Les visages de la francophonie

A special programme covering the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. With writers Sylvain Tesson and Ken Follett, actor Fabrice Luchini, historian Mathieu Lours and essayist Maryvonne de Saint-Pulgent.

In honour of the 19th Francophonie Summit, this special programme was filmed at the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française at Villers-Cotterêts. Augustin Trapenard receives Francophone authors who spread the beauty of the French language around the world and make it their literary territory.

The 2024 final brings together the nine best candidates, from 120,000 secondary and high school students. Before the judges, the finalists have to read a set text, seen for the first time on the eve of the final, judged on four main criteria: expression, rhythm, tone, ability to transmit emotion.

Recognised as the father of Ivorian literature, Bernard Binlin Dadié died in 2019 at 103. Having lived through a century of history, his views are clearly stamped on his innumerable writings. A look back at the turbulent career of a visionary who fought for the dignity of his fellow citizens.

Discovering the soul of Quebec down the ages! A fascinating anthology that takes us from Cartier to Lepage, exploring the capital of the Belle Province through the writings of famous authors such as Charles Dickens and Jacques Poulin.

The francophone poetry scene through the authors-performers of today.

How truly understand the work of Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850)? Through his life: a prodigious literary, romantic, political and financial adventure, that saw a young provincial become the most famous writer of his time, producing a monumental volume of work. With personal accounts by Adrien Goetz, Dan Franck, Marc Dugain...

Paris, 1840. Rodolphe de Gerolstein, prince without fear but not without reproach, investigates the disappearance of his housekeeper's son Germain, an investigation that takes him deep into the Parisian underworld and to some of its most chic addresses, before finally revealing a dark and very personal secret... An animated series adapted from the novel by Eugène Sue in forty three-minute episodes, created from period engravings.

The story of twenty figures whose creative work in the French language served ideals of liberty, emancipation and independence. The series recounts the destiny and work of these men and women, exceptional artists, some of the best writers amongst francophone poets and novelists. The ink may sometimes have faded, almost disappeared, leaving a blank page blown by the winds of history. "Black Ink and White Page" brings them back from oblivion.

In Africa, folk tales form part of a long oral tradition. Recounted by talented story-tellers, often as night falls, they pass on values or beliefs and broach sensitive subjects such as death, poverty or sterility. Join us and discover just a few of them.