In its second edition, this two-and-a-half-month long French festival promises to be a treat for Mumbaikars.
Bonjour India 2013, a 16-city mega festival is back in its second edition in Mumbai. Organised by the French Embassy, the Institut Français in association with the network of alliances Franchises in India, the festival is showcasing the multi-faceted French culture to city dwellers through unique Indo-French co-productions. Curated to celebrate the friendship between the two countries, the festival is also a platform to honour the work accomplished by the collaboration of Indian and French artistes.
“A major focus of the festival this year is to encourage communication and collaboration between Indian and French artistes — a way to bridge the cultures of the two countries,” says Aruna Adiceam, Cultural Attaché, French Embassy of India. Some of the highlights of the festival in Mumbai are a piece designed by Indian artiste Subodh Gupta performed by the Ballet Preljocaj; the Ananta, a concerto written by Pierre Thilloy and performed by the Avignon Symphony Orchestra and sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan; Eric Vigner’s Gates to India Song, a unique theatrical experience featuring Indian actor Nandita Das in the lead role; performances by musician Imany from the Comoros Islands and the band Scratch Bandits Crew; a French film festival showcasing some of the best contemporary offerings of French cinema, featuring many genres of film and photography exhibition by Chantal Stoman.
This year also sees a new gastronomic component, which will have a great turnout, as it is a very novel, cool concept says Aruna. “The Floating Buffet is an interactive form of art, one that actually allows the guest to taste the food that is featured in the artistic display. It is a marriage of food and art,” she explains.
When & Where
Mid-January to end of March,
multiple venues
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