feature of travelling circuses in the 19th century, a phenomenon that French director Stéphanie Di Giusto has incorporated in her latest film, "Rosalie". Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why this rural tale of arranged marriage managed to charm her. We also take a look at Romanian drama "Holy Week", a meditation on the dangers of prejudice and insularity, while Tunisian film "Behind the Mountains" brings a little magical realism to a father-son relationship.
In this edition of arts24: Forty years on from the first episode, the original Ghostbusters team reunites in "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," blending the original cast with fresh talent. Fan favourites Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace join veterans Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and Dan Aykroyd. The film is directed by Oscar-nominated Gil Kenan. Eve Jackson met with the cast in Paris.
In this edition of our arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim meets French musician Thomas de Pourquery. The saxophonist, singer, composer and actor has fronted a variety of music collectives such as "Supersonic", as well as working with the likes of Metronomy and Jeanne Added. As a saxophonist, he won France's top jazz award, the Django Reinhart prize, in 2021. He's just released his first solo album, "Let the Monster Fall", a pop twist on the jazz genre. Thomas has blended his instrumental skills and soulful voice to make a deeply personal record; a sort of musical diary. We also talk about his deeply enriching experience of forming a musical collective in an abandoned building in Montmartre near the start of his career, as well as how he got his love for music from his father.
In the third and final part of our Rwanda series, we head into Rwanda's breathtaking countryside to discover a unique artist's residence, created by cultural changemaker Cedric Mizero. He takes Eve Jackson and the arts24 crew on a trek through a eucalyptus forest for an immersive open-air theatre experience in which 150 artists take part.
In the second part of arts24's Rwanda series, Eve Jackson meets a fashion designer taking the country's fashion scene to the next level. Once a model, now designer, Moses Turahirwa re-imagines traditional Rwandan forms and cultural motifs into contemporary pieces. His clients include the Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba, the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the Trinidadian actor Winston Duke or the Spanish actress Rossy de Palma. We meet him at the workshop of his brand Moshions to discuss Rwandan fashion, the importance of gender fluidity in his clothing and confronting taboos in his home country.
In 1994, ethnic tensions in Rwanda spiralled, resulting in the massacre of hundreds of thousands of Tutsis. Those harrowing events were relayed on television screens around the world and filmmakers grappled with the tragedy in the years to follow. On the anniversary of that genocide, film critic Lisa Nesselson looks back at some of the movie depictions of recent Rwandan history.
In this special programme from Kigali, Eve Jackson meets the artists rewriting Rwanda's future. Arts24 shows you just how much "the country of a thousand hills", with its population of 14 million, has transformed in the past 30 years since the genocide against the Tutsis.
In this edition of arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim meets nine-time Grammy-nominated musician Anoushka Shankar. She's a masterful sitarist and film composer as well as an impassioned activist, and has worked with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Patti Smith and even the Dalai Lama. Her love of composing beautiful blends of classical Indian music with contemporary sounds stems from growing up in a musical household. Her father was sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar and her half-sister is Norah Jones. Anoushka is heading out on tour around Europe with the second instalment of her musical trilogy, "Chapter II: How Dark it is Before Dawn".
The award-winning author Lisa McInerney wraps up her literary trilogy with "The Rules of Revelation", a darkly comic foray into the world of drug dealers, sex workers, property developers and struggling artists. We discuss societal shifts in Ireland, as a new generation rejects the conservative, religious national identity that has characterised the country in the past, and the platform the arts provide for voices from all sectors of society, with key support from the current government. Lisa also weighs in on the growing popularity of Gaelic as a cornerstone of Ireland's linguistic and cultural heritage.
She emerged in the mid-90s as one half of Moloko, the duo she formed with then-boyfriend Mark Brydon, creating iconic dance hits like "Sing It Back" and "The Time Is Now". After 30 years of pop, Irish artist Róisín Murphy is touring with her sixth solo album "Hit Parade" – said to be her best yet. Eve Jackson caught up with her at the end of the European leg of the tour to reminisce about gigs in Paris, going clubbing and to talk about making her best music yet at age 50.
Karim Aïnouz’s latest film "Firebrand" zooms in on Henry VIII's final wife, Catherine Parr, with Alicia Vikander taking on the regal role. Critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why she enjoyed Law's interpretation of the English king. Also, French actor Grégory Gadebois embodies a priest dealing with his own problematic past in "Paternel" and we learn about the sorority to be found in the forests of Estonia thanks to the documentary "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood". Finally, Po returns with his martial arts moves in "Kung Fu Panda 4".
It's not every day you get given a fencing lesson by a rock legend whose career has spanned over four decades and who has sold hundreds of millions of albums. FRANCE 24's Marjorie Hache had the pleasure of crossing swords with heavy metal star Bruce Dickinson – the lead singer of Iron Maiden – to discuss his new solo album "The Mandrake Project".
Since Hip Hop began it’s been very much a man’s world. In the second show of our series celebrating 50 years of this musical phenomenon, we look at the role women play in this cultural revolution. We meet one of today’s rising female stars from the Bronx, 19-year-old Kenzo B. With 1.8 million views on YouTube for her track 'Bump it' out last year, she's on her way to rap stardom.
This week we're celebrating 50 years since the birth of hip-hop. More than a musical genre, it’s a global phenomenon. Business, sport, fashion, politics – hip-hop influences it all. Our culture team has recorded a four-part series in New York and Paris to trace its journey from the streets of the Bronx in the 1970s to becoming the most popular and lucrative music genre in the world. In part one, our Culture Editor Eve Jackson meets the godfather of hip-hop, Grandmaster Flash, in his Bronx studio and we visit the world's first hip-hop museum that's set to open next year.
Film critic Emma Jones brings us highlights from the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival. The strong lineup of potential Oscars contenders included Sofia Coppola's Priscilla Presley biopic and Yorgos Lanthimos's genre-defying "Poor Things", starring Emma Stone. Still, Emma reports that "La Mostra" felt somewhat less glamorous this year, overshadowed by the ongoing strikes in Hollywood and the presence of films from three established directors who've faced sexual abuse allegations.
In this edition, we focus on one of the world's biggest photojournalism festivals – Visa pour l'image – which takes place in the south of France. This year, six of its more than 20 exhibitions are focusing on the climate catastrophe. Our reporter was at the festival in Perpignan to see the impact of extreme droughts around the world. We also take a look at the Titanic exhibition in Paris, a musical tour of the Paris neighbourhood of Montmartre and Pablo Picasso's museum on the Côte d'Azur.
Fifty years after he won the Palme d'Or for his Al Pacino-Gene Hackman road movie "Scarecrow", 96-year-old director Jerry Schatzberg speaks to film critic Lisa Nesselson at the Deauville American Film Festival, where he's receiving a tribute.
The Rolling Stones will release their first studio album of new music in 18 years next month, lead singer Mick Jagger said on Wednesday at a launch event at the Hackney Empire in east London. The new album, called "Hackney Diamonds", will be out on October 20. FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim tells us more.
In this edition from the Deauville American Film Festival on the Normandy coast, we meet an actress who shot to world fame as the Queen of Dragons in the hit TV series "Game of Thrones". We've also seen her in the films "Me Before You", "Last Christmas" and "Solo: A Star Wars Story". Emilia Clarke sits down with Eve Jackson to discuss her new movie about a journey to parenthood like no other, “The Pod Generation”, the Hollywood strikes and what it means to receive the festival's rising star award.
The name Be Your Own Pet may ring a bell for avid fans of indie rock in the Noughties. Their meteoric rise saw the Nashville band, who were barely out of high school, tour the world intensely until they burnt out and disappeared for 15 years. Luckily, their love for music and playing together got the better of them and they reunited secretly a couple of years ago. They've just released their third album "Mommy" on Third Man Records and stopped by FRANCE 24 to tell us more.
FRANCE 24's Genie Godula, who's also the mistress of ceremonies, speaks to Eve Jackson about why the Deauville American Film Festival still rocks despite the absence of big stars like Jude Law and Natalie Portman because of the strikes in Hollywood.
It's back-to-school time here in France, which means a whole new season of cultural gems to look out for. In this edition we're talking about some of the Paris exhibitions on show, alongside a studio guest described as the "enfant terrible" of the Berlin art scene. German painter, sculptor, performance artist and installation artist Jonathan Meese tells Eve Jackson why art should rule the world, how artists must have absolute freedom and about his love for Little Red Riding Hood. His exhibition "DOCTOR-DOC-DR.-„HIGH NOON“ IS BACK! (WONDERLAND DE LARGE)" is on at the Templon gallery in Paris until October 28.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news, including the Venice and Deauville film festivals, the box office hits of the summer "Oppenheimer", "Barbie" and "Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning", plus a look at the Franco-Senegalese writer-director Ramata-Toulaye Sy's love story "Banel & Adama", which is out in France this week.
To kick off a new season of Encore!, Eve Jackson welcomes French dancer Hugo Marchand, a star of one of France's most prestigious cultural institutions. Known for his unique dancing style that mixes strength and grace, he was named principal dancer at the Paris Opera in 2017 when he was only 23 – the company's highest rank. Marchand stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to talk about his NGO "Hugo Marchand pour la Danse", which aims to make ballet more accessible.
From Christine And The Queens to the Chemical Brothers and The Strokes, organisers pulled fantastic stops to celebrate two decades of one of France's biggest festivals. FRANCE 24 takes you through the birthday celebrations and we chat with Montreal electro funk outfit Chromeo about their music and style.
A hundred years ago, painters, sculptors, writers and musicians battled for gold, silver and bronze at the Olympics. To mark a year until the Paris Games, we're looking at the artistic side of the world's biggest sporting event with an exclusive interview with highly acclaimed theatre director Thomas Jolly, who's in charge of the opening and closing ceremonies. Also on the programme: the new Olympic sport of breakdancing and the Michelin-starred chefs cooking for the athletes.
She was an icon in France: a British actress, singer and muse to many. In this edition we remember Jane Birkin, who's died at the age of 76. A British woman who was a cultural idol for the French, the lover and collaborator of one of their most adored singers Serge Gainsbourg, she even had a luxury Hermès handbag named after her. Music critic Marjorie Hache speaks to Eve Jackson about her life and legacy.
We bring you a special edition from the 77th international theatre festival in the southern French city of Avignon, where change is in the air under its new Portuguese director Tiago Rodrigues. As the first non-French leader to take the reins of the festival, Rodrigues has brought in a majority of first-time performers and female directors, and introduced English as a guest language. One of the British artists joining the line-up for the first time this year is actor, director and playwright Tim Crouch. He sat down with FRANCE 24's Alison Sargent to talk about his experimental work exploring grief, technology and the nature of performance.
From the new season of three-time Emmy award-winning "Only Murders in the Building", passing by hit legal show "The Lincoln Lawyer" to our guide on what to watch this summer, Eve Jackson and Dheepthika Laurent talk about all that's new on the small screen in July.
From Tom Cruise’s seventh "Mission Impossible", to Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, as well as Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" starring Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, film critic Ben Croll speaks to Eve Jackson about the films of the summer.
From a joint show with France's best-known political satire cartoonist Plantu and renowned Franco-Iranian photographer Reza at the Musée de l’Homme, to a celebration of street art at the Palais de Tokyo and along the banks of the Canal Saint-Denis, Eve Jackson brings you some of the best exhibitions of the summer in the city of lights.
Hailing from south-western France, singer-songwriter Antonin is a modern-day dandy taking listeners on a soft and sunshiny voyage with his charming, poetic and dreamy folk tracks. After years spent collaborating with other bands, he’s just released his debut solo album "En Silence", a globetrotting record on which he sings in several languages: French, English, Italian and Hebrew. He tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot how he's a modern day troubadour.
Our guest is a prolific and acclaimed author. With more than a hundred books to her name, 84-year-old Joyce Carol Oates has dissected American society throughout her 60-year career, winning countless prizes. She sat down with FRANCE 24's Fatimata Wane in Italy, at Sicily's Taormina Book Festival, where she was honoured with the prestigious Taobuk Prize.
From the Avignon theatre festival – a three-month stage extravaganza that kicks off this week – to prehistoric cave images at the Arles photography festival and Viktor & Rolf's swimsuit show for their 30th anniversary at Paris Haute Couture week, Eve Jackson brings you France's latest culture news.
After five series, "Miraculous", one of the world's most watched animated shows, has been made into a movie. Jeremy Zag – who not only directed "Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir" but wrote, produced and composed the music for it – speaks to Eve Jackson and film critic Lisa Nesselson about the French phenomenon which has become an international sensation.
For decades, Annie Ernaux has written fearlessly about sex, abortion and illness - laying bare herself and society. Deeply intimate and political work that earned the French writer the Nobel Prize for literature last October. Ernaux spoke to France 24's Fatimata Wane at the Taormina book festival in Sicily, where she was among the recipients of the Taobuk award.
Our guest is one half of French electronic duo AIR, who gained international recognition with their album "Moon Safari" in the late 1990s. In addition to his music with AIR, JB Dunckel has worked with various artists, produced film scores and released three studio albums. This summer he's bringing out a feel-good track entitled "Summer Bip Bip". He stopped by the FRANCE 24 studio to talk about what makes a good summer song, as well as mixing new technology when composing from the heart.
As summer jazz festival season kicks off in Paris, we're joined by two rising stars of the London and Paris jazz scenes who both use their music to explore their roots. Saxophonist Camilla George was born in Eket, Nigeria, but moved to London at a young age, where she says the city's diverse jazz scene gave her the confidence to write music about her hometown, fusing jazz with Afrofuturism and hip-hop. Trumpeter Hermon Mehari was born in Missouri to parents who'd fled Eritrea, and he now lives in Paris. He had a more classic jazz training, but began exploring his family history during the Covid lockdown, which led him to incorporate traditional Eritrean rhythms and melodies into his music.
We bring you a show devoted to Iranian writer Azar Nafisi, author of the critically acclaimed memoir "Reading Lolita in Tehran". In 1981, Nafisi was expelled from teaching at the University of Tehran for refusing to wear the Islamic veil and eventually left Iran for the US in 1997. She's been speaking to FRANCE 24's Fatimata Wane at the Taormina book festival in Italy, where she was given an award.
More than 40 years after "Raiders of the Lost Ark" introduced the world to adventure-seeking archaeologist Indiana Jones, an 80-year-old Harrison Ford returns to the iconic role for a fifth and final instalment. For FRANCE 24 film critic Lisa Nesselson, it's an "exemplary popcorn flick", complete with action, suspense, exotic locations and one of the most recognisable music scores around.
Dominique Crenn stands distinguished as the sole female chef in America to have been honoured with three Michelin stars. With an impressive portfolio that includes cooking for Emmanuel Macron and appearances on the Emmy-nominated series 'Chef’s Table', as well as programs like 'Iron Chef' and 'Tournament of Champions', Crenn considers food as much more than just sustenance. To her, it embodies politics and activism, with every purchasing and eating decision acting as a statement. She's currently in France to launch her first Parisian restaurant, 'Golden Poppy'. Three decades after departing for San Francisco, Dominique Crenn chats with Eve Jackson about her triumphant return to France to open a restaurant.
In 1989, French composer Philippe Cohen Solal, co-founder of the electro-tango trio Gotan Project, heard Nigerian singer-songwriter Keziah Jones busking on the streets of Paris. That marked the beginning of an over 30-year friendship, which recently spawned an EP: "Class of 89". The record features a blend of influences and styles. The two musicians tell FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot how their decades-long friendship created the trust necessary to compose freely together. We also look at Sir Elton John's last UK concert at this year's Glastonbury festival and the release of a long-lost Frank Zappa album from 1970.
Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Zendaya, J Balvin, Jaden Smith and Lewis Hamilton were among the 1,800 guests present in Paris for one of the most anticipated fashion shows of the year. Pharrell Williams unveiled his first menswear collection for Louis Vuitton on the city's oldest bridge, Pont Neuf. Williams took over the position in February after the death of designer Virgil Abloh. In this show we check out the collection.
From the return of "The Full Monty" 25 years later that hits a political message, to a look at the controversial series "The Idol" with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp that's being slammed for its graphic sexual content, TV critic Dheepthika Laurent speaks to Eve Jackson about what's on the small box this month. Also featured: the sixth season of "Black Mirror" with Salma Hayek, Josh Hartnett and "Breaking Bad" star Aaron Paul; the critically acclaimed "The Bear"; as well as "Bloodhounds", a David-meets-Goliath-type Korean drama.
After a Cannes premiere, Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City" opens in theatres. While some critics say the indie director is constantly remaking the same quirky movie, FRANCE 24's film critic Lisa Nesselson hasn't tired of Anderson's pastel colour scheme. She says "Asteroid City" is full of wonderful moments, with 1950s American iconography that's "splendidly evocative".
The actor and president of the Monte Carlo television festival jury John Goodman speaks to Genie Godula about the success of the series "Roseanne", which first aired more than 30 years ago, the reboot "The Conners" that's now in its sixth season and the infamous "Roseanne Barr" tweet that got her cancelled. They also discuss the series "The Righteous Gemstones" and working regularly with the Coen Brothers.
Paulo Furtado aka "The Legendary Tigerman" has been making bluesy music for over two decades. He's gearing up to release in September an album he composed during a three-month residency in Paris back in 2019, and for which he features a number of female guests. Most notable is Asia Argento, with whom he duets on the single "Good Girl". He popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more about this record inspired by Paris, and composed with synthesizers rather than an acoustic guitar. We also check out new releases by Queens of the Stone Age, Portugal. The Man and the French festival Solidays.
Multi-award-winning author Hernan Diaz speaks to Eve Jackson about tackling the taboo of money in his book "Trust", which won this year's prestigious Pulitzer Prize for fiction. The Brooklyn-based author talks about redressing the fact that narratives around great wealth come from the viewpoint of men. "Trust" is the story of the richest couple of 1920s and 1930s New York. It's published in French by Éditions de l'Olivier and is out in August.
From the world's top museums to his high-profile collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Takashi Murakami – the artist dubbed "the Japanese Andy Warhol" – takes us on a tour of his new exhibition and monumental paintings at the Gagosian - Le Bourget Gallery near Paris.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news, including Benjamin Millepied's reimagining of Georges Bizet's 1875 opera "Carmen" starring Paul Mescal and Melissa Barrera, oddball mollusc mockumentary "Marcel The Shell With Shoes On", highlights from the Annecy Animation Film festival and a look at "The Flash", which premiered in Hollywood this week.
Congolese dancer Faustin Linyekula honours his beautiful and troubled country through dance. The prolific award-winning artist, who's been a fixture of dance festivals in Avignon, Brussels and Johannesburg since the early 2000s, is in France with two shows at the Chaillot theatre in Paris. He speaks to Eve Jackson about reconnecting with Africa's history – lost and forgotten because of colonisation – and why he returned to his homeland to create his company Studio Kabako after establishing an international career as a dancer and choreographer.
He grew up in Chicago in one of the most dangerous housing projects in America. At 5, he discovered he had a talent for drawing... and that gang leaders would offer him protection in exchange for appearing in his comic books. Now four decades on, he’s a revered New York artist whose work has been shown all over the world, from London to LA and Turin. He’s here for his first solo show in Paris called "The Forging Years" at the Gagosian gallery. Nathaniel Mary Quinn speaks to Eve Jackson about his beautiful, seductive and unsettling art that shows the broken fragments of humanity.
With the women's World Cup just over a month away, a new film tells the story of French football pioneer Marinette Pichon. Directed by Virginie Verrier, "Marinette" traces the star striker's life and career, from her abusive childhood to her fight to advance women's sports. Also featured on the programme with Eve Jackson is La Gacilly Photo Festival, showcasing some of the most striking images of the natural world, and for theatre-lovers in France, it's Molière Month, named for France's greatest playwright.
Whether you're a fan of black-and-white classics like Casablanca and King Kong or modern sci-fi like Blade Runner and Inception, chances are you've seen at least one Warner Brothers movie in your lifetime. FRANCE 24 film critic Lisa Nesselson has seen nearly 100 of them. As the iconic Hollywood studio marks its 100th anniversary, she tells us about a retrospective of Warner films currently showing in Paris.
Brothers Ron and Russell Mael are back this year with a pumping 26th studio album entitled "The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte". It's full of their trademark piano and synth-rich pop merging staccato and operatic gusto around themes ranging from intense longing for love to observation of the ordinary. FRANCE 24's Marjorie Hache met up with the California duo – whose career has spanned half a century – to find out more.
Maelstrom and Louisahhh are both individual artists in their own right but have been friends for about a decade, since Louisahhh dropped her hat on French soil after joining French label Bromance. They've since collaborated together on many occasions including incredible live shows for Louisahhh and the launch of their own label, Raar. "Sustained Resistance" is their first joint album. They tell Encore's Marjorie Hache more about it. We also check out new releases by Christine And The Queens, Amaarae and Dope Saint Jude.
It’s often ranked as one of the most stressful experiences that a person can face: divorce is, perhaps, not an obvious choice for comic material but writer Monica Heisey tells us how facing heartbreak at a young age provided nuggets of humour at a dark time. As her début novel “Really good, actually” is translated into French, Monica discusses how social media has encouraged us to provide an unfiltered series of updates on our emotional states. We talk about her work on celebrated series like “Workin’ Moms” and “Schitt’s Creek”, and why the current writer’s strike has high stakes in an era of streaming, and amid huge demand for high-quality audiovisual content.
With a local film industry that was already flourishing, France is now setting its sights on becoming the next major destination for film shoots. French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak has recently announced a substantial investment of €500 million, dedicated to developing the necessary infrastructure. Adding to the cinematic landscape, Director Robin Campillo offers an immersive exploration of a childhood spent in the waning days of French colonial rule in Madagascar. We also delve into a new exhibition showcasing the work of Ken Domon in Paris. The late Japanese photojournalist is receiving posthumous recognition for his diverse portfolio and the striking realism of his images.
David Lynch, best known for the surreal, unsettling cinematic worlds he creates, is the focus of a new documentary that explores his artistic inspiration drawn from one of Hollywood’s most vibrant visual journeys: "The Wizard of Oz". Film critic Lisa Nesselson discusses how this critical examination highlights some of the iconography of the 1939 classic in Lynch’s oeuvre. We also revisit one of the filmmaker’s darker, more enigmatic movies as "Inland Empire" is re-released in France. French film favourites Virginie Efira and Melvil Poupaud star as a couple ensnared in a toxic relationship in Valerie Donzelli’s latest film: "Just the Two of Us". Lastly, we delve into the newest addition to the Marvel universe, "Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse".
A quaint town in Northern Ireland experiences a profound shock as a mysterious illness begins to afflict its children. This event marks the onset of Jan Carson’s latest novel, "The Raptures", which scrutinises a rural community, unearthing the superstitions and biases simmering beneath its surface. Jan joins us to delve into this "accidentally prophetic" narrative and to discuss the socio-political backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland. Twenty-five years after The Good Friday Agreement, our conversation turns to the lingering religious and cultural divides. We further underscore the role arts and culture can play in fostering empathy and facilitating reconciliation in the ongoing peace process.
This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Franco-Cameroonian artist Sandra Nkaké, who has just released "Scars", her fourth studio album, and the up-and-coming Mille Désirs, who grew up between Côte d'Ivoire, France, and the UK, and recently dropped a debut EP entitled "Lust and Love". Both artists have dug deep and faced their shadow selves to produce these new offerings. Nkaké soothes us with her self-described raspy voice and acoustic guitar, celebrating resilience and sorority. She reminds listeners that healing and self-reconstruction are possible, both on an individual and communal level. Mille Désirs, on the other hand, explores his desires and sexuality with music inspired by the sensual intensity of the dancefloor and the thrilling prospects of nocturnal encounters.
The jury, chaired by Swedish director Ruben Östlund has unveiled its laureates for the 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Justine Triet received the top prize for the film "Anatomy of a Fall", a courtroom drama revolving around a woman accused of murdering her husband. Film critic Lisa Nesselson and Eve Jackson analyse the prizes and go over the best moments of the festival.
On our penultimate show from the Cannes Film Festival: A look at the top red carpet moments, a chat with actress Kate Winslet fresh off the back of her Bafta win for "I Am Ruth", critics' predictions for this year’s top prizes, a sit down with "13 Reasons Why" actress Katherine Langford and the award for this year’s top onscreen dog, the Palme Dog.
With a following of millions on social media, actress Sunny Leone fought her way into Bollywood after starting out in adult films and appearing in India's reality show "Big Boss". She talks to Eve Jackson about her police corruption film "Kennedy", which is premiering in the Midnight Screening section. Also on the programme: Oscar-winning French actress Juliette Binoche's gastronomy movie "Pot au feu", filmed with Michelin-star dishes made by top chef Pierre Gagnaire.
From the record number of seven female directors in the competition to Jennifer Lawrence's documentary on Afghan women, we're celebrating the ladies of the Cannes Film Festival! In our special programme from the Croisette, we hear from this year's best actress Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, as well as actress and women's rights advocate Salma Hayek.
This Tuesday at the Cannes Film Festival, the spotlight is on a filmmaker with a very recognisable cinematic style: Wes Anderson. His new movie "Asteroid City" includes an all-star cast, with Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Edward Norton and many more. It's his third film to be presented in Cannes after "Moonrise Kingdom" and "The French Dispatch". We catch up with the stars on the red carpet.
In today's Cannes Film Festival round-up, actors and real people re-enact the past to understand why two young sisters left Tunisia and their family to fight for the Islamic State group in Syria. "Four Daughters" comes from Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, who is one of the seven female directors in competition. Also on the programme with Eve Jackson: a round-up of the competition so far including films with Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Jude Law and Alicia Vikander, and more on Lily Rose Depp's TV series premiere of '"The Idol", with musician The Weeknd.
Eve Jackson brings us the hottest ticket at the festival: Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon", starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone. Based on the book of the same name, it follows the mysterious murders of members of the Osage Native Americans in Oklahoma in the 1920s. Also on the programme, we meet the Cannes Competition jury and the fans collecting the autographs of the stars.
American actor Tye Sheridan talks to Eve Jackson about his new film "Black Flies", what it was like acting alongside Sean Penn and the challenges of playing a New York paramedic. Tune in to see behind the scenes of a Cannes celebrity interview. Also on the programme, a reminder of the filmmaking heavyweights in competition. We meet "How to Get Away With Murder" actress Aja Naomi King, and have a look ahead to this weekend's films, including Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" with Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone.
One of the most awaited legends of film has arrived on the French Riviera! Harrison Ford's final turn as Indiana Jones is among the most highly anticipated of the festival. In "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny", Harrison Ford plays the famous archaeologist for a fifth time. The 80-year-old legendary actor also received a surprise lifetime achievement award ahead of the movie premiere. We check out the "de-ageing" special effects on Ford and the work of director James Mangold. It's the first Indiana Jones film not to be directed by Steven Spielberg. Also on the programme with Eve Jackson: actor Ethan Hawke, American model, actress and musician Soo Joo Park and French non-binary singer-songwriter Bilal Hassani.
"A forever star and an illuminating artist": those were the words of actress Uma Thurman as she presented Michael Douglas with his Cannes lifetime achievement award. The 78-year-old actor was first at the festival with "The China Syndrome" in 1979 – but probably his most famous film presented was "Basic Instinct" in 1992. We look back at his career. Also on the programme with Eve Jackson: we're getting red carpet ready with Helen Mirren, getting to know the president of the jury, Palme d'Or-winning director Ruben Östlund, and having a first peek at Spanish director Pedro Almodovar's queer cowboy short "Strange Way of Life", starring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal.
The Cannes Film Festival kicks off with "Jeanne Du Barry", a costume drama starring Johnny Depp as the king of France. In our opening show from the French Riviera with presenter Eve Jackson and film critic Lisa Nesselson, we have a special report from the Château of Versailles with the film's director Maïwenn, who also plays the king's favourite mistress. Join us from opening night for more on who's coming, what's showing and why we're excited.
The 76th Cannes Film Festival opens this Tuesday with French director Maïwenn's historical drama "Jeanne du Barry". The film tells the story of the mistress of French king Louis XV, starring Maïwenn in the title role and Johnny Depp as Louis XV. Film critic Emma Jones tells us more about the movie and also about the seven female directors who are in competition this year at Cannes – a record for the festival.
Senegalese singer Faada Freddy released his critically acclaimed debut “Gospel Journey'' back in 2016. He went on to tour the globe performing some 300 concerts worldwide. Now, he’s breaking his long recording silence with a new EP, “Tables will turn”, a message of optimism after the turbulence of the Covid-19 lockdown. He tells FRANCE 24’s Florence Villeminot about his original musical approach - already featured on his debut album - where the only resources are human: He uses his mouth and body to imitate the sound of instruments.
TV critic Dheepthika Laurent speaks to Eve Jackson about the month's best TV series, including the steamy "Queen Charlotte, a Bridgerton Story", Jada Pinkett Smith's controversial "Queen Cleopatra", a dive back into the Watergate scandal in "White House Plumbers" and Barack Obama's mini-series "Working, What We Do All Day".
Artists Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman have joined forces for a musical epic which explores the postcolonial landscape in a futuristic, sci-fi world of limited mineral resources and dreams of a new world order. As "Neptune Frost”" hits cinemas in France, its co-directors tell us more about creating its cyberpunk, neon aesthetic and why the intersex character Neptune has plenty to teach us about narrow definitions and binary categorisations.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson flags up some of the headliners at this year's cinematic feast at Cannes, as new features from Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Glazer, Todd Haynes and Wes Anderson are set to premiere at the festival. We take a closer look at last year's winner of the Camera d'Or – the prize for best début at Cannes – as "War Pony" hits French cinemas. Co-directors Riley Keough and Gina Gammell have joined forces with members of South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to make this intriguing portrait of contemporary America. Finally, we revisit Bernardo Bertolucci's sweeping epic "The Last Emperor" as the films get a freshly-polished re-release in France.
Ahmed Rabbani was held in the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay for nearly 20 years and was eventually released without charge in February. Ahmed says his paintings denounce the torture he suffered at the hands of his captors and is asking the US military to return the artwork he painted in Guantanamo Bay. Our Pakistan correspondents take us to an exhibition of his other work in Karachi. Also on the programme: we check out a sold-out Vermeer exhibition in Amsterdam, as well as a new exhibition at Paris's La Villette venue on veteran filmmaker Tim Burton.
This week on Encore!'s music show we're joined by Reunion Island percussionist Leila Negrau, who is about to tour France with her latest album "Femme Avec Tambour". She tells us how it has been infused with traditional slave music and the challenges she faced making a type of music that was closed off to women. We also chat to up-and-coming French artist Yaaster, who has been dubbed the pirate of psychedelic pop. He's releasing his debut EP "Out Of My Zone" this week. Finally, we take a look at Alison Goldfrapp's first solo album, "The Love Invention".
With its glittering, embroidered roots and its hand-made sparkling leaves, the "Tree of Life" is an homage to two inspiring women: Catherine de Medicis and the nymph of Greek legend, Daphne. Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos tells us about devising her latest installation in a world paralysed by the pandemic, when she forged artistic and community connections thanks to traditional crafts, aided by technology. She also discusses the feminist fibre at the centre of all of her work – from fashion shows to large-scale exhibitions – and how inequality and human rights inform the sculptures she makes.
Magnolia flowers, pearls and a pastel palette: there were plenty of nods to Karl Lagerfeld's artistic leadership at Chanel at the Costume Institute's annual gala in New York. Yet as a new exhibition of his celebrated designs opens inside the Met, we find out why this homage has stirred up controversy. We also take a look at the line-up of this year's Cannes Film Festival jury, as director Ruben Östlund leads a gender-balanced band of artists from all over the world. Elsewhere, our reporters in Abidjan give us the inside track on "FEMUA", Africa’s biggest urban music festival. Plus we check out a new exhibition celebrating photographer Elliott Erwitt's talent for capturing the humour in everyday life.
The interplanetary gang of lovable rogues are back for the final instalment of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy, with Chris Pratt leading his bickering band of aliens. Film critic Ben Croll tells us why the superhero saga is unlikely to be entirely over, despite director James Gunn's move to the "Superman" franchise. We find out why Giacomo Abbruzzese's "Disco Boy" created such a stir at this year's Berlin film festival. Plus, director Kelly Reichardt returns with a characteristically low-key look at the artistic life, with Michelle Williams starring in "Showing Up". And we check out new French film "The Gravity" as it tries to transcend the cinematic clichés surrounding the banlieue.
Afghan teenager Elaha found strength and confidence behind the camera for the first time, as she began to film her family's daily life in the Moria refugee camp in Greece. Journalist and documentary maker Manon Loizeau tells us more about how Elaha's journey to a safe haven in Europe inspired her latest film "La vie devant elle", as one Afghan family overcome seemingly endless hurdles to offer their children a better life, far from the Taliban.
This week on FRANCE 24's music show we're bringing together two worlds: those of experimental ambient drone metal and classical operatic music. Israeli soprano singer Chen Reiss and American artist Stephen O'Malley both have exciting projects coming up here in France.
She's been held up as a symbol of femininity for generations of little girls. Yet Barbie's influence on popular culture has been called into question over the years, as the doll stands accused of promulgating unrealistic stereotypes. Now her creators Mattel have responded to that criticism. We learn more about efforts to make Barbie and the fashion industry more inclusive.
Celebrated as a cult filmmaker for his masterful handling of bad taste and seediness in films like "Pink Flamingos", "Female Trouble" and "Hairspray", John Waters has now published his first novel, "Liarmouth". Featuring a rich tapestry of iconoclastic characters, including trampolining enthusiasts, talking body parts and a trans pet, the book has just been translated into French as "Sale Menteuse". Waters joins us in the studio to discuss conservative attacks on drag queens, his iconic friend and collaborator Divine, cancel culture and whether being a book lover is still a good way to gauge a person's character.
Contemporary Beirut is not usually a fairytale setting, but director Wissam Charaf has created something of a modern fable in his latest film "Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous". He tells us about the Syrian refugee and Ethiopian domestic worker at the centre of his romance, and why re-writing their dehumanising experiences was a priority in his film.
Harry Potter fans can now experience the universe of their favourite little wizard thanks to an interactive exhibition that has just opened in France. Using a raft of special effects, the show offers visitors the opportunity to brush up on their Quidditch skills, test out Hagrid's giant chair and relive memorable moments from the literary and cinematic saga. We bring you a sneak peek.
The great-niece of the late gypsy jazz legend Django Reinhardt, French pianist Charlotte Reinhardt was immersed in music from a tender age. She started out playing classical piano before exploring other horizons like jazz and more experimental music. She recently released a beautiful contemplative album called "Colors". The musician tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about how she composed the record during the Covid-19 lockdown. Confined to her apartment with her cat Carlotine (whom she calls her muse), she says the period brought her unprecedented creative freedom.
To mark Afghan women's day on FRANCE 24, we hear from two women wielding their art in resistance against the Taliban. Performance and visual artist Kubra Khademi lives in France because her artwork provoked death threats at home in Afghanistan. Now based in Paris, she creates artwork about being in exile. Since she's been here she's been communicating about the plight of Afghan people, especially women, through art.
London-based artist Richard Mensah speaks to Eve Jackson about his first solo exhibition in Paris, celebrating the Black community across different eras and places in the US, UK and Ghana. "The Softer Side of Us" is on at the Afikaris gallery until May.
It has all the ingredients of a typical historical epic: a glamorous queen, two warrior suitors and a tragic end. But as film critic Ben Croll explains, "The Last Queen" is a revolution for Algerian cinema. It's the country's first-ever costume drama, and directors Adila Bendimerad and Damien Ounouri spent over a decade finding funding for their project celebrating a pre-colonial Algeria.
Photographer Boris Eldagsen speaks to Eve Jackson about starting a huge debate about the future of photography. The German artist won a prestigious award with an image he made using artificial intelligence. He entered the photograph into the creative open category at the Sony world photography awards and won. He is refusing the prize. Boris Eldagsen told Encore that he entered to make the world realise we need to think about what AI means for photography.
Described as soul music’s prodigal son, French singer-songwriter Alexis Evans has built a name for himself on the French music scene. After his first album “Girl Bait” in 2016, and the highly acclaimed “I’ve Come a Long Way” in 2019, he has now released his third album, “Yours Truly”. It features 12 catchy tracks that draw inspiration from ’60s and ’70s classic soul mixed with more contemporary sounds.
From "Beef", a new dark comedy being hailed by some as the best show of the year, to "Drops of God", a TV adapt of a hit Japanese manga about wine, plus the big French-language release "Salade Grecque", TV series critic Dheepthika Laurent shares her picks of the month with Eve Jackson. We also look at the lineup for the Canneseries TV festival in the south of France.
She has been called Africa's premiere diva, one of the most inspiring women in the world and the most powerful celebrity in Africa. With more than 16 million albums sold, multi Grammy Award-winning Beninese singer-songwriter, global activist and educator Angélique Kidjo is now a laureate of the 2023 Polar Music Prize, regarded perhaps as the world's most prestigious music award. She sat down with FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson.
From the big family fantasy blockbuster "Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Amongst Thieves" to this week's big French-language release, "Les Âmes sœurs" or "Soul Mates" by André Téchiné, which stars Benjamin Voisin and Noémie Merlant as siblings with a secret in their past, critic Emma Jones speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news.
From the dynamic collaboration between iconic pop artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol to the vicious rivalry between French impressionist painters Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas, "Encore!" takes you to Paris's top exhibitions of the moment.
Brandt Brauer Frick are a classically trained German trio who met through their love for clubbing. Over the last decade, their forward-thinking and genre-blending music has been performed in huge clubs such as Berlin's Berghain and alongside 100-piece orchestras. They popped by FRANCE 24 to talk about their new album "Multi Faith Prayer Room" which comes out on June 2, their new interactive installation as well as the potential of artificial intelligence.
As the "Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs" exhibition opens in Paris, we bring you a special show dedicated to the celebrated king who ruled the Egyptian empire over 3,000 years ago. The exhibition's centrepiece is the pharaoh's sarcophagus, which is on special loan to France. It's a gesture of recognition from Egyptian authorities after French scientists saved the mummy of Ramses II from a devastating fungus in 1976. Our Culture Editor Eve Jackson went to check out the once-in-a-lifetime show, while Lyana Saleh of FRANCE 24's Arabic channel spoke with renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass about the fight to repatriate Egypt's ancient artefacts.
Few artists have left such an impact on their era. Pablo Picasso dominated the 20th century, bequeathing an iconic legacy to the history of painting, printing and sculpture. Fifty years after the Spanish artist's death, his influence still looms large. To mark that anniversary, FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear retraces his steps in Barcelona to discover how the giant of modern art got his start in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of turn-of-the-century Catalonia. We also see how Picasso's early academic work gave way to formal experimentation at the Picasso Museum Barcelona, the largest collection of his work in the world.
From Ben Affleck starring alongside Matt Damon and Viola Davis in Nike's Air Jordan origin story "Air", to French favourite Leila Bekhti's new film "Loving Memories" and the 50th screen adaptation of French author Alexandre Dumas's 1844 novel "The Three Musketeers" with Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris and Eva Green, Eve Jackson brings you the latest movie news.
"Aftermath", a poetic study of the harrowing effects of a terror attack in the UK, sees author and professor Preti Taneja reflect on the systemic and structural fractures that allowed a recently-released offender to murder two young people at a conference near London Bridge in November 2019. She joins us in the studio to discuss the role of literature in processing and understanding grief, and the power of community acts of solidarity and creativity in the face of a hostile government. We also talk about the institutional racism that affects not only the criminal justice system but also reading lists, highlighting the initiatives that are using art to build bridges.
As an Israeli intelligence agent in the 1990s, Mishka Ben-David was entrusted with high-stakes espionage missions across the Middle East. Now a successful author, he's channelled that experience into his latest thriller, "Duet in Beirut". The story centres on an expelled Mossad agent, Ronen, who stays on after a failed anti-terrorism mission and his former commander, Gadi, who decides to track him down in enemy territory. We caught up with Ben-David during the "Quai du Polar" thriller festival in Lyon, to talk about the blurry line between fact and fiction when it comes to the military and intelligence stories told on the page and on screen. We also discuss the current climate in Israeli politics, as his former Mossad boss joins the many critical voices urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to drop a controversial judicial reform bill.
On March 22, 1963, the Beatles released their first album "Please Please Me", rocketing the foursome to international fame. Six decades on, we look at how Beatlemania transformed Liverpool, the northern English town where it all began. We also head to Deauville, Normandy for a diverse collection of work from renowned Vogue photographer Irving Penn. Meanwhile, our team in Dakar has been speaking with 89-year-old Senegalese photographer Adama Sylla, who spent decades capturing stunning images of his hometown, Saint-Louis. After almost a lifetime of flying under the international radar, his work is being shown in Paris for the first time.
How do you pardon someone who has done you immeasurable harm? French director Jeanne Herry's latest film "All Your Faces" asks this question and delves into the complexities of the restorative justice process and the question of how to forgive someone who has caused immeasurable harm. Through the collision of worlds between victims and perpetrators, the film offers a powerful and sentimental portrayal of forgiveness without being preachy, while also incorporating moments of humor.In addition, our film critic Emma Jones introduces the timely documentary "Seven Winters in Tehran". The documentary chronicles the story of Reyhanah Jabbari, a brave young Iranian woman who fought back against a man trying to rape her and was subsequently executed for murder. With ongoing protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, the documentary's poignant story of courage becomes even more significant in this historic context.
From "Dangerous Liaisons" and 'High Fidelity", to his Oscar-nominated films "The Queen" and "The Grifters", Stephen Frears is a director with one of the most diverse outputs of any British filmmaker. The culture editor on FRANCE 24's French channel Louise Dupont sat down with him by Zoom to talk about his latest film "The Lost King", based on the true story of an amateur historian who was obsessed with Britain's King Richard III.
This week's show straddles the worlds of electronic music and bluesy rock'n'roll with our guests, France's Fakear and New York's blues-loving Daddy Long Legs, who are currently on tour. Fakear has just released the new album “Talisman” and Daddy Long legs is just out with “Street Sermons”. Fakear tells us about breaking through his identity crisis while Josh and Brian from Daddy Long Legs explain how being forced off the road by the Covid-19 pandemic made them rethink how they rock out.
Gregory Maqoma is one of South Africa's biggest choreographers, with shows that have been performed around the world. His latest production "Broken Chord" is currently showing in Paris. It tells the tragic story of an African choir who travelled to the UK at the end of the 19th century to raise money to build a school. He stopped by FRANCE 24 to tell Marjorie Hache about why the story still resonates today, what drove him to become a dancer and his favourite new artists.
Oscar-winning actor Tilda Swinton has worked with some of the world's most gifted directors: Jim Jarmusch, Wes Anderson, Bong Joon-ho and the Coen brothers. Her latest film is her third with her longtime friend and collaborator, British director Joanna Hogg. "The Eternal Daughter" is a contemplation of life and death, with the British actor playing both the mother and the daughter. She speaks to Eve Jackson about the thrill of playing multiple roles in one project, the films of her career that always stay with her and why she loves being onscreen with her dogs. On the 30th anniversary of Sally Potter's "Orlando", she also talks about why Virginia Woolf's story about a time-travelling, sex-changing figure is not about gender.
From the end of "Succession" to an impossibly starry eco drama with Meryl Streep called "Extrapolations", television series critic Dheepthika Laurent speaks to Eve Jackson about the month's top TV shows.
Once likened to four brothers, Tungz are an up-and-coming British band. The tight-knit group has created a smooth synth-loaded soundscape blending funk and disco grooves. After releasing a few EPs, they've just dropped their debut album, "A Good Dream". Nicky Green, Jamie Maier and Rick Holland tell FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot how the LP is a culmination of years of hard work and learning all the aspects of music making. We also look at releases from The Rodeo, who's the alter ego of French singer-songwriter Dorothée; and Youthstar & Miscellaneous, the alliance between a French MC and an MC from London.
Morocco is often hailed for its stability, its position as a regional leader in women's rights and for having a rich cultural history. But it's still a largely male-dominated society. So what does that mean for women in the arts? Eve Jackson meets three female creatives in and around Morocco's frenetic commercial hub Casablanca, who are making space for themselves in their craft by using their art to protect and celebrate their heritage, while at the same time creating constructive conversations about subjects sometimes considered sensitive in the kingdom.
A rallying cry that started in the streets of Teheran is now a slogan of female solidarity that echoes around the world. Six months after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, we look at the protest movement that has mobilised hundreds of thousands of people in Iran and seen Iranian artists in exile expressing their support. Writer Naïri Nahapétian tells us about the gap between the people she meets in Iran and their desire for freedom, and those punishing the protesters. Artist Hura Mirshekari compares her arrival in France to a bird, finally able to fly; her live musical and artistic performances would be illegal in her native Iran. Both women express their cautious optimism about this pivotal moment, and look ahead to the change that they hope is now inevitable.
Paris is the backdrop for Keanu Reeves's latest outing as the indestructible hitman John Wick. FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim was at the Paris premiere of the film. Also on the programme, we look at a new imagined vision of the 19th-century author of the English literary classic "Wuthering Heights", Emily Brontë. Australian actress, writer and now director Frances O'Connor's film "Emily", starring "Sex Education" breakout star Emma Mackey, hits cinemas in France this week.
Franco-British actress Emma Mackey speaks to Eve Jackson about playing the role of "Wuthering Heights" author Emily Brontë in British-Australian actress Frances O’Connor's directorial debut "Emily". Since the breakout star of series "Sex Education" hit our screens in 2019, she's worked with Kenneth Branagh in "Death on the Nile", played a lead in French romantic drama "Eiffel" and acted alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in Greta Gerwig's upcoming film "Barbie".
Film critic Ben Croll speaks to Eve Jackson about the 2023 Oscars, where the dazzling multiverse fantasy "Everything Everywhere All at Once" stole the show with seven Academy Awards. It was a historic moment as Michelle Yeoh won best actress for her role in the film, becoming the first Asian woman to win the coveted award. We also take a look at some of the other winners.
Dheepthika Laurent takes a look at the latest in the world of arts and culture. Japan's first artificial intelligence-made manga poses serious ethical questions for the industry. In other news, a new Henri Matisse exhibition in Paris looks at the 1930s, an important decade in the artist's career. Plus a nature-themed exhibition opens at Paris's former commodities' stock exchange, which is home to François Pinault's art collection. Finally, we bring you the latest from FESPACO, the pan-African film and TV festival, and we take a look at "Scream 6", the latest in the cult slasher franchise, which promises to be gorier than ever!
Dheepthika Laurent is joined by Jennifer Ben Brahim to take a look at Paris Fashion Week’s autumn-winter 2023 collections as they come to a close. From horses to robots, designers looked to the future but also the past: Chanel celebrated Coco's favourite flower, while Dior put three 1950s feminists under the spotlight. Tributes poured in for the late Vivienne Westwood at the first runway collection since her death, as well as for Spanish designer Paco Rabanne, who passed away in February. We also time-travel back to 1997 at Paris's fashion museum, the Palais Galliera.
To mark International Women's Day, we bring you the story of an isolated religious community battered by sexual abuse. "Women Talking" stars Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley and Frances McDormand, among others. Canadian writer-director Sarah Polley's adaptation of Miriam Toews's 2018 novel is based on a real-life mass rape case in a Mennonite community in Bolivia. Over four years, men drugged wives, daughters and mothers and raped them – blaming ghosts, demons and hysteria. The director sat down with FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson to tell her more about making the film. We also hear from the lead actresses.
After winning top prizes at Cannes and Sundance, "All That Breathes" is now shortlisted for an Academy Award for best documentary. Indian director Shaunak Sen tells us about this poetic exploration of kinship and environmental protection, as we follow Nadeem and Saud, two brothers saving the birds of prey falling from Delhi's polluted skies. We also take a look at the runaway success of Indian blockbuster "RRR" and its signature tune, "Naatu Naatu", as well as a bittersweet coming-of-age story that celebrates the magic of the movie theatre: "Last Film Show".
French singer-songwriter Ben l'Oncle Soul shot to fame over a decade ago, quickly becoming a favourite figure in the French music scene with his trademark soul-pop sound. Thirteen years after his bombastic debut, he's just released his sixth album "Is It You?", which is perhaps his most personal yet. He tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about recording the LP with his live band and exploring spirituality on some of the tracks. We also look at new releases from multi-platinum-selling trailblazer Miley Cyrus, French duo The Blaze and Amsterdam's finest Turkish psych revivalists Altin Gün.
Every two years Burkina Faso hosts Africa's largest film festival, and the event has become a lynchpin of audiovisual industries across the continent. FRANCE 24's Fatimata Wane has been taking a look at the films in selection; she brings us her top picks from Ouagadougou. We also take a look at a French-speaking book fair in Rwanda which is hoping to build bridges in the publishing sector and bring a richer diversity of authors to their readers. And a new exhibition shines a light on the Senegalese statesman who sowed the seeds of Negritude, as Léopold Sédar Senghor's passions and politics go on display at the Quai Branly museum in Paris.
British director Sam Mendes takes a stroll down memory lane, conjuring up the magic of cinema and the healing power of friendship in "Empire of Light", starring actress Olivia Coleman. Film critic Emma Jones tells us why the film deserved more attention at the awards ceremonies. We also discuss Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut in the third instalment of the "Creed" movies.
In this edition we focus on a film about what some experts say is the next global pandemic: mental health. "The Son" stars Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern as the divorced parents of a teenage boy struggling with depression. It's the second time French writer-director Florian Zeller has adapted one of his plays for the screen. The first was "The Father", a remarkable depiction of dementia starring Anthony Hopkins – a role for which he won an Oscar. Laura Dern and Florian Zeller sat down with FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson.
Edinburgh trio Young Fathers have just released their fourth album "Heavy Heavy", which pushes musical boundaries through their mix of gospel, hip-hop and electronica. French soul rocker Theo Lawrence has meanwhile continued to further explore his love for music from the United States' deep South. They stopped by the FRANCE 24 studio to discuss their work and other sources of influence.
One year after the full-scale invasion of their country, we speak to Ukrainian artist Alyona Tokovenko and opera singer Ihor Mostovoi about the consequences of the last 12 months. Now participating in an artistic residence at the Cité des Arts in Paris, Alyona explains how the political reality has now become a personal, bodily concern and why she's able to express that in her artwork. Ihor tells us about the fundraising concerts that are helping humanitarian missions on the ground, as well as highlighting the Ukrainian musical repertoire. We also take a look at an immersive exhibition that shines a light on seminal Ukrainian artists and see how creatives on the ground have adapted their practice to a time of war.
Mixing historical pieces with the latest contemporary work from the African continent and its diaspora, a new gallery space in Paris's Saint Germain neighbourhood is bringing a fresh perspective to African art. Our reporters take us on a tour of this collaboration between Charles-Wesley Hourdé and the 31 PROJECT.
We check in with film critic Emma Jones at the 73rd Berlinale, as Europe’s most politically engaged film festival shines a light on the situation in Ukraine. After Volodymyr Zelensky was beamed into the opening ceremony, Sean Penn's new documentary "Superpower" follows the Ukrainian president as he makes the shift from head of state to wartime leader.
TV critic Dheepthika Laurent takes us through all the TV shows you should be watching this month, from a French series on a special forces operation in Iraq called "Cœurs Noirs", or "Dark Hearts", to a new adaptation of Spanish teen murder mystery "Elité". We also discover the French-British show "Liaison", which stars Vincent Cassel and Eva Green finding themselves on opposite sides of the Channel in the hunt for two Syrian hackers.
New York-based French-Caribbean singer, bassist and producer Adi Oasis channels her multiculturalism into her unique soundscape – a mix of funk, jazz, R&B and soul that's been described as "retro-futurist". After collaborating and touring with an impressive line-up of musicians, she's about to release a new album. She tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about getting personal and political on her new release dubbed "Lotus Glow".
The first Black woman to win the prestigious Booker prize, Bernardine Evaristo speaks to Eve Jackson about championing Black talent, why Black women in their 50s and 60s - artists, novelists, actors, poets - are finally getting the recognition they deserve and how she manifests her success.
Today on Encore, a glimpse of some of the incredible artworks saved from the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral and now on display in a new exhibition at the Cité de l’architecture in Paris. Also on the programme; French Egyptian feminist artist Ghada Amer's first retrospective in France, more on musician Pharrell Williams’ takeover as menswear designer for French fashion house Louis Vuitton and tributes to American actress and sex symbol, Raquel Welch, who has died at the age of 82.
His latest film “Tchaikovsky’s Wife” is a surreal and stylish historical drama, shining a light on a woman overshadowed by her famous composer husband. Director Kirill Serebrennikov tells us how Antonina Miliukova railed against the anti-woman climate in 19th century Russia, and how institutional violence and propaganda have become features of the Putin administration. We discuss the time the filmmaker spent under house arrest in Moscow and how Russian artists who attempt to challenge the status quo today are often risking their lives, prompting a “national tragedy” as they flee the country.
The Turner Prize-winning artist joins us to talk about her approach to 3D forms, and the surreal experience of winning the UK’s most important contemporary art accolade. Drawing on her Caribbean heritage in her work, she tells us about the importance of celebrating the contributions of the Windrush generation for a special commission in London. Ryan explains her relationship with unlikely and found materials and her sculptural practice of repurposing and recycling everyday objects. We also discuss the delicate balance between a sculptor’s intentions and the wider reception of artwork in the public space.
With a respect for tradition but a desire to break down barriers, Ezra Collective has established itself as one of the most exciting formations in the fascinating London jazz scene. Mixing jazz and afrobeat as well as more contemporary music like grime, their tunes have been described as “fast energetic nonstop pure vibrations”. It’s sure to put you in a good mood.
French street artist C215 has been making political and humanitarian statements through his work for more than 20 years. Following the Russian invasion in early 2022, he travelled to Ukraine for a project that straddles art and activism. Our reporters check out the results, which are currently on show at the National Assembly in Paris.
Self-taught Nigerian artist Eniwaye Oluwaseyi speaks to Eve Jackson about his exciting solo exhibition, his first in Europe: "The Eye Never has Enough of Seeing nor the Ear its Fit of Hearing" at Paris's Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery. Oluwaseyi's works are an embodiment of the term "people of colour". His vibrant paintings examine some of the social, racial and political turmoil across Africa in recent years, shining a light on the #EndSARS movement, the marginalised Albino community in sub-Saharan Africa and the pressures of living in modern African society.
His performance in father-daughter arthouse movie "Aftersun" has scored Paul Mescal his first Academy Award nomination. Film critic Ben Croll tells us why the film is a bittersweet and endearing study of memory, family and 1990s package holidays.
He creates endless loops, reconstituted vinyl records and some of the boldest, most creative film montages in the contemporary art world. Christian Marclay has been exploring sound, visuals, collage and reproduction for more than four decades, with multimedia installations, photographs, sound pieces and videos. He joins us as the Pompidou Centre holds a retrospective of his work and tells us about seizing the ephemeral nature of music, about the existential ideas behind his 24-hour film “The Clock” and how Snapchat has provided him with a contemporary medium to extend his practice.
Sarah McCoy is an American who honed her songwriting and singing skills touring the US and New Orleans in particular, before moving to France several years ago. Unlike Emily (of "Emily in Paris" fame), she speaks French and has charmed her way into the hearts of the locals. She has just released her second album "High Priestess", which she is about to tour extensively throughout France and other European countries. The singer-songwriter popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more about her life and work.
Author Lauren Groff's desire to run away to a "lesbian utopia" during the Trump administration was the unexpected spark for her latest novel, "Matrix", which plunges readers into the lives of nuns in medieval England. She joins us to talk about the influence of poetess Marie de France, and the power and productivity at the heart of the religious community she conjures up in her novel. We also talk about attitudes to sexuality during the last millennia, and why the politics of Florida governor Ron DeSantis are not only dangerous to book lovers but to all children enrolled in public schools in the state.
It was one of the last impressionist masterpieces still in private hands, but Gustave Caillebotte's painting "Boating Party" is now part of France's national collection. The purchase was made possible thanks to a €43 million donation from the luxury group LVMH. We report on its arrival at its new home, the Musée d'Orsay.
Syrian filmmaker Marya Zarif joins us in the studio, as her first feature-length animation hits screens here in France. "Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo" blends the magic of childhood with the tragic reality of life in a war-torn country; Marya tells us more about the process of making the movie and the contributions of a diaspora who are reinventing Syrian culture all over the world.
One of the greatest and most successful filmmakers working today. M. Night Shyamalan signature style of 'supernatural spooky with a twist' was set in 1999 with 'The Sixth Sense'. The writer-director is in Paris to talk with Eve Jackson about his new apocalyptic psychological horror film: 'Knock at the Cabin', an adaptation of the 2018 novel 'The Cabin at the End of the World' by Paul Tremblay.
American soul and blues singer Lee Fields has worked with some of the biggest artists in music, from Kool & the Gang to Martin Solveig. Now in his seventh decade, he's still releasing fantastic songs with a voice that pulls all kinds of heartstrings. He stopped by FRANCE 24 to tell Marjorie Hache about his latest album "Sentimental Fool" and take a look at new releases by Edinburgh's Young Fathers, Kinshasa's Lova Lova and Canada's Shania Twain.
Angoulême is once again the centre of the world for graphic novelists, as the French city hosts the 50th edition of its international comics festival. Our reporters have been speaking to best-selling author Riad Sattouf, who received the festival's Grand Prix this year. Meanwhile, cartoonist Tom Gauld joins us in the studio, as his latest collection "Revenge of the Librarians" features in the official selection at the festival. He tells us about lockdown boredom, book snobs and the enduring appeal of paper and ink in a world of screens.
A century and a half after her birth, Colette remains an icon: a bestselling author, a music hall star, a mime artist and, eventually, an elder stateswoman of French literature. We discuss her extraordinary trajectory with author Emmanuelle Lambert, whose book "Sidonie Gabrielle Colette" takes us through the many faces of the trailblazing artist. We also we take a trip to Colette's childhood home in Burgundy to learn more about how her rural roots fed into her artistic output and her worldview.
The Academy Awards embrace some of 2022's blockbusters in this year's nominations, with "Top Gun: Maverick", "Avatar: The Way of Water" and "Elvis" in the running. Critic Ben Croll tells us more about the frontrunner "Everything Everywhere All At Once”, as Michelle Yeoh dazzles in this sci-fi one-off. We also discuss Cate Blanchett's mesmerising performance in Todd Field's latest film "Tar", which explores power, morality and misconduct.
With her visceral mix of poetry, song and movement, performance artist and choreographer Dorothée Munyaneza finds powerful expression for often unspeakable horrors. Born in Kigali, she was just 12 in 1994 during the genocide of the Tutsi - a story she tells in one of her first shows "Samedi, Détente" or "Saturday, Relaxation" - named for a radio program she listened to as a child. Munyaneza's more recent work "Mailles" - or "Mesh" - currently playing at the Chaillot National Theatre in Paris, is a collaboration with five other Black female artists. She describes it as a commemoration of their joy, love, and common identities as "children of the dispersed" - whether by colonial violence, the slave trade, or the choices of earlier generations seeking new opportunities. She joined us on Encore! to tell us more.
With her convention-defying fusion of pop and art rock, Canadian singer-songwriter Selina Martin has been compared to the likes of PJ Harvey, Björk and David Byrne. She recently released her fifth studio album, entitled "Time Spent Swimming", which she recorded after moving to France a few years ago. She tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot how she was seeking loneliness and how this influenced her songwriting.
The mayor of Amiens, in northern France, has asked Madonna to lend the city a 19th-century canvas named "Diana and Endymion" by Jérôme-Martin Langlois. It was once on display in an Amiens museum, but the artwork was lost after the city was bombed during World War I. It's believed that the singer has since acquired either the original painting or a copy.
His directorial talents embrace opera, theatre, dance, visual arts and film. As he brings Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde" to the Opera Bastille in Paris, Peter Sellars tells us about the lessons the "total work of art" has to teach us about glimpsing beauty amid the madness. This latest production incorporates Bill Viola's flickering video art to echo the themes of the opera.
From Brad Pitt attending the Paris premiere of Damien Chazelle's Hollywood epic "Babylon", to the Lumières Awards (the equivalent of the French Golden Globes) and a tribute to the late Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida, film critic Lisa Nesselson talks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news.
TV critic Dheepthika Laurent speaks to Eve Jackson about all the hottest shows of the month and the year so far. Among them are new Netflix show "En Place", or "Represen’t" in English, which imagines France's first black president; "The Last of Us", a post-apocalyptic zombie drama getting critical acclaim; and "Kaleidoscope", which is already one of the most talked-about shows this year.
Franco-German musician Karoline Rose is a multi-facetted artist – a singer-songwriter, actress and live performer. She's already had a rich and varied career that's taken her around the world. She has just released a new EP under the name SUN, entitled "Brutal Pop 2" – a reference to a genre of music she's credited with inventing.
In this edition of FRANCE 24's culture show, we look at how buskers need to take part in tough auditions to get the right to perform in the corridors of the Paris underground. We also take you to meet Benin's new girl group. The Star féminine band is now touring Europe, with songs about women and children’s rights. Finally, we report on the sudden death of Lisa Marie Presley at the age of 54. The only child of music icon Elvis appears to have suffered from cardiac arrest.
One of our guests has written an epic novel described as India's answer to "The Godfather". The other wrote one of the most talked-about debuts of the moment, which manages to say all there is to say about Britain today. Natasha Brown, author of "Assembly", and "Age of Vice" writer Deepti Kapoor, speak to Eve Jackson about the grind of everyday prejudice, separating questions of race from questions of class and how stories of vice and corruption in India speak to global audiences.
Hollywood's foreign press have picked their film and television favourites for 2023, with Steven Spielberg's "The Fabelmans" and Martin McDonagh's "The Banshees of Inisherin" impressing voters. Film critic Lisa Nesselson explains why having multiple categories means the Golden Globes are able to reward excellence across different genres. We also discuss the ups and downs of the institution's reputation.
The details from a litany of leaks and interview teasers have been sensational – creating a media frenzy. There’s Harry’s description of a physical fight with his brother, his admission that he killed 25 Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, his claim that William and Kate encouraged him to dress up as a Nazi, and even details of how he lost his virginity.
Australian muso, Maxwell Farrington has been living in France for years. He stopped by the FRANCE24's studios to tell us how working with French indie artists and how settling down in Brittany, north-west of France, has impacted his music making. We also take a look at new releases by Margo Price, Iggy Pop and Rexxie.
Bulgarian pianist Maria Martinova joins us to talk about music from her new album "Nuit et Jour" (''Night and Day"), which revisits works from Debussy, Ravel and Zanon. She was a child prodigy in Bulgaria and she has trained all over the world, including at London's Royal Academy of Music.
Eve Jackson looks at cultural activities in Paris to lift your spirits at the start of the new year, from an escape game where you step into the shoes of famous French gentleman burglar Arsène Lupin at Paris's Opéra Garnier, to an immersive adventure with Belgian comic book star "Tintin" at the city’s exceptional digital arts centre, the Atelier des Lumières. Franco-Algerian singer Souad Massi is also in the studio to talk about her tenth album "Sequana", which she's presenting at the city's Salle Pleyel before heading off on tour.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news, including the dark and tragic "The Banshees of Inisherin", which is tipped for Oscars fame. Starring Dublin-born duo Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell, the new film from writer-director Martin McDonaugh, who also directed the pair in 2008's "In Bruges", addresses the question of what to do when you want to break up with a friend. The answer is quite extreme.
We take a tour of the spectacular shows illuminating the dark days of winter in the French capital, starting with the cult classic "Cabaret". Robert Carsen is the latest director to adapt the musical, bringing its biting social commentary to a newly revamped venue: the Lido 2 Paris on the Champs-Élysées. The legendary spot is moving away from its burlesque revue show reputation and embracing the appeal of musical theatre. Meanwhile, the Théâtre du Châtelet hosts another Broadway staple, as "42nd Street" zooms in on the hopes and dreams of the chorus line in 1930s New York. And contemporary dance creation "Stories" blends tap dancing with modern jazz to take the audience on a narrative journey at the 13ème Art theatre in Paris.
Olivia Salazar-Winspear and Dheepthika Laurent look at the explosive revelations in Netflix's latest royal binge: the sleek, fawning docu-series "Harry & Meghan", in which the couple give their version of their decision to leave the British royal family. Also out this month is season two of the excellent Apple TV+ dramedy "Slow Horses", about a group of misfit MI5 agents banished to Slough House after a career mess-up. This season focuses the intrigue on cicadas, or KGB spies who may still be embedded in British society.
The first "Avatar" film was the most successful picture of all time. We're invited to take a plunge into that universe once again with a much-anticipated sequel. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why the lavish visual effects, compelling themes and spectacular cinematography mean this is the perfect cinema experience.
The Belarus Free Theatre has been banned in its own country. Its artists now live in exile making powerful, political work like their latest play "Dogs of Europe". As that piece comes to the stage in Paris, the company's co-founder Natalia Kaliada speaks to FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear about the rise of authoritarianism in both Belarus and Russia.
With his unparalleled virtuosity and contagious charisma, Israeli mandolinist Avi Avital has played the biggest concert halls around the world, from Wigmore Hall in London to Carnegie Hall in New York City. He's been credited with putting the mandolin back on the world map of classical music, as well as jazz and even folk. He tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot why the string instrument has been overlooked and what he's doing to put it back in the spotlight.
With Accra Fashion Week underway in Ghana, FRANCE 24's culture show Encore! travelled to the West African cultural hub to meet some of the designers kickstarting Africa's style revolution. Eve Jackson met up with Aisha Ayensu, the founder of trailblazing brand Christie Brown. She has dressed the likes of Alicia Keys and "Black Panther Wakanda Forever" actress Danai Gurira. Two of her pieces are front and centre in a groundbreaking exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on African fashion. Aisha tells us why the fashion scene in Accra is "full of endless possibilities".
From "Giselle" to "Swan Lake" and "The Rite of Spring", South Africa's Dada Masilo deconstructs classic ballets to tell a new story, far from the stereotypical damsel in distress but that of modern-day people who suffer modern-day issues such as homophobia, gender inequality and racism. She's performed her creations all over the world – in Rome, Montreal, New York and Perth to name but a few – and her work is adored in France. Dada is in Paris with her show "The Sacrifice" at La Villette. She talks to Eve Jackson about revisiting "The Rite of Spring" and changing the ending to make it speak to the audience in 2022.
After years in front of the camera, she's now crafted a teen romance with a difference. Director Charlotte Le Bon’s haunting "Falcon Lake" conjures up the intensity of first love. She joins us in the studio to talk about building a complex female protagonist, about how visual arts feed into her filmmaking and touches on playing trailblazing artist Niki de Saint Phalle in the future.
The French artist JR has presented his latest performance in New York – a powerful illustration of the struggle of women in Iran. The work shows the face of 16-year-old girl Nika Shakarami, who died during protests in September. Her hair is formed by volunteers. Iranians have been taking to the streets since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. The protests have been met with a fierce crackdown, with hundreds of demonstrators like Shakarami killed.
Montreal's rising music star Fernie has been making a name for himself with beautiful sensitive pop and a voice that has been compared to the likes of Frank Ocean. He tells us about bringing his first album to France and working with Patrick Watson. We also chatted to Gaz Coombes about his heart warming new album 'Turn The Car Around', which is set to be released on January 13th, and also about what it was like playing at Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) tribute night.
Angela Yeoh is on the road to stardom with her role in the #MeToo film "She Said", about the investigation into Harvey Weinstein. The former FRANCE 24 presenter plays Rowena Chiu, the Hollywood producer's former assistant, in the movie directed by Maria Shrader. Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan play the New York Times journalists who exposed the film producer. Angela speaks to Eve Jackson about her role and how she went from FRANCE 24 to the audition rooms of Hollywood. Weinstein is serving 23 years in prison and is currently on trial in Los Angeles on other sexual assault claims.
Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson is known for his large-scale installations that challenge people to rethink the way they see world issues, especially global warming. His immersive works have been shown around the world, from Paris to Tokyo. Eliasson talks to FRANCE 24 about his latest exhibition "Trembling Horizons" at the Castello di Rivoli museum of contemporary art in Turin, Italy. Also on the programme, we go out and about in Paris with street artist Seth. Plus we visit a new exhibition in the south of France showing the voluptuous art of Niki de Saint Phalle.
"Les Amandiers" or "Forever Young" is the latest autobiographical film from French-Italian actress and director Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi. It follows a group of ambitious drama students in the 1980s, depicting a time of casual drug use and the rising spectre of AIDS. But its release has been overshadowed by rape and domestic violence allegations against one of its lead actors, Sofiane Bennacer, which has led some cinemas to cancel showings of the film.
Liraz Charhi, the Israeli-Iranian singer and star of the Mossad spy TV series "Tehran", talks about the secret mission that brought together Israeli and Iranian musicians to create her new album "Roya", in tribute to the protesters in Iran. Meaning "Fantasy" in Persian, it was recorded with artists from Tehran in Istanbul earlier this year in a basement over 10 days. The Iranian musicians could have been arrested for the collaboration, so Liraz only told her family the day before she left. Not even her manager believed it would actually happen.
French electronic duo Synapson is the combination of two childhood friends: DJs/record producers Alexandre Chiere and Paul Cucuron. Since 2009, they have made a name for themselves with their unique soundscape that draws from world music, hip-hop, house, funk and pop influences. Following the success of their 2020 album "Global Musique Vol. 1", they’re back with "Vol. 2". Chiere tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about what it was like to collaborate with artists from around the world and how Synapson's music is a way of travelling without moving.
In November 1922, in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor in Egypt, after years of searching, a team led by English archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the remains of ancient Egypt's boy pharaoh, Tutankhamun. They had been hidden away for more than 3,000 years. To mark a centenary since the historic discovery, Egyptologist Aidan Dodson speaks to Eve Jackson about ancient Egypt's most famous king, what was inside the tomb and why it still fascinates us today.
British Gambian artist Sona Jobarteh plays the kora, a string instrument that has been the preserve of men since the 13th century, passed down from father to son in a special set of families in West Africa for hundreds of years. That was until she decided to change things. After picking up the kora at the tender age of three, Sona has been playing for audiences across Europe, Africa and the United States since her 2011 album "Fasiya". She gained international success following her 2015 song "Gambia", which was released to celebrate Gambian independence. It became country’s unofficial national anthem with 24 million views on YouTube. The musician is in Paris to perform in the Afrocolor Festival.
Actor Timothée Chalamet has reunited with "Call Me by Your Name" director Luca Guadagnino for a cannibal love story – he is a heartthrob with a difference in "Bones and All". Film critic Ben Croll tells us why the disparate elements of this gory teen romance make for a wild ride at the cinema.
Witnessing the birth of a nation... French photographer Anne de Henning travelled through Bangladesh in the early 70s, during the war of independence, photographing freedom fighters, families, refugee trains and women fleeing villages. To mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, Paris’s Guimet Museum is hosting an exhibition of Anne de Henning’s work called "Witnessing History in the Making". Anne de Henning spoke to Eve Jackson about what she saw when she was in Bangladesh.
Eagle-Eye Cherry shot to fame in the late 1990s with his debut album “Desireless”, which featured the planetary hit “Save Tonight”. The Swedish American alternative rock singer-songwriter is back with a new album “Back on Track” out on January 27. He tells FRANCE 24 how coming from a musical family – his father was jazz trumpet player Don Cherry, his half-sister is hip-hop singer Neneh Cherry – helped him recognise the moment he hit fame with “Save Tonight” as a rare thing.
From the new wave of French language sci-fi movies to Paris's immersive movie experience bringing you face-to-face with an Arnold Schwarzenegger lookalike, plus a visit to an exhibition commemorating 100 years since the death of French literary giant Marcel Proust, join Eve Jackson for a look at the week's culture news.
The female nude dates back to the very beginning of art, but it remains a contested symbol. American photographer Renée Jacobs speaks to Eve Jackson about reclaiming it and using it as a form of queer and feminist activism. The artist also talks about the frightening power of female sexuality, why the terms of female and male gaze are reductive and the effect the city of Paris has on women. Jacobs' photo books are entitled "Paris" and "Polaroids" and her exhibition "Dreams & Desires" is being shown at the Sinner hotel in Paris.
Guest film critic Emma Jones speaks to Eve Jackson about the latest film news, including Sebastián Lelio's adaptation of Emma Donoghue's story "The Wonder", starring Florence Pugh. They also discuss "She Said", the movie that looks at the uncovering of one of the biggest scandals in Hollywood history. Finally, French pick of the week "More Than Ever" portrays a young woman diagnosed with an incurable lung condition, played by Vicky Krieps.
He’s best known as a perceptive chronicler of British society, but Martin Parr has also been documenting Ireland and its people for more than 40 years. As the exhibition "Martin Parr's Ireland" goes on show at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris, the photographer sits down with us to discuss Morris Minors, Catholicism and the Celtic Tiger. We also talk about his pioneering and somewhat prophetic series from the 1980s, "The Last Resort" and "The Cost of Living". Plus we find out more about the occasionally fatal fashion for taking selfies.
In this week's music show, Marjorie Hache welcomes Lindsey Stirling, an American musician known for her violin skills and choreographed performances to savvy combinations of classical music, pop rock and electronica. She has just released her Christmas album, "Snow Waltz". Also in the studio with us is Jonathan Jeremiah, a British singer-songwriter known for his folk-tinted rock and warm voice who recently released his 5th studio album, "Horsepower For The Streets".
Japanese comics and graphic novels have long enjoyed a huge following in France. The majority of those mangas are Asian imports, but a few European artists have ventured into the genre. Our reporters went to meet Frenchman Reno Lemaire, whose series "Dreamland" has sold over 700,000 copies worldwide.
Olivia Salazar-Winspear and Dheepthika Laurent chat about the highly anticipated fifth season of Netflix series "The Crown", which is being released just weeks after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It looks at the troubled 1990s, from the queen's "annus horribilis" to the tragic death of Princess Diana. Also out this month is a BBC Two/Canal+ series with a feminist spin on Marie-Antoinette, while Sylvester Stallone's first TV show, out on Paramount+, depicts him as a mobster exiled to Oklahoma. Finally, legendary director Tim Burton makes his TV debut at the helm of "Wednesday", a new take on "The Addams Family" out on Netflix.
After the spectacular box office figures generated by “Black Panther” in 2018, the Marvel hit machine is hoping for similar success with its sequel “Wakanda Forever”. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us more about the franchise’s reach and the consequences for the industry overall. We also discuss “Riposte Féministe”, the French documentary following the militant groups pasting up slogans in public space to raise awareness about violence against women and systemic gender inequality. Finally, as James Gray’s “Armageddon Time” hits French screens, we take a look at this moving, thoughtful retelling of a Jewish childhood in Queens, New York on the eve of Ronald Reagan’s election.
Following a successful run in the United States, “Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight” has come to Paris’s Cave Café. The one-man show stars Jim Ortlieb as a man desperate for human connection in the post-pandemic era. In this piece written by John Kolvenbach, the audience is front and centre. Our guests tell FRANCE 24’s Olivia Salazar-Winspear what they think the audience is hoping to experience and give us a taste of the show itself.
In this week's music show, we welcome two guests. Reekado Banks is one of Nigeria's top Afropop stars, whose new single "Jeun To Da" heralds the arrival of his hotly anticipated next record. Meanwhile, Ysée is a Franco-Beninese artist who was the protégée of the late Tony Allen. She's also worked with the likes of Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn and has just released her first solo EP, a tribute to her mentor entitled "Tony Allen Makes Me High". We talk about their new releases and the influences that Nigerian pioneers still have on music that's made today.
With her powerful performances she questions gender, race and the aftermath of colonial oppression. Nora Chipaumire has forged an artistic path from Zimbabwe to New York through choreography and dance, picking up multiple awards along the way. As her piece "Nehanda: Manifesting Thinking" comes to the stage in Paris, Nora joins us in the studio to talk about Charwe Nyakasikana, who resisted British colonial rule in Rhodesia in the 19th century and how this female revolutionary hero informed her own work.
Director Lotfy Nathan joins us to talk about his latest film "Harka", a devastating take on Tunisian society a decade after the Arab Spring. We discuss the insurmountable challenges faced by protagonist Ali, as well as the existential and emotional experience of a young man caught up in the socio-economic struggles of his country.
Their pop-synth sound became emblematic of the 1980s. Scottish band Simple Minds topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic with hits like "Don't You Forget About Me" and "Alive and Kicking", selling more than 60 million albums and filling stadiums around the world. Founding member Jim Kerr tells us about making their new album "Direction of the Heart" at a time of intense concentration in his home of Taormina, Sicily. We also take a look back at the band's activism against apartheid, which led to an amusing encounter with Nelson Mandela.
Lyzza started DJing around Amsterdam when she was a teenager, just a few years after she and her mother moved from their native Brazil to the Netherlands. After making a name for herself across Europe's finest clubs, she reconnected with her motherland though her new mixtape "Mosquito", which has just been released on Ninja Tunes. She popped by FRANCE 24's studios to tell Marjorie Hache more about it.
We take a trip to the Deep South thanks to an exhibition that uncovers a lesser-known part of the cultural landscape of New Orleans. "Black Indians" explores the creativity of the African American and indigenous communities through parades and celebrations. Our reporters went to check it out at the Quai Branly museum in Paris.
Her first record, "Nyabyinshi", called for self-love. Now, Rwandan singer-songwriter Kaya Byinshii is examining growth and regeneration on her first studio album, "Ukwiyuburura". Like a snake shedding its skin, Kaya tells us about her artistic evolution, from incorporating traditional Rwandan instruments into her practice to finding inspiration in a mythical queen.
French abstract painter Pierre Soulages, who has died at the age of 102, went "beyond black" in a career that spanned eight decades, exploring every possible interplay of light and texture on his unique black canvases. Soulages was celebrated at the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and with his own museum in his hometown of Rodez in southern France. FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us more about Soulages's signature style.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why Tarek Saleh's "Boy from Heaven" had her gripped. The movie follows a young student caught up in the collusion of religion and politics in contemporary Cairo. We also look at the touching and tragic study of friendship in Lukas Dhont's award-winning feature "Close". Plus we discuss the comedic potential of the queer romance "Bros" as it arrives in American cinemas.
Nigerian star Fela Kuti is one of the 20th century's musical pioneers. He not only created Afrobeat, which combines free jazz, funk and multiple musical genres from West Africa, but was also politically active. Kuti braved police brutality as he questioned the Nigerian military dictatorship, corruption in Africa and around the world, as well as post-colonial relations. A new exhibition has now arrived at Paris's Philharmonie to showcase his life. FRANCE 24 caught up with his son Femi and grandson Made to discuss this once-in-a-generation musician.
Kee-Yoon Kim was once a serious lawyer working for a top law firm. She later dropped it all to become a stand-up comedian and was met with rave reviews. She has once again decided to change career and is now set to release her first EP, "Palli Palli", which is filled with dark humour and cheeky French chanson. She popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more about the record.
After the Covid-19 pandemic put many international art fairs on hold, the French capital is now host to several major events displaying contemporary pieces from around the globe. Art Basel has spread its wings beyond Miami and Hong Kong to create the first edition of "Paris +", staged at the Grand Palais Éphémère. We hear from its director about the specificity of the French gallery scene. Meanwhile, African art is in the spotlight at "Also Known As Africa", for the seventh edition of the fair. We speak to Kenyan artist Thandiwe Muriu about how the digital sphere gave her photography a boost, and market analyst Pierre Naquin tells us about the growth of the sector in recent years.
His style is a poetry of radical empathy: amplifying queer, indigenous and minority experiences. Author Billy-Ray Belcourt sat down with us at the Festival America to talk about subverting artistic categories and moving away from the old-fashioned traditions that have dominated Canadian literature. As the first Canadian First Nations student to receive a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University, we discuss the paradoxical nature of that experience, as he used the academic opportunity to highlight the role of indigenous women in social and political struggles. After the 2017 poetry collection, "This Wound is a World", Belcourt tells us about the personal elements that have found their way into his latest book, "A Minor Chorus".
Actor and director Louis Garrel drew inspiration from his mother's unconventional romance for his latest release "L'Innocent". Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why it's an endearing watch and why he's building a thoughtful body of work as a young filmmaker. We also discuss recent reports that attendance in French cinemas is down this year, and how the industry's virtuous cycle is jeopardised by the streaming services offering movies on the small screen.
Dark clouds cast a shadow over the luxury resort once again as "The White Lotus" returns for a second season. TV critic Dheepthika Laurent tells us why the critically acclaimed series has set a high bar thanks to a stellar cast and stunning locations. We also discuss the difficult transition of "Shantaram" from page to screen, following pandemic-related setbacks and formal challenges. The adaptation of the cult novel now stars Charlie Hunnam as the Australian prison escapee who finds himself on a spiritual quest in India. Finally, we check out endearing French dramedy "Les Amateurs" and look ahead to Guillermo del Toro's Halloween-inspired thriller series, "Cabinet of Curiosities".
After studying jazz in Aix En Provence, in southern France, Alias moved to Quebec and started composing music for TV soundtracks and live shows like 'Le Cirque du Soleil' and 'Big Little Lies'. He has recently released his first concept album full of psychedelic rock, one that delves into the absurd world of 'Jozef', a hard to pin down multi-faceted protagonist. Fans of Jack White and Beck's music will not be disappointed. He came by the France 24 studio to tell Marjorie Hache more about it.
It's been five years since the #MeToo movement shook Hollywood to its core. Though it began in the US film industry, it started a worldwide conversation about sexism, sexual harassment and misogyny. To talk about how things have changed, the FRANCE 24 programme about women, the 51% and culture, Encore! joined up for a special show to talk about the legacy of #Metoo, a hashtag that started a revolution.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the latest film news, including “November” which delves into the traumatic aftermath of the 2015 Paris attacks, and “Simone: A Woman of the Century” about the extraordinary French woman Simone Veil, who played a leading role in legalising contraception and abortion in France. She was also the European parliament's first female president.
As protests rage across Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, artists are posting images in support of freedom. In September, Iranians took to the streets after the 22-year-old died in police custody. She’d been arrested for not covering her hair properly. Despite the Iranian government's attempts to shut the protests down, the amount of people taking part is increasing.
Mixing powerful French texts with a twang of American country music, Baptiste W. Hamon has been compared to Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Nick Drake, Phil Ochs and even Leonard Cohen. He recently released a third album called “Jusqu'à la lumière”. He tells FRANCE 24’s Florence Villeminot about recording in Bristol with legendary producer John Parish who’s worked with notable musicians like PJ Harvey. We also look at releases from American singer songwriter Bill Callahan and rock legend Todd Rundgren.
Salmon Rushdie described him as "one of the most important voices of his literary generation" and "an author who must be read". Booker Prize winner Marlon James speaks to Eve Jackson about his trilogy dubbed the "African Game of Thrones". The first book of the epic fantasy series the Dark Star trilogy, "Black Leopard, Red Wolf", has been translated into French and more than 20 other languages. It's set in ancient Africa and explores personal identity, the pursuit of truth and the limits of power. The book also reclaims an Africa where gender fluidity was accepted in the time before colonialisation.
Her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" charmed readers in 2010 and was hailed by critics as a true literary engagement with the age of tech. Jennifer Egan's latest novel "The Candy House" explores the evolution of the online space and how it is rewiring our interactions, inclinations and perception of the world. Egan tells us about her experimental approach to her craft and explains why, when our attention spans have become hard currency, deep and reflective reading can be a form of resistance.
A week after Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi urged artists to show support for protesters in Iran, French actress Juliette Binoche posted a video of herself and over 50 other French performers cutting off pieces of their hair in solidarity. Film critic Lisa Nesselson reminds us that French producers and distributors have been investing in Iranian filmmakers for decades, such as French-Iranian graphic novelist Marjane Satrapi, whose autobiographical film "Persepolis" was made in France.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us more about the 33rd edition of the Dinard Film Festival, in which all three prizes went to the same movie: "Emily", a new take on Emily Brontë. But first, we look at a video of leading French actresses cutting their hair in a show of solidarity with Iranian women, who have been protesting over the death in custody of Mahsa Amini.
His intricate, careful depictions of modern life have won him accolades in the US and the UK, as well as the Angoulême International Comics Festival Grand Prize in 2021. Chris Ware sits down with FRANCE 24 as his cartoons and graphic novels are displayed at the Pompidou Centre's public library in Paris. He tells us how a childhood absorbed in Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" comic strip prompted a fascination for the "mechanical nature" of a story told in words and pictures. We also discuss how the intimate bond between writer and reader makes books powerful, subversive objects that still manage to bother those who seek to censor alternative viewpoints.
Peter Harper began making music in his late 30s and has gone on to produce four records including his latest "Survive", which he is currently touring in France – a country which has shown him a lot of love. He popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us about his future record and his craft as an artist. We also take a look at new music by Tamino, Shygirl and Jeanne Added.
Peter Harper began making music in his late 30s and has gone on to produce four records including his latest "Survive", which he is currently touring in France – a country which has shown him a lot of love. He popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us about his future record and his craft as an artist. We also take a look at new music by Tamino, Shygirl and Jeanne Added.
From Balmain's "music festival" runway show featuring iconic pop star Cher, to all eyes on the collection of Jean-Paul Gaultier's protégé Victor Weinsanto, FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim brings us the highlights from Paris Fashion Week's spring/summer 2023 collections.
From Balmain's "music festival" runway show featuring iconic pop star Cher, to all eyes on the collection of Jean-Paul Gaultier's protégé Victor Weinsanto, FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim brings us the highlights from Paris Fashion Week's spring/summer 2023 collections.
From Madonna to Brad Pitt, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, he collaborates with them all. Arguably the most influential and iconic photographer of fashion, film and music working today, Steven Klein speaks to Eve Jackson about his new monograph, his 20-year collaboration with Madonna and why his image of Brad Pitt pinning down Angelina Jolie would be considered taboo today. Joining them is French fashion designer Mossi Traoré, who tells us why the clothes he designs are part of a global social project to make fashion less elitist and more inclusive. His latest collection being shown at Paris Fashion Week is inspired by his father's job as a refuse collector.
From Madonna to Brad Pitt, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, he collaborates with them all. Arguably the most influential and iconic photographer of fashion, film and music working today, Steven Klein speaks to Eve Jackson about his new monograph, his 20-year collaboration with Madonna and why his image of Brad Pitt pinning down Angelina Jolie would be considered taboo today. Joining them is French fashion designer Mossi Traoré, who tells us why the clothes he designs are part of a global social project to make fashion less elitist and more inclusive. His latest collection being shown at Paris Fashion Week is inspired by his father's job as a refuse collector.
From an interview with Swedish director Ruben Östlund about his Palme d'Or-winning class comedy "Triangle of Sadness", to a look at three new revivals of the beloved magical puppet story "Pinocchio", plus a trip to British artist Damien Hirst's gallery before he burns his spotted paintings, Eve Jackson brings us the week's culture news.
From an interview with Swedish director Ruben Östlund about his Palme d'Or-winning class comedy "Triangle of Sadness", to a look at three new revivals of the beloved magical puppet story "Pinocchio", plus a trip to British artist Damien Hirst's gallery before he burns his spotted paintings, Eve Jackson brings us the week's culture news.
Director and screenwriter Andrew Dominik's image-fuelled adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates's novel "Blonde" is now available on Netflix. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why what the director has called "an emotional nightmare fairy tale" is a powerful immersion into the circumstances of Marilyn Monroe, a performer who was anything but a so-called dumb blonde.
Director and screenwriter Andrew Dominik's image-fuelled adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates's novel "Blonde" is now available on Netflix. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why what the director has called "an emotional nightmare fairy tale" is a powerful immersion into the circumstances of Marilyn Monroe, a performer who was anything but a so-called dumb blonde.
From studying jazz at school, to discovering hip-hop in New York, to working with some of the world's biggest musicians (Kendrick Lamar, Herbie Hancock and Lauryn Hill to name but a few), four-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper took time out to chat to FRANCE 24's Marjorie Hache about his musical career that straddles genres and has no time for boundaries.
From studying jazz at school, to discovering hip-hop in New York, to working with some of the world's biggest musicians (Kendrick Lamar, Herbie Hancock and Lauryn Hill to name but a few), four-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper took time out to chat to FRANCE 24's Marjorie Hache about his musical career that straddles genres and has no time for boundaries.
France is bustling with classical music events this autumn. Paris's Opéra Bastille is performing Mozart's timeless "The Magic Flute", with Franco-Italian conductor Antonello Manacorda at its helm. He stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more about how the themes of this Singspiel still apply in 2022. We also welcome Amelia Feuer, an opera singer who has launched "Le festival des femmes (pas) oubliées". Its aim is to rehabilitate women composers that history forgot.
France is bustling with classical music events this autumn. Paris's Opéra Bastille is performing Mozart's timeless "The Magic Flute", with Franco-Italian conductor Antonello Manacorda at its helm. He stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more about how the themes of this Singspiel still apply in 2022. We also welcome Amelia Feuer, an opera singer who has launched "Le festival des femmes (pas) oubliées". Its aim is to rehabilitate women composers that history forgot.
Her vibrant colours, floral hair-dos and striking jewellery have made Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's style as famous as her paintings. A new exhibition at the Galliera fashion museum in Paris is exploring the artist's identity through some of the objects stored at her famous "Casa Azul" in Mexico City. Clothes, makeup and personal correspondence give us an insight into a woman who was ahead of her time.
Her vibrant colours, floral hair-dos and striking jewellery have made Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's style as famous as her paintings. A new exhibition at the Galliera fashion museum in Paris is exploring the artist's identity through some of the objects stored at her famous "Casa Azul" in Mexico City. Clothes, makeup and personal correspondence give us an insight into a woman who was ahead of her time.
It's an issue that's seldom discussed, but the identity of sex workers and their battle for workers' rights are being brought into the mainstream with the help of books and films. Two authors who have written very personal accounts about the subject join Eve Jackson in the studio. Poet, novelist and artist Leila Mottley's debut novel is a New York Times bestseller. She was only 19 when her book "Nightcrawling" was published and she's the youngest writer to be selected for Oprah Winfrey's book club. Meanwhile, the author, activist and sex worker Antonia Crane's memoir is called "Spent". It's been described as bold, brash, brutal and beautiful.
It's an issue that's seldom discussed, but the identity of sex workers and their battle for workers' rights are being brought into the mainstream with the help of books and films. Two authors who have written very personal accounts about the subject join Eve Jackson in the studio. Poet, novelist and artist Leila Mottley's debut novel is a New York Times bestseller. She was only 19 when her book "Nightcrawling" was published and she's the youngest writer to be selected for Oprah Winfrey's book club. Meanwhile, the author, activist and sex worker Antonia Crane's memoir is called "Spent". It's been described as bold, brash, brutal and beautiful.
We discuss some of the buzz surrounding "Don’t Worry Darling". US director Olivia Wilde's latest film stars Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, but much of the media coverage has focused on tensions between the cast and crew. Lisa Nesselson delivers her – wholly cinematic – reservations about the movie. We also delve into the metaverse, as "Everything Everywhere All at Once" continues its slow-burn success on the small screen, with Michelle Yeoh saving the universe via her alternate lives and destinies.
We discuss some of the buzz surrounding "Don’t Worry Darling". US director Olivia Wilde's latest film stars Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, but much of the media coverage has focused on tensions between the cast and crew. Lisa Nesselson delivers her – wholly cinematic – reservations about the movie. We also delve into the metaverse, as "Everything Everywhere All at Once" continues its slow-burn success on the small screen, with Michelle Yeoh saving the universe via her alternate lives and destinies.
To celebrate the FRANCE 24 culture show's 15th birthday, the programme has had a revamp. We have so many fond memories on the show, from interviews with Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise and Quincy Jones to live performances from Sting and serious discussions with Ai Weiwei, Xavier Dolan and Jean-Paul Gaultier. We invited all our culture critics to talk about their favourite memories and what they're looking forward to in this new season. We're joined by music critics Marjorie Hache and Florence Villeminot, who present a music show every Monday; film critic Lisa Nesselson, who's with us every Wednesday; and TV critic Dheepthika Laurent, who joins us once a month to tell us what to watch on the small screen.
To celebrate the FRANCE 24 culture show's 15th birthday, the programme has had a revamp. We have so many fond memories on the show, from interviews with Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise and Quincy Jones to live performances from Sting and serious discussions with Ai Weiwei, Xavier Dolan and Jean-Paul Gaultier. We invited all our culture critics to talk about their favourite memories and what they're looking forward to in this new season. We're joined by music critics Marjorie Hache and Florence Villeminot, who present a music show every Monday; film critic Lisa Nesselson, who's with us every Wednesday; and TV critic Dheepthika Laurent, who joins us once a month to tell us what to watch on the small screen.
The Comedy Stop Festival kicked off on September 15 in Paris with performances from Australian comic Celeste Barber and local talent Paul Taylor. Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani is also in the French capital for the festival. He is performing at Paris's Apollo Theatre on Sunday, with other performances planned at the Alhambra over the weekend. FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim had a chance to talk to him about the situations he mines for their comic value.
The Comedy Stop Festival kicked off on September 15 in Paris with performances from Australian comic Celeste Barber and local talent Paul Taylor. Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani is also in the French capital for the festival. He is performing at Paris's Apollo Theatre on Sunday, with other performances planned at the Alhambra over the weekend. FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim had a chance to talk to him about the situations he mines for their comic value.
In this special programme from London, we look back at Queen Elizabeth II's life as a cultural icon. During her 70-year reign, the late monarch was the subject of countless portraits, photographs and artworks around the world. Artist Nicky Philipps painted the queen's official portrait three times. She speaks to Eve Jackson about their sittings together, the stories Elizabeth II shared and the moment she had to tell the queen to close her mouth. They also look at the late monarch's fashion over the decades and the films that tried to satisfy the public's intrigue into who she really was.
In this special programme from London, we look back at Queen Elizabeth II's life as a cultural icon. During her 70-year reign, the late monarch was the subject of countless portraits, photographs and artworks around the world. Artist Nicky Philipps painted the queen's official portrait three times. She speaks to Eve Jackson about their sittings together, the stories Elizabeth II shared and the moment she had to tell the queen to close her mouth. They also look at the late monarch's fashion over the decades and the films that tried to satisfy the public's intrigue into who she really was.
It's almost as if David Bowie has come back to life to narrate the movie "Moonage Daydream", a vivid collage of the music, art and ideas that make up his extraordinary legacy. US filmmaker Brett Morgen spent years sifting through endless audio and film archives and the result is an innovative, sensorial portrait of a man with many faces. The director tells FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson how making the documentary saved his life and discusses his impressions of David Bowie when he met him in person.
It's almost as if David Bowie has come back to life to narrate the movie "Moonage Daydream", a vivid collage of the music, art and ideas that make up his extraordinary legacy. US filmmaker Brett Morgen spent years sifting through endless audio and film archives and the result is an innovative, sensorial portrait of a man with many faces. The director tells FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson how making the documentary saved his life and discusses his impressions of David Bowie when he met him in person.
The kinetic, experimental style of films like "Breathless" and "Pierrot le Fou" saw Jean-Luc Godard crowned among the leading lights of the French New Wave. Following the Franco-Swiss filmmaker's death at 91, Lisa Nesselson tells us how Godard's formal innovations revolutionised European cinema, bringing Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, Anna Karina and even the streets of 1960s Paris to a global audience.
The kinetic, experimental style of films like "Breathless" and "Pierrot le Fou" saw Jean-Luc Godard crowned among the leading lights of the French New Wave. Following the Franco-Swiss filmmaker's death at 91, Lisa Nesselson tells us how Godard's formal innovations revolutionised European cinema, bringing Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, Anna Karina and even the streets of 1960s Paris to a global audience.
Amazon Prime dropped its highly anticipated "Lords of the Rings" prequel this month, the most expensive TV show ever made. Our TV critic Dheepthika Laurent looks at the reviews. But first, we discuss this year's Emmy Awards, where "Succession" and "Ted Lasso" took home the top prizes. Plus, we bring you a glimpse of "Atlanta", "The Good Fight" and season 5 of "The Handmaid's Tale".
Amazon Prime dropped its highly anticipated "Lords of the Rings" prequel this month, the most expensive TV show ever made. Our TV critic Dheepthika Laurent looks at the reviews. But first, we discuss this year's Emmy Awards, where "Succession" and "Ted Lasso" took home the top prizes. Plus, we bring you a glimpse of "Atlanta", "The Good Fight" and season 5 of "The Handmaid's Tale".
Her career has seen her smash glass ceilings in classical music, first at the prestigious Bayreuth Festival and now at Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Oksana Lyniv is the first female director of an Italian opera house. The Ukrainian conductor spoke to FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear about her many achievements and how the war in Ukraine makes her public role even more important.
Her career has seen her smash glass ceilings in classical music, first at the prestigious Bayreuth Festival and now at Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Oksana Lyniv is the first female director of an Italian opera house. The Ukrainian conductor spoke to FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear about her many achievements and how the war in Ukraine makes her public role even more important.
FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear takes a look at the late British monarch's place in arts and culture, as the second Elizabethan era comes to end. From the paintings hanging in the National Portrait Gallery to dramatic interpretations on the screen, Queen Elizabeth II's image had surpassed her status to become the most potent symbol of the United Kingdom.
FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear takes a look at the late British monarch's place in arts and culture, as the second Elizabethan era comes to end. From the paintings hanging in the National Portrait Gallery to dramatic interpretations on the screen, Queen Elizabeth II's image had surpassed her status to become the most potent symbol of the United Kingdom.
British-American actress Lucy Boynton speaks to Eve Jackson about being awarded the Hollywood Rising Star Award at the Deauville American Film Festival; starring in "Bohemian Rhapsody", the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time; and why it’s important to speak out about the subjects that matter.
British-American actress Lucy Boynton speaks to Eve Jackson about being awarded the Hollywood Rising Star Award at the Deauville American Film Festival; starring in "Bohemian Rhapsody", the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time; and why it’s important to speak out about the subjects that matter.
Our film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about some of the movies selected at the 48th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival. "Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song", directed by Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine, explores the life of the singer-songwriter through the prism of his most famous song. Meanwhile, another music legend, David Bowie, is the subject of a documentary based on previously unseen footage. "Moonage Daydream" is directed by Brett Morgen.
Our film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about some of the movies selected at the 48th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival. "Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song", directed by Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine, explores the life of the singer-songwriter through the prism of his most famous song. Meanwhile, another music legend, David Bowie, is the subject of a documentary based on previously unseen footage. "Moonage Daydream" is directed by Brett Morgen.
Actor and director Jesse Eisenberg speaks to Eve Jackson at the Deauville American Film Festival, where he is presenting his first film as a director. "When You Finish Saving the World" stars Oscar winner Julianne Moore and "Stranger Things" actor Finn Wolfhard and centres on a clash between a mother and her son.
Actor and director Jesse Eisenberg speaks to Eve Jackson at the Deauville American Film Festival, where he is presenting his first film as a director. "When You Finish Saving the World" stars Oscar winner Julianne Moore and "Stranger Things" actor Finn Wolfhard and centres on a clash between a mother and her son.
This year, France is celebrating Portuguese culture. Fado music is often upheld as the essence of Lisbon, a mainstay in a rapidly changing capital city. In this special show from Portugal, Eve Jackson meets the duo reinventing the music that embodies the nation's soul. Fado Bicha are Portugal's queer anti-racist feminist musicians and they're challenging the traditional, conservative, ritualistic fado.
This year, France is celebrating Portuguese culture. Fado music is often upheld as the essence of Lisbon, a mainstay in a rapidly changing capital city. In this special show from Portugal, Eve Jackson meets the duo reinventing the music that embodies the nation's soul. Fado Bicha are Portugal's queer anti-racist feminist musicians and they're challenging the traditional, conservative, ritualistic fado.
From a film on abortion rights to a biopic about Marilyn Monroe, there's plenty in store at this year's Deauville American Film Festival. The mistress of ceremonies, FRANCE 24's very own Genie Godula, speaks to Eve Jackson at the Normandy beach town about what to look out for during this annual celebration of US cinema.
Unpronounceable volcanoes, Björk, Vikings, Game of Thrones – these are some of the things you might think of relating to Iceland. This remote and fascinating island, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with a population of 360,000 people, is one of the most creative nations in the world. Is it due to isolation, the inspiration from nature or its centuries-old folklore legends? Eve Jackson goes to the land of ice and fire to find out why Iceland has such an exceptional and disproportionate amount of artists.
The French city of Arles becomes a Provençal headquarters for fine art photography every summer, as the “Rencontres d’Arles” festival brings together imagery from all over the world through dozens of exhibitions, screenings and events. We sit down with Mitch Epstein, who tells us about revisiting the pictures that make up “In India: 1978-1989”.
Idris Elba is the genie in a bottle in this tale of tales, starring alongside Tilda Swinton in George Miller’s latest fantastical movie. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why despite its charms, “Three Thousand Years of Longing” failed to grant her cinematic wishes.
When it comes to cultural offerings, the arts never go on holiday! We take a look at hit exhibitions in France this summer that offer everything from an immersive light-fueled experience to interactive inflatables and open-air photography.
After years in the background as a beatmaker, James BKS is stepping into the light with a first album under his own name. “Wolves of Africa” features many high profile artists such as will.i.am, Idris Elba and the late Cameroonian legend Manu Dibango who James BKS, as a young adult, discovered was his biological father.
Avignon may be France’s oldest arts festival, but it has a resolutely contemporary approach to the dramatic arts, with experimental performances that draw on dance, theatre and poetic traditions. We sit down with multidisciplinary artist Kubra Khademi, whose performance “From Armour to Jackets” kicks off the festival, to hear about the military detritus that became a poignant symbol of the American retreat from her native Afghanistan. Kubra talks about being forced to flee Kabul after a controversial artistic performance in 2015 and discusses how the Taliban have now left Afghans “trapped in their own country”.
From Annie Hall to Manhattan and from Zelig to Blue Jasmine, Woody Allen has some 49 movies under his belt. The director is back with "Rifkin's festival", a film that tips its hat to some of cinema’s greats, from Bergman to Bunuel. It follows a neurotic writer who unravels during the San Sebastian film festival as his publicist wife assists a trendy young French director.
Director Ali Abasi paints an unforgiving picture of institutional misogyny, corruption and the power of the court of public opinion in Iran, as he revisits a series of murders in the holy city of Mashhad. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where Zar Amir Ebrahimi won the award for Best Actress for her performance as a journalist trying to uncover the killer.
Korean singer, dancer and fashion icon CL has been pushing boundaries in the pop industry for over a decade — first as a part of the girl group “2NE1", and now as a solo artist. She has been smashing stereotypes of what it means to be an Asian star, and has gathered legions of fans worldwide with her bold style and eclectic playlists. This summer, she has been hopping in between music festivals, while also making time to attend Fashion Week here in Paris. We met with CL to talk about her debut solo album "ALPHA", fashion, and France.
After two acclaimed albums, “France” and “Heavy Weather” French singer-songwriter Owlle is back with a new LP called “Folle Machine”. Inspired by anglo-saxon pop, she used to compose mainly in English, but this record is mostly in French. “Folle Machine” talks about scars from the past and ghosts you have to learn to live with. Owlle tells France 24’s Florence Villeminot about how she created her own label to release this new album, a move that brought her independence and freedom. In other news, France’s biggest festival The Les Vieilles Charrues is celebrating its 30th anniversary. And we look at album releases for American rapper Lizzo and Filipino-British Gen Z singer-songwriter Beabadoobee.
Alison Sargent and TV critic Dheepthika Laurent break down the biggest shows of the summer. We look at epic 1980s music in season four of Stranger Things, which has passed one billion hours of viewing on its streaming platform. We also talk about Apple TV+’s gritty true crime show Black Bird which features Ray Liotta in his last TV appearance. Finally, we bring you a round-up of fantasy shows to watch in August and look at Hulu’s controversial new biopic about boxer Mike Tyson.
In today’s show we have Kim Kardashian on the Balenciaga catwalk for Haute Couture Week, more on the Ukrainian and Russian shows at the Avignon Theatre festival and a tour of the world’s biggest Egyptian Pyramid from a museum in Paris.
Breakout stars of the computer animated "Despicable Me" franchise, the Minions are back with their second feature film, which recounts the rise of villain Gru. Critic Lisa Nesselson and her own group of toy Minions are unanimous in their enjoyment of its puns, Italian-accented gibberish, and unbridled silliness.
On the 60th anniversary of Algerian independence, we take a look at the French exhibitions paying tribute to Algeria's freedom and exploring the two countries' shared history. In Marseille, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations has dedicated an exhibit to resistance icon Emir Abdelkader, the religious-turned-military leader who led the struggle against France's colonial invasion.
After two years of cancelled events due to the pandemic, it was severe storms that disrupted the opening of one of France's biggest music festivals. The gates of Les Eurockéennes had only been open for 20 minutes when heavy rain and strong gusts of wind brought down multiple trees across the Belfort event, damaged some of the equipment on site and left several of the early festivalgoers injured.
Cuban cellist Ana Carla Maza sees every song as a journey. Born in Cuba to jazz musician parents, her innovative style mixes classical jazz with Latin American rhythms. Her latest album "Bahia" – named after the neighborhood in Havana where she grew up – transports listeners through Latin America and her memories. Ahead of her concert at the Paris Jazz Festival, she spoke to FRANCE 24's Alison Sargent about the joy and energy she brings to her music, and why it's important for her to produce her own albums and support other female artists.
UNESCO World Heritage site the Château de Chambord became one of the world's most majestic concert venues this week, as British rocker Sting performed against the backdrop of its French Renaissance towers. The star also spoke about how his 1985 hit "Russians" is finding new relevance after the invasion of Ukraine.
Hovering between a neo-noir and a semi-romance, "Decision To leave" saw Park Chan-wook crowned best director at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about the visual choices, twists and turns that echo the Korean director's virtuoso touch in his previous films "Old Boy" and "The Handmaiden".
The Black Eyed Peas are one of the best-selling bands of all time, having sold an estimated 80 million records. They have just launched a new music video called "Don't You Worry", featuring David Guetta and Shakira, and are currently working on their new album. The American hip-hop band was at the Solidays festival in Paris this weekend as part their summer tour, where FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson and Mandi Heshmati had the chance to meet them.
Performing under the moniker Canine, French singer-songwriter Magali Cotta mixes mystical orchestral pop with touches of hypnotic electro, a musical landscape driven by her androgynous voice. Three years after the release of her critically acclaimed debut album "Dune", Canine is back with a new LP, "Source". She tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot what inspired her for this opus and why she surrounds herself with women performers.
At the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, FRANCE 24's Genie Godula sits down with British actress Joanne Froggatt, best known as Anna Bates in "Downton Abbey". They chat about her new series "Last Light" with "Lost" star Matthew Fox. Also on the show, we take a look at a cult French film made by a seemingly cursed director. Jean Eustache's "The Mother and the Whore" is making its return to the big screen, 50 years after it was released.
TV veteran David Hasselhoff is in Monaco to present his new German show "Ze Network". The actor, best known for his roles in "Knight Rider" and "Baywatch", sat down with FRANCE 24's Genie Godula at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. He told us why he wanted to play himself in this new show.
From new biopic "Elvis" by Australian razzle-dazzle director Baz Luhrmann, to the "Toy Story" spinoff from Disney-Pixar that's been banned in a number of countries in the Middle East because of a same-sex kiss, critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news.
A singer-songwriter, poet and MC, Sampa the Great was born in Zambia and raised in Botswana, where she began MCing at school. She then studied in America before relocating to Australia in 2014, where she launched her music career. Her incredible debut album "The Return" won numerous awards. Sampa talks to Eve Jackson about her new single “Lane” featuring American rapper Denzel Curry, what it means to be a modern African woman in music and her delight in performing at festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella.
French four-piece MNNQNS are back with "The Second Principle", a sophomore album which led them to experiment a lot in the studio and embrace new progressive space rock sounds whilst keeping their hypnotic post-punk vibes and pop song structures. Singer and guitarist Adrian d'Epinay popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more. We also take a look at new releases from Viagra Boys, Biga Ranx and Lous and the Yakuza.
In this edition we focus on France's foremost playwright. Molière's witticisms and deft handling of the French language still dazzle, four centuries after he was born. To celebrate the author's link to the court of Louis XIV, the town of Versailles has been hosting a month of special events and performances for 26 years. Olivia Salazar-Winspear, Gerôme Vassilacos and Loïc Chalavon head to Versailles to meet the young troupe breathing new life into Molière's plays.
Blending poetry, punk rock and Ukrainian folklore, Dakh Daughters were born of the Kyiv theatre scene in the early part of the 21st century. As the troupe embarks on a tour of their latest show "Danse macabre" in France, Switzerland and Luxembourg, members Ganna and Ruslana join us in the studio to talk about fleeing their homes and decamping to Normandy, as well as the fairytale battles of good versus evil and their echoes in current affairs. We also discuss the international art world's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Iconoclastic filmmaker Quentin Dupieux has made a name for himself thanks to his off-the-wall comedies, which transpose his deeply absurd sensibilities to ordinary settings in contemporary France. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why people should go and see his tenth feature "Incredible But True" with no prior knowledge of the story and a keen sense of humour.
Letting the sound lead her to the song, Cameroon's Irma Pany has shifted to French for her fourth album "Douala Paris", conjuring a blend of afrobeat, pop and folk influences. She joins us in the studio to talk about going back to her roots during the Covid-19 lockdown and how she has drawn strength from unexpected sources. We also discuss the wild journey she’s been on since her breakout record "Letter to the Lord" was released a decade ago when she was just 22 years old.
Andy Butler has been at the helm of US nu-disco outfit Hercules And Love Affair since the mid-2000s. By the end of that decade, "Blind" had become a hit on the dancefloor but also across gyms and workout classes. The group are back this week with their first album in five years. Andy Butler popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell Marjorie Hache more about "In Amber", which was co-written by long-term collaborator and friend Anohni (formerly Antony and the Johnsons).
Pablo Picasso's problematic relationship with the opposite sex has long been documented: by the women who shared his life and by the art critics and biographers who relayed the artist's musings, such as "there are only two kinds of women: goddesses and doormats". As the Picasso Museum in Paris invites feminist artist ORLAN to revisit his portraits in "Weeping Women Are Angry", we speak to art critic and author Judith Benhamou. She tells us why "like many geniuses, Picasso was a monster" and how his sexual appetite fuelled his creative impulses.
Director Alex Garland’s latest film burrows into the dark heart of toxic masculinity, with female protagonist Harper leading the way. Jessie Buckley plays the leading role. She sat down with Eve Jackson to talk about using the challenging roles she is offered to rethink the societal paradigms that we're encouraged to accept.
It caused a scandal at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival and changed our critic Lisa Nesselson's life. Jean Eustache's masterpiece has now been restored and re-released for a new generation; we hear about the Parisian wanderings and wonderings at the heart of "The Mother and the Whore". Meanwhile, Olivier Assayas revisits his 1996 cult film "Irma Vep" in an eight-part series, with actress Alicia Vikander vamping it up in the title role. We find out why this most meta of comedies is a stylish homage to silent-era screen heroines.
Feminist writer Melissa Febos is the author of four memoirs, including the essay collection "Girlhood". Dubbed "a book every woman should read", it investigates how adolescent girls are conditioned to accept patriarchal structures. Her first novel "Whip Smart" recounts her four years working as a Manhattan dominatrix to pay for college and drugs. By sharing her "unspeakable bodily truths", Febos aims to liberate herself and her readers. She spoke to FRANCE 24 about power, addiction, breast reduction surgery and expanding the definition of what's possible for women and feminists.
French singer-songwriter Gaspard Royant has transitioned from recording his poptastic retro rock in analogue studios with a live band, to getting more experimental with keyboards and electronics. The songwriting remains playful, fresh and uplifting as he tackles themes like toxic masculinity and frustration with the modern world whilst telling the stories of dark characters. He stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell Marjorie Hache more about his third album, "The Real Thing".
Our TV critic Dheepthika Laurent looks at a new series from Disney+ that brings police brutality and racism in 1980s France to the small screen. Also, we look at Netflix's weird, controversial but entertaining docu-fiction about notorious Swedish gangster Clark Olofsson, who gave rise to the term "Stockholm syndrome". Apple TV+'s "Now and Then" is an addictive Spanglish murder mystery set in opulent Miami. Finally, we take a deep dive into 1970s London with a new show looking at the rise (and fall) of iconic punk group Sex Pistols.
Olivia Salazar-Winspear brings us the cultural angle on the Queen's jubilee... a lot of arts event are taking place over the next couple of days to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70 years of reign.
Fresh from her 34th trip to the Cannes Film Festival, FRANCE 24 film critic Lisa Nesselson shares her highlights from the 75th edition. One of her favourites is "Crimes of the Future", an eerie dystopian tale starring Viggo Mortensen and Léa Seydoux as a couple who perform surgery on each other. It’s the latest film from Canadian director David Cronenberg, a master of delicious discomfort.
As Britain celebrates its monarch's 70 years on the throne, we take a look at how Queen Elizabeth II has been portrayed on screen – including her one and only film appearance alongside another British icon. We also hear from actress Kate Winslet, who spoke to our team in Cannes about gender equality in the film industry.
Twelve days of cinema, with 21 films in competition but only one Palme d'Or: the top prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival went to Swedish director Ruben Östlund for his social satire "Triangle of Sadness". FRANCE 24 followed the festival from start to finish. We bring you the highlights of our coverage of this 75th edition.
The jury, chaired by Vincent Lindon, has unveiled its winners for the 2022 edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Swedish director Ruben Östlund received the Palme d'Or for the film "Triangle of Sadness", a funny and cruel prank on wealthy industrialists and influencers. Two films tied for the Cannes Grand Prix: "Close" by Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont and "Stars at Noon" by French director Claire Denis.
She's well known for her roles in "Groundhog Day", "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Love After Love" and she recently appeared in the hit TV series "Maid" with her daughter Margaret Qualley. As an ambassador for L'Oréal Paris, Andie MacDowell speaks to FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson about ageing in Hollywood and how she missed the festival in Cannes the year her film "Sex, Lies and Videotape" won the Palme d'Or, because she didn't feel confident in her post-baby body.
After charming the Cannes jury with "Shoplifters" in 2018, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda returns to the Croisette with "Broker", an elegant reflection on family, fate and life-changing decisions that's set in South Korea. Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us about the tender tone of this latest film, which starts with the search for an adoptive family for a newborn baby.
FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim meets the actress who was launched to international stardom as Lisbeth Salander in the "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". Swedish actress Noomi Rapace is on the jury that will decide which film gets the big prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. She has to watch 21 films in 12 days. We also meet actress Sarwat Gilani, who stars in Pakistan’s first ever film at Cannes. "Joyland" is a daring portrait of a transgender dancer.
Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us more about the Cannes Film Festival's parallel events, as filmmakers, actors and technicians share the secrets of their craft in live question and answer sessions. We also check out a French film that revisits the death of French-Algerian student Malik Oussekine in 1986, in which director Rachid Bouchareb raises the issue of police violence both then and now. Plus we take a look at a red carpet a little further down the French Riviera, as the amfAR gala sees the Hollywood glitterati raise vital funds for AIDS research.
He became an overnight star with the TV series "Normal People", which came out while many of us were lockdown in our homes. Irish actor Paul Mescal is in Cannes with two films at this year's festival. One of them is "Aftersun", a rare father and daughter drama directed by Scottish filmmaker Charlotte Wells. The pair sat down with FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson.
At the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, prizewinners, jury presidents and the great and the good of world cinema gathered on the red carpet to celebrate the 75th edition of the event. Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us more about that gala ceremony and we take a look back at the history of the festival. We also learn more about the "Cannes Classics" sidebar section, which is showing a lovingly-restored version of Orson Welles' 1962 film "The Trial", as well as a number of remastered screenings of some of the 20th century's cinematic masterpieces.
Is it ever morally acceptable to exploit civilians as a weapon of war? That's the question at the heart of Sergei Loznitsa’s latest documentary, "The Natural History of Destruction". The Ukrainian filmmaker tells us how, on February 24, his country was thrust 80 years into the past as the Russians invaded, reviving painful memories of World War II. We also discuss President Volodymyr Zelensky's visibility on the world stage and the role of festivals like Cannes when it comes to sending a strong political message to the world.
All eyes are on the films competing for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, but our reporter Olivia Salazar-Winspear has been checking out the “Un Certain Regard” sidebar section. Icelandic director Hlynur Palmason takes us on a cinematic voyage back to 19th-century Iceland in "Godland", as a Danish priest attempts to build a church on the island and encounters natural and human obstacles along the way. We also find out how David Cronenberg’s horror film "Crimes of The Future" is being received on the French Riviera. Plus we take a look at events celebrating the festival's 75th anniversary.
Our guest was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Maggie Gyllenhaal's "The Lost Daughter" and has become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about rising talents. Irish actress Jessie Buckley is here in Cannes with a social horror movie that studies the malice of men. Buckley speaks to Eve Jackson about Alex Garland’s film "Men", why women are constantly torn between assumed responsibility and their own desires, and working in the delicious English countryside.
FRANCE 24 speaks to a director who previously won the top honour at Cannes, the Palme d’Or, for his film "The Square". Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund’s new dark comedy "Triangle of Sadness" is a satire of the super-rich that questions what it is to be a man in today’s world. With Eve Jackson he talks about the crisis of the privileged white male, why he likes awkward situations and why women and men should split the bill.
Risk-taking director Tarik Saleh and the stars of his film competing at Cannes, Fares Fares and Tawfeek Barhom, speak to Eve Jackson about their potentially explosive political spy thriller "Boy From Heaven". The Swedish-Egyptian filmmaker delves into the underbelly of modern Egypt and the Arab world at large. It’s a bold piece of work that poses questions about the corruption of Egypt's religious and state institutions.
As India is the country of honour at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Eve Jackson speaks to actress Pooja Hegde as well as model, actress and activist Nidhi Sunil about the representation of Indian women on screen, why the Indian film industry needs more international recognition and what it’s like to walk on one of cinema’s most prestigious red carpets.
With all eyes on the official competition at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, it’s easy to miss the offbeat, independent films that are not vying for the Palme d'Or. FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us about an Australian feature from Thomas M. Wright showing in the "Un Certain Regard" sidebar selection, which sees Joel Edgerton give a compelling performance as an undercover police officer involved in a black ops sting.
He's probably the most awaited director at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Dissident filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov is the only Russian with a film in the official selection. In previous years, Russia banned him from going to Cannes. Now in exile in Berlin, his film "Tchaikovsky’s Wife" is competing for the top prize. Eve Jackson speaks to him about what it means to be there in person, why his film is not about Tchaikovsky's homosexuality and why it's important to defend Russian culture.
We take a look at some of the independent features in the sidebar sections of the 75th Cannes Film Festival. Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us about Philippe Faucon’s "Les Harkis", which is screening in the Director's Fortnight selection. Set in 1959, it shines a light on the Algerian men who were enlisted to fight for the French Army in units known as Harkis and explores the repercussions they faced as a newly independent Algeria emerged from a deeply traumatic war of independence.
He's the legendary director of "Stand By Me", "Misery", "When Harry Met Sally" and "A Few Good Men". Eve Jackson talks to Rob Reiner about having one of the longest, and most golden, runs in history with his first seven films becoming cult classics. The filmmaker is at the Cannes Film Festival as his very first movie "This is Spinal Tap" is being screened on the beach.
On day two of the Cannes Film Festival, FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us why the première of "Top Gun: Maverick" has movie fans jostling to catch a glimpse of US actor Tom Cruise on the red carpet. We also take a look at the first films competing for the Palme d'Or, as Kirill Serebrennikov returns to Cannes to present "Tchaikovsky's Wife". The Russian director was unable to attend the screenings of his last two films, "Petrov's Flu" and "Leto", due to living under virtual house arrest in Moscow in recent years.
The 75th Cannes Film Festival has opened with the movie "Final Cut". Directed by France's Michel Hazanavicius and starring his partner Bérénice Bejo as well as Romain Duris, it's a film within a film inspired by a Japanese zombie movie. Bérénice Bejo tells FRANCE 24 why her partner didn't want her to be in the film and how some of the blood on set was actually real.
As the 75th Cannes Film Festival gets underway, FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear brings us a glimpse of what its opening ceremony will involve, including a Palme d’Honneur for Forest Whitaker. We also take a look at the composition of this year’s jury, with French actor Vincent Lindon shepherding an artistic team who'll assess the features competing for the Palme d’Or. Plus we get a preview of the opening film "Final Cut", in which director Michel Hazanavicius declares his love for genre movies in a lighthearted French parody of a zombie horror slasher.
Brooklyn-based duo Bottler (aka producers Pat Butler and Phil Shore) have created a unique soundscape blending a myriad of styles including pop, indie rock, trip-hop and club music. In 2020, they released a double bill of EPs, "Clementine" and "Grow". Now the childhood friends are back with their debut album "Journey Work", in which they’re on a mission to explore and express the full spectrum of human experience. They joined us on Encore! to tell us more.
This year, France is celebrating Portuguese culture with concerts, exhibitions and performances from the country's top artists. To mark the occasion, FRANCE 24's culture show Encore! takes you on a musical voyage to Lisbon. The Portuguese capital has a sound like no other European city, where a boom in music influenced by African beats is eroding social barriers and making waves internationally.
Director Philippe Azoulay joins us in the studio to talk about following Claude Lelouch, an adventure that resulted in a documentary portrait of the energetic French filmmaker entitled "Shoot or Die". Azoulay gives us an insight into the techniques Lelouch uses to elicit spontaneous and authentic performances, as the maker of "A Man and a Woman" racks up six decades in cinema.
An exhibition about love feels like a radical prospect in an ever-more cynical world. Yet Simon Baker, director of the Paris-based Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP), tells us that curating a collection of photos that fully express the complexity, the pain and the sheer diversity of the emotion was something he'd long been wanting to do. From Nan Goldin’s unflinching views of the darker side of infatuation, to the daring images of same-sex desire that paved the way for subsequent generations, we discuss the photography on show.
Operatic Soprano Chen Reiss began singing at the age of 14 in her native Israel. She has since toured the world and taken part in many recordings of classics and soundtracks. Her new album explores the work of romantic composer Fanny Hensel, whose music was often attributed to her brother Felix Mendelssohn. She stopped by the FRANCE 24 studio to tell Marjorie Hache more.
Sixty years after her premature death, Marilyn Monroe, the screen siren with a wiggle in her walk, still fascinates audiences. We check out a new documentary charting the life and times of the blonde bombshell, as famous for serenading then-US President John F. Kennedy as she was for her comic turns on screen.
Twenty years after “The Wire” saw David Simon’s gritty writing transposed to the screen, Yena Lee tells us why “We Own The City” provides a complex and compelling sequel to the crime drama. We discuss “Gaslit”, a new adaptation of the Watergate scandal, which sees Julia Roberts and Sean Penn playing the power couple at the centre of this political firestorm. Elisabeth Moss sparkles as the protagonist of a new fantasy time-travel series “Shining Girls”, and we wave an affectionate goodbye to “Grace and Frankie” as the 7th season marks the end of the onscreen partnership.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why British film “Operation Mincemeat” features all the elements of her favourite kind of movie: superb performances, an ingenious plot and a generous dose of espionage. We get a new perspective on life in Somalia, thanks to the touching tale of “The Gravedigger’s wife”, and we check out an award-winning animation, which tells one woman’s story of cross-cultural discovery in Afghanistan. And the Marvel movie franchise ventures into the horror genre with Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”.
His latest graphic novel sketches out the trajectory of a leader who has cast a shadow over geopolitics for two decades. Vladimir Putin’s inscrutable features haunt the pages of Darryl Cunningham’s book “Putin: The Rise of a Dictator”.
The author and illustrator tells us more about capturing Putin’s inscrutable expression, and we discuss how press crackdowns have affected Russian public opinion. We also hear from Natalia Kaliada of the Belarus Free Theatre, whose recent production “Dogs of Europe” is a warning shot in response to Russian authoritarianism, revealing the high price that Putin’s critics have paid.
French soul singer Ben (formerly Ben l'Oncle Soul) who spent years in San Francisco, New York and Paris, is back with a new cover album entitled 'Red Mango'. In this new work, he and the Monophonics put a reggae rocksteady spin on songs by pop’s biggest artists, from John Lennon to Rihanna.
He popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to talk about his music and tease his next original album.
As the Paris Opera introduces his contemporary pieces “In Your Rooms” and “Uprising” to their repertoire, Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter tells us about collaborating with the prestigious institution, and how they "bent over backwards" to accommodate his experimental work. With Shechter’s recent piece "Contemporary Dance" coming to the stage a Paris's La Villette venue, he discusses how music and movement can supplant a cerebral conception of art and why he likes to "poke the bear" when it comes to audience expectations.
A new group exhibition hopes to serve as a rallying cry and a wake-up call by asking humans to embrace a more gentle relationship with the planet we live on. "Reclaim the Earth" sees an international group of artists engaging with environmental concerns through a collection of work at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.
We take a look at Nicolas Cage's latest outing, in which he plays what he's called his most challenging role: himself. But first, as the 75th Cannes Film Festival reveals the jury members who'll be judging the features in competition, film critic Lisa Nesselson gives us her take on the personalities embarking upon that movie-watching marathon.
They make up a full rhythm section, with not a drum nor a bass in sight. Champion beatboxers Berywam have just released their début album, "No Instrument", which sees the expert vocal percussionists putting their own spin on hip-hop, reggaeton and pop, with some high-profile collaborators. The French musical foursome join us in the studio to show us how they produce an incredible palette of sounds. We also discuss their stratospheric rise to fame thanks to their online fan base.
As France opts for five more years of Emmanuel Macron as president, we take a look at the cultural policies he's already established and look ahead at the artistic projects that could feature in his second term. Olivia Salazar-Winspear also touches on how France's cultural sector fared during the Covid-19 pandemic, a decisive moment in the careers and the voting intentions of arts professionals in various sectors.
When his debut novel "Q&A" became the film sensation "Slumdog Millionaire", Vikas Swarup’s day job as a diplomat became a lot busier. The author joins us to talk about the rich diversity of Indian literature, why Mumbai – a city of celluloid dreams and dramatic contrast – is the perfect literary setting and how storytelling is a gateway to true and empathetic diplomacy.
The best of Ghanaian highlife, hip-hop, rap and reggae have descended upon the French capital in the form of the all-star concert "Accra in Paris" at the Élysée Montmartre. Azonto star and rapper Sarkodie and afro-dancehall sensation Stonebwoy, who will both be performing at the event, join us in the studio. They tell us more about the growing reach of Ghanaian music in all its forms, overcoming language barriers via universal beats and key linguistic choices when it comes to singing – and rapping – from the heart.
Thirty years after his first film "Man Bites Dog" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992, André Bonzel’s poignant, personal documentary "Flickering Ghosts of Loves Gone By" is released on French screens. He joins us to talk about his love of archival footage and how a surprise phone call uncovered half-forgotten family memories and sparked a cinematic journey.
Award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé is back with her soon-to-be-released fourth studio album, "Let's Say for Instance". She stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to chat about making the record, as well as her move from a major to an indie label. The musician also tells us about filming one of her new videos in Paris, media coverage of her sexuality and taking part in a charity concert for Ukraine.
With decades of touring the world as bass player for the likes of Manu Dibango and Miriam Makeba under his belt, Cameroon's Raymond Doumbé has finally released his first solo album, entitled "Hidden Paradise". The jazzman who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Nina Simone and David Bowie joins us in the studio along with Youenn Roué from Brittany band Startijenn, who are famous for blending trip hop and traditional Celtic music. The pair discuss their diverse heritage and the joy of mixing sounds. Startijenn have just released their seventh studio album, "Talm ur galon".
We take a look at a new season of art and exhibitions as Stockholm's "Youseum" offers influencers and selfie enthusiasts a temple for the 21st century's favourite form of self-expression. Meanwhile, a museum in the French city of Rouen says "please do touch the art", as a new show encourages a sensory experience of sculptures on show. Plus, visitors to the Quai Branly in Paris get a chance to plunge themselves into Bamiléké society, with traditional ritual objects and artefacts on display thanks to a Franco-Cameroonian partnership.
The Cannes Film Festival has announced the official selection for its 75th edition, which kicks off on May 17. FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear flags up some of the familiar faces who’ll be competing for this year's Palme d'Or, as well as some of the celebrities who will be gracing the red carpet. We also take a look at how the festival is handling features from Ukrainian and Russian artists.
Photographer Alexander Glyadyelov has covered conflicts all over the world. But now the battlefield is his own country, Ukraine, and the frontline his home city of Kyiv. The award-winning photographer speaks to us from the Ukrainian capital about documenting the consequences of the Russian invasion, including harrowing scenes involving civilian casualties. We also take a look at an exhibition at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre of Paris, which is showcasing the work of photographers on the ground, whether it's the view from their makeshift bomb shelters or the scenes of destruction in towns across the country.
Hot on the heels of the success of "Drive My Car" at the Academy Awards, Ryusuke Hamaguchi returns with a three-part feature that puts his talent for dialogue and visual storytelling in the spotlight. Lisa Nesselson extolls the charms of "Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy" and tells us why the prolific Japanese filmmaker should be receiving armfuls of awards in the years to come.
Taking a symbolic colonial theft as their starting point, the creators of the musical "Le Vol du Boli" recount the historical back-and-forth between Europe and Africa through dance, music and storytelling. Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara stars in the production, which boasts a multicultural cast and crew. Assistant director Dorcy Rugamba and choreographer Mamela Nyamza join us in the studio to talk about staging sensitive material for a live audience, the potential of "edutainment" in the arts and the magical talisman that inspired the piece.
Bastien Picot aka Aurus hails from Reunion Island and is currently touring his album "Chimera" around mainland France. He stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us about his blend of traditional sounds with sexy electro pop, while showing off his incredible look. We also check out new releases by Fontaines DC, Pheelz and Miss Kittin & The Hacker.
Kendell Geers and Tsoku Maela are two South African artists taking part in 1-54, the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora, which is currently on show in Paris. The artists speak to Eve Jackson about their work, which addresses mental health issues in African communities, apartheid and global economic concerns. They also discuss the monolith label of "African art" and how more needs to be done for the restitution of stolen African treasures.
In this edition of Encore!, we hear from the frontman for the group representing Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest as he calls for people across the world to protest Russia's invasion of his country. Kalush Orchestra's Oleh Psiuk was speaking from Israel, where the group have been rehearsing together for the first time since the war broke out.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news, including first-time director Omar El Zohairy's award-winning Egyptian feature "Plumes", or "Feathers". They also discuss iconic French director Cedric Klapisch’s ballet drama "En Corps", or "Rise", as well as Belgian director Fabrice Du Welz’s "Inexorable" and Jean Renoir's restored 1939 classic "The Rules of the Game".
Dope Saint Jude grew up in Cape Town, South Africa in a religious household. But in no way did that stop her from becoming one of the country's leading queer feminist rappers, bringing messages of hope and empowerment to the world. Her background in music production and brief stint as a drag king respectively paved the way for her beat-making skills and love for the stage. Her new EP "Higher Self" looks set to take her to the next level. Marjorie Hache sat down with her in Paris to chat about her career and some of her influences.
This week, we chat to pianist Min-Jung Kym about the book "La Musique Pour Dépasser Le Cancer", which she has co-authored. Scheduled to be published in English in October, it explores music as a form of additional therapy when it comes to cancer treatment. She has also recorded a compilation album for the book entitled "Sounds For The Soul".
The Kyiv City Ballet company arrived in France the day before war broke out in Ukraine. Its dancers became exiles overnight. Paris has given them refuge with a residency at the city's Châtelet Theatre. The founders, Ivan Kozlov and Ekaterina Kozlova, created the troupe 10 years ago. They join Eve Jackson in the studio to discuss their unique situation and the importance of using culture as a peaceful weapon.
In this edition of Encore!, we report on legendary US actor Bruce Willis's retirement because of his aphasia, a language disorder that robs people of their ability to communicate. The 67-year-old is perhaps best known for his role as New York cop John McClane in the "Die Hard" movies. We also take a trip to the 1920s to discover a new exhibition exploring an extraordinary generation of female artists. Plus, we bring you a report about women on the French rap scene.
Critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Marjorie Hache about the latest on the big screen and streaming platforms. We begin with the new adaptation of French verse play "Cyrano de Bergerac". British director Joe Wright has made a musical version starring Peter Dinklage as the would-be suitor. We also discuss the new super villain "Morbius", as well as French film "Petite Nature" or "Softie", the story of a 10-year-old boy who has a crush on his teacher.
From "Servant of the People", the show that launched the political career of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to "Pachinko", a multi-generational saga about a Korean family living under Japanese occupation, our critic Alison Sargent speaks to Eve Jackson about what's hot on the small screen this month.
French street artist JR travelled to the Ukrainian city of Lviv to install one of his trademark giant portraits. It features a small, smiling Ukrainian girl, dressed for winter, captured in black and white. JR says "this little girl reminds us what Ukrainians are fighting for". Five-year-old Valeria is one of the millions of the refugees to have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
Bob Zellner's memoirs serve as inspiration for a historical drama in which a White southerner's anti-racist struggle pits him against Ku Klux Klan members, including members of his own family. Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why this film effectively conveys the tensions of the time.
They have a knack for the sort of radio-friendly, feel-good pop tunes that have won them fans the world over. Metronomy's music is the soundtrack to an eternal summer. As they return with a seventh studio album, the band members sit down with FRANCE 24 to talk about taking a creative break, the new stripped-down sound of their album "Small World", as well as their deep and affectionate ties to Paris, French food and the racier side of la chanson française.
Paris-based Ukrainian DJ and producer Kate Zubok had to cancel a tour of her homeland and put her musical projects on hold following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She tells us how the conflict has affected her personally and professionally and how she is trying to remain positive. Up-and-coming Parisian electro popster Lewis OfMan also stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us about his upbeat, sundrenched debut album "Sonic Poems", which he's currently touring across Europe.
Ukrainian writer-director Maryna Er Gorbach and film critic Lisa Nesselson join Eve Jackson in the studio to discuss a timely tale that's all too real about a pregnant woman refusing to leave her home on the Ukraine-Russia border when faced with war. Er Gorbach's award-winning feature "Klondike" shows the toll of war on ordinary people amid the Donbas conflict in 2014. She explains why she's part of a group of seven Ukrainian directors calling for a complete boycott of Russian artists.
Fresh off taking part in the fundraiser event "Night For Ukraine'', London band Archive are back. They formed in the mid-1990s, are known for making shoegazy-progressive rock, and count France as one of their biggest fan bases. They tell Marjorie Hache about their new album “A Call to Arms And Angels” (out on April 8), which will be preceded by a “making of” documentary shot on Super 8 film (April 2).
The head of the jury for the Series Mania television festival, Ukrainian producer Julia Sinkevych, speaks to Eve Jackson about the importance of festivals during times of conflict, how "culture is a powerful tool to stop aggression" and why Russian dissidents should not get help from the French government.
Khatia Buniatishvili was born in Georgia and has become one of the best-known pianists in the world. This week she led a concert in Paris with other artists in solidarity with Ukraine. She speaks to Eve Jackson about the conflict, why she stopped performing in Russia in 2008 after the country launched a ground assault against Georgia, and shares her thoughts about the world's boycott of Russian artists.
The Kyiv City Ballet has been offered a residency at Paris's Châtelet Theatre. The troupe of 30 dancers were already on tour in France with "The Nutcracker" but found themselves stranded due to the war in Ukraine. They are putting on a special performance this Tuesday. We also hear from members of the Kyiv Grand Ballet, who are also in France and now face a highly uncertain future.
After photographing Ukraine and its people for years, Mark Neville moved from London to Kyiv in 2020. When war broke out at the end of February, he initially decided to stay before seeking refuge in neighbouring Poland. He tells FRANCE 24’s Florence Villeminot about documenting the chaos of leaving his adopted country.
She's called herself a "caretaker of memory". Zineb Sedira is as much an artist as she is a researcher, historian and filmmaker. The Franco-Algerian artist is representing France at the 59th Venice Biennale of contemporary art in April. She joins us in the studio to talk about the influence of Algerian activist cinema on her work. We also discuss how the war in Ukraine has jeopardised Pavlo Makov's participation in the Biennale, and she weighs in on the decision of Russian artists to boycott their own, state-sponsored pavilion.
Sheltering in their homes in Kyiv and Baryshivka, Ganna from the Dakh Daughters cabaret troupe and rapper Alyona Alyona speak to us about the cultural sector's role amid the war in Ukraine. The Dakh Daughters' participation in an upcoming theatre production in France is now hanging in the balance; Ganna tells us why the all-female punk cabaret has always dealt with politics and current events in their performances. And as one of the only rappers to write and perform in her mother tongue, Alyona Alyona explains how her Ukrainian cultural identity has become an important facet of her music.
FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear takes a closer look at the cultural consequences of the war in Ukraine, as dissident Russian artists speak out at home and abroad. Boycotts in the film industry are also hitting home, with Disney, Sony and Warner Brothers movies on pause in Russia and film festivals targeting Russian productions.
Netflix has taken the real-life story of phony New York socialite Anna Delvey, aka Anna Sorokin, and turned it into the series "Inventing Anna". Our TV critic Yena Lee tells us why the news reports are in fact much more interesting than the fictionalised show.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the arts and culture sector has ground to a halt. Artist Pavlo Makov was preparing his installation for this year’s Venice Biennale when the Russian invasion arrived at his doorstep in Kharkiv. Pavlo tells us more about the tense situation there, the post-Soviet years that cast a shadow over his creative output and why, as a Ukrainian artist, he refuses to leave his home.
Their musical collaboration fuses literature and electronica, offering a new artistic take on events from the Arab Spring to contemporary European politics. Poet Abdullah Miniawy and musician Jonas Yamer join us in the studio to tell us more about the creation of their latest album "Between the bullet and the front sight, casting lots", how they channel external influences into introspective tracks, and why birth and new beginnings are an important idea in this latest record.
Prolific actor Gérard Depardieu embodies iconic French inspector Jules Maigret in Patrice Leconte's latest take. FRANCE 24's film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why she thinks Depardieu was born to play this role.
With his bright portraits of black icons overlaid with slogans of empowerment, Fred Ebami mixes pan-African sensibility with a pop-art lens. Raised in France, with Cameroonian roots, Ebami says his first muse was Jesus. He's gone on to explore the divisiveness of icons - from American rapper Kanye West to former DRC strongman Mobutu Sese Seko. He spoke to FRANCE 24 about feminism, his new graphic novel, and his desire to show the younger generation that anyone can have an impact.
Her distinctive blend of pop, folk, soul, jazz and reggae has become a firm favourite at home in Nigeria, and a regular on the radio here in France. Asa joins us from the studio in Lagos to tell us about writing and recording her fifth album as the world came to a shutdown. She tells us how reconnecting with nature created an uplifting mood on the album “Five”, and how she found inspiration through spontaneous, convivial collaborations with musicians like Whizzkid, Amaarae and The Cavemen.
In Benin, artefacts that were looted by French forces during the 19th century and formally returned to their homeland last year are about to go on display. The objects include sculptures, masks and small pieces of furniture for ceremonial uses. FRANCE 24's Georja Calvin-Smith reports from the capital Cotonou. Also, French lawmakers pave the way for artworks stolen by the Nazis and currently on display in French museums to be returned to their rightful heirs.
French filmmaker Claire Denis has won best director at the Berlin Film Festival for a film partly filmed in FRANCE 24's buildings. "Both Sides of the Blade" stars Juliette Binoche as a woman torn between two lovers in pandemic-era Paris. She plays Sara, a journalist who works at FRANCE 24's sister radio station RFI. Film critic Emma Jones speaks to Eve Jackson from Berlin about all the action from this year's festival.
French actress Isabelle Huppert has appeared in over 120 films and was just awarded a Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at the Berlin International Film Festival. FRANCE 24 film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Alison Sargent about Huppert's new film "Les Promesses", an involving and entertaining look at contemporary French politics. The thriller sees Huppert star alongside Reda Kateb as a mayor in suburban Paris forced to choose between personal ambition and loyalty to her working-class constituents.
He is the most famous Chinese dissident and one of the best-known contemporary artists in the world. Ai Weiwei was harassed by the Chinese authorities, who bulldozed his Shanghai studio, sent him to jail without charge and drove him out of his country. After the February 2 publication of the French translation of his memoir, "1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows", the artist sat with Eve Jackson to talk about the moment in a Chinese prison when he decided to write his life’s story for his son and what he learned growing up in a labour camp with his persecuted father, the poet Ai Qing.
François Marry has spent well over a decade singing light, dreamy indie pop with his Franco-British group Frànçois and The Atlas Mountains. Now he says he's getting back to his roots with the "cool, dirty" sounds of his new group PARK, a collaboration with young French rockers Lysistrata. PARK's first album comes out on March 25. Alison Sargent spoke to him about showing his true nature, motocross, Baudelaire and mixing politics with music.
It's Europe's most accessible, edgy and – often – political film festival. The Berlinale has kicked off in the German capital with François Ozon's "Peter von Kant", a gender-swapped reimagining of German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 1972 feature "The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant".
Chika Unigwe's polyphonic narrative tells the story of African sex workers in Europe, in their own words. In the award-winning "On Black Sisters Street", the action shifts between Nigeria and Belgium, between memory and reality and between sorrow and hope. Winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, Unigwe has been hailed as one of the most important African authors writing today. She tells us about finding inspiration in Antwerp's red-light district, about how the migratory flux benefits both Europe and Nigeria and why African literature is shifting to the mainstream after years at the margins.
The 94th Academy Awards have whittled down their selection and announced the nominees for this year's Oscars. Film critic Lisa Nesselson considers the frontrunners and tells us why "The Power of the Dog" and "Dune" are competent, if curious, frontrunners.
"President" is a Sundance award-winning film that gives us a gripping and unprecedented front-row seat to recent history. It's about an election that was believed to be stolen and a people who felt robbed of their first free and fair vote following the removal of longtime leader Robert Mugabe in a military coup in Zimbabwe in 2017.
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold speaks to Eve Jackson about his new album, "Catch Me If You Can”, which showcases the Black experience across music, art and style. They also talk about his 2015 release "Sade", a love song sampling One Direction's "Story of My Life", which propelled his career to the next level, as well as his hit song "High" with Afropop star Davido and the importance of singing in his native Yoruba.
From the Cannes festival of short films, to a trip through the history of movie, space and special effects and a stop at Hollywood on the Baltic, we bring you a show all about film. We start in Lithuania, where financial incentives, tax rebates, versatile locations and experienced crews are bringing filmmakers to the capital Vilnius as the city tries to become Europe's "Little Hollywood". Also on the programme, we head to Clermont-Ferrand in the French region of Auvergne for the world's largest festival dedicated to short films.
It shocked, it stunned, it was even burned and banned in America and Britain. Now the epic novel "Ulysses" by literature's original bad boy James Joyce is considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. A hundred years ago this week, it was published in Paris on his 40th birthday. To mark the anniversary, Olivia Salazar-Winspear visits the famous bookshop Shakespeare and Company, once owned by Sylvia Beach, who championed the novel. Plus, Declan Mc Cavana, senior lecturer at the École Polytechnique, explains to Eve Jackson why this retelling of Homer's "Odyssey" with its four-letter words and sexual content broke all the rules of literature.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news, including "Red Rocket", the story of a washed-up porn star from indie powerhouse director Sean Baker. He's known for his movies about the often impoverished members of the American underclass. Baker's film "Tangerine", shot on an iPhone, centered on Black transgender sex workers, while Oscar nominee "The Florida Project" offered a look at life living in a motel.
Ottessa Moshfegh is routinely hailed as one of the most exciting American authors working today. Her award-winning, critically acclaimed books like "Eileen" and "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" contain an ensemble of drunks and dropouts, misfits and murderers, pervs and pill-heads – all of them loners. Her narrators are often angry, amoral and unpleasant and they challenge our assumptions about femininity in uncomfortable ways. More than anything, they're all incredibly human. Her new book "Death in her Hands" has just come out in French, focusing on Vesta, another character at home alone.
Known for kaleidoscopic synth-pop - or what they call "experimental sludge pop" - the duo behind Let’s Eat Grandma met when they were small children and have been making music together since their early teens. After two critically acclaimed albums, Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth are set to drop a new LP in April. They tell France 24’s Florence Villeminot about “Two Ribbons”: an album about the gradual dissolution of a friendship, as well as grief and loss in general. We also look at new releases for British independent rock band Alt-J and Welsh musician and producer Cate Le Bon.
From Grace Kelly's granddaughter Charlotte Casiraghi bucking catwalk trends on a horse, to Valentino's relatable curvy and mature models in sublime garments and tributes to the king of couture Thierry Mugler, fashion specialist Jennifer Ben Brahim speaks to Eve Jackson about Paris's Haute Couture Week.
In this edition we meet the 93-year-old artist who is one of the last survivors of the Nazi death camps. Saved by a Soviet doctor in 1945, Shelomo Selinger lost his memory for several years, but through love, art and sculpture he managed to get it back. As part of this special programme for Holocaust Memorial Day that honours the 6 million Jews murdered and the countless others killed under Nazi persecution, our team met up with him in Paris.
When a mild-mannered uncle is put in charge of his nephew, a touching adult-child relationship develops in Mike Mills' latest film, "C'mon C'mon". Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about this low-key plot and the film's aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, Belgian filmmaker Laura Wandel paints a troubling portrait of childhood in "Playground", as we discover some of the unnerving consequences of bullying.
At a colourful and exciting new exhibition in the southwestern French city of Bordeaux, France's Catherine Deneuve glows in the dark and murdered US actress Sharon Tate fills a room like a goddess while her husband, director Roman Polanski, stares on. These artworks are part of a retrospective looking back at the Franco-American artist Nina Childress' 40-year career at the region's contemporary art centre, the Frac MÉCA.
The world of fashion is mourning after the sudden passing of French designer Thierry Mugler at the age of 73. Mugler, who never shied away from provocative themes, rose to fame in the 1980s. His daring collections came to define that decade's power dressing. The designer had continued working right up until his death and had been due to announce new collaborations this week. FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot tells us more about his legacy.
Dino Brandão is considered one of the most promising young stars on the Swiss music scene. The half-Swiss, half-Angolan musician recently released a debut EP under his own name. "Bouncy Castle" features five afro-folk tracks and is a multicultural melting pot of sunny and yet melancholic songs. Oscillating between tropical melodies and darker folk tunes, he honestly addresses physical ailments and mental issues. He speaks to FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about the importance of opening up.
Its dark depiction of high school life had some critics concerned that "Euphoria" delved a little too deep into some troubling themes. As the series' second season hits screens, Yena Lee tells us why the Zendaya-fronted show makes for a stylish exploration of contemporary struggles with drug use and sexuality, and how it does not shy away from complex or controversial subject matter.
Intelligent, dedicated, magnetic and beautiful are just some of the words that have been used to pay tribute to the French actor Gaspard Ulliel, who has died after a skiing accident in the Alps. Known for portraying the young Hannibal Lector and the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, his tragic death at 37 has shocked the film world. In this show we look back at some of his previous films and interviews with the FRANCE 24 team.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro's new film "Nightmare Alley," starring Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. They also chat about Amazon Prime's "Spencer", starring Kirsten Stewart as Princess Diana, as well as prolific French writer-director Claude Lelouch's 50th movie, "Love is Better than Life". Finally, they tell us about the online event MyFrenchfilmfestival.com, which gives people the chance to watch a selection of French films from wherever you happen to be on the planet.
At the start of the pandemic, London-based Palestinian actor, filmmaker and music producer Mo'min Swaitat discovered 10,000 tapes in the West Bank while in lockdown there – music that documented a moment in Palestinian history that hadn't been heard for 30 years. He spent eight months listening to the tapes, making it his mission to digitise and re-release this window into the past. One of the tapes he found was "The Intifada 1987”, an album by Riad Awwad. Mo'min tells Eve Jackson why the discovery is so important to Palestinians.
Creeping up on London's indie scene in recent years, Nilüfer Yanya has been hailed as a breath of fresh air; her début album "Miss Universe" impressed critics in 2019 and cemented her reputation as a rising star. Her sophomore album, "Painless", was written and recorded while juggling pandemic-related lockdowns. Nilüfer tells us how she managed to stay inspired while creating that second record and we talk about how London's melting pot leaves its mark on artistic output from the UK capital.
When the French refer to their native tongue, they call it the "language of Molière". In this special edition, we're celebrating four centuries of the most read, performed and translated French writer in history.
It’s been 26 years since the original film was released. Now, after three sequels, the ultimate horror pastiche "Scream" returns for a fifth instalment. We hear from cast members Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette about coming back to the format following the death of director Wes Craven.
Film critic Lisa Nesselson speaks to Eve Jackson about the week's film news, including why this year's Golden Globe Awards were hardly talked about. They also discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's affectionate period comedy "Licorice Pizza", the French film "Between Two Worlds", starring Juliette Binoche as a writer who goes undercover as a cleaner to report on what life is like for the nation's lowest earners; and the actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg's documentary about her mother – the actress and singer Jane Birkin.
Award-winning British-Turkish writer Elif Shafak has written 19 books and been translated into more than 50 languages. She's also a political activist as well as an advocate for women's rights and freedom of expression. The author speaks to Eve Jackson about her new novel "The Island Of Missing Trees" which is being translated into French, why men should read more fiction to help them understand the world and the dangers of a "Them and Us" mentality, especially when it comes to vaccines.
For more than a decade, Tana Quartet has been pushing boundaries and reinventing the link between the past and the future over a dozen albums. Well regarded in the world of contemporary music, the French string quartet has worked with composers from around the world and performed in prestigious venues such as the Paris Philharmonic and the Villa Medici in Rome. The trailblazing pioneers are now releasing a new album of music by American composer Philip Glass. Viola player Julie Michael tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about collaborating with the famous contemporary composer and bringing classical music to a wider audience.
He's the controversial poet-provocateur idolised as France's biggest literary export, holding up a mirror to the grim truths of contemporary France. Michel Houellebecq's eighth book "Anéantir", which translates as "Annihilate", hits bookshelves this Friday with a massive print run of 300,000 copies.