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Vive le Canada!

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A cultural centre is hosting a festival to celebrate art and literature created by French Canadians

elebrate French-Canadian culture through storytelling and photography over croissants at Alliance Française, a cultural centre in Al Bateen.

Celebration of Canada honours the culture of Quebec, the French-speaking part of Canada. It is running until 28th February.

Fabienne Zelmat is the centre’s library manager. She says, “I was delighted when I received a parcel from our partner school in Quebec full of books, CDs and DVDs, made by Canadians. It was unique and I felt the items deserved more than being buried in the library.”

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And that’s how Celebration of Canada was born. “Alliance Française promotes the French language in Abu Dhabi,” adds Fabienne. “Canadians speak French too and we want them to remember they are always welcome.”

The Canadian-produced French language books, CDs and DVDs can all be borrowed from the library. All genres are represented, from mystery, action and comedy to geography, documentaries and children’s titles.

Two exhibitions by Canadians based in the UAE will also run until the end of February.

Sylvain Tremblay, a Quebec native, studied graphic arts before turning to painting in 2002. He splits his time between Montreal, Beijing and the UAE and is a professor of the history of modern art at the Canadian University of Dubai. Best known for his 2014 portrait of Sheikh Zayed made from sand in the desert, he will be showcasing a dozen original pieces.

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The second exhibitor is Roger Jodoin from Ontario, who lives in Abu Dhabi. Roger works in international trade and development when his eye isn’t behind the lens. He is a member of Wednesday Group International Photographers and was featured in the Kaleidoscope photography exhibition of UAE icons in March 2014 at Café Arabia in Mushrif. He will be exhibiting his photos from around the UAE.

On 26th February, the festival’s pièce de résistance – an afternoon of storytelling in French by Roger – will take place.

Fabienne says, “Roger is ideal for this event because he is a lively storyteller with a strong Canadian accent which lends an air of authenticity.”

The 3pm to 4pm session is aimed at children aged three to five. Roger will read traditional Canadian folk tales, most of which are about nature and have a strong moral code.

The 4pm to 5pm session meanwhile will be for children aged six to eight who will listen to The Giant of the Forest, a lively tale about a magic forest. But they must watch out – because who knows what lurks within the trees’ branches…

Visitors can treat themselves to coffee and croissants in the centre’s café.

The exhibition and storytelling sessions are free but call ahead to reserve seats for the storytelling.

Alliance Française, Al Bateen, next to the Embassies of Ireland and Columbia. Contact: 02 612 2900 www.afabudhabi.org

Heather Long Vandevoorde

 

 

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