AMRITA SHER-GIL : AN INDIAN RHAPSODY - CITY PALACE JAIPUR
2025-01-18 17:00 - 19:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Rajasthan
amrita sher gil alliance française jaipur janvier january2025
AMRITA SHER-GIL : AN INDIAN RHAPSODY – CITY PALACE JAIPUR
18th January – 6 PM – City Palace Jaipur
For the Indian people, Amrita Sher-Gil is a legend, a symbol. Born in
Budapest in the early years of the Great War, this artist who was behind
contemporary Indian painting died in the winter of 1941, at age 28. From
Delhi to Bombay, and for all the artists of the Indian Diaspora throughout
the world, she remains an emblem, a memory; Her charisma, sometimes
compared to that of the Mexican artist Frida Khalo, situated her at the
origins of Indian modernity.
Shot in New Delhi, Bombay, Simla, Budapest and Paris, the film retraces
her wide-ranging life using her letters to friends and family. The film
describes a commitment to painting and a life in art as legendary as
certain Indian movie stars, such as Smita Patil and Raj Kapoor.

Réalisation / Director
Patrick Cazals est l’auteur d’une cinquantaine de films documentaires et portraits d’artistes, d’écrivains et de cinéastes depuis 1977.
Journaliste, il est un ancien collaborateur du quotidien « Libération », de la revue les « Cahiers du Cinéma » et de la radio France Culture.
Il est également l’auteur de plusieurs ouvrages dont : « Musidora, la dixième muse » (éd. Veyrier), « Sergueï Paradjanov » (éd. Cahiers du Cinéma ), « Léon Moussinac » ( éd. Ensad ), « Charles Boyer, l’ardeur et l’élégance » ( éd. du Horla )
En 1987 il crée sa propre maison de production : Les Films du Hora puis en 2018 Les Editions du Horla.
Dans sa filmographie : « Doisneau des villes, Doisneau des champs »(1993), « Sergueï Paradjanov, le rebelle »(2004), « L’Ouragan Kalatozov » (2009), « Musidora, la dixième muse »( 2013), « Léon Moussinac, l’héritage de Spartacus » (2017), « L’Enigme Charles Boyer » (2019).

FICHE TECHNIQUE DU FILM :
Production : Les Films du Horla en 2001
Scénario et réalisation : Patrick Cazals
Image : Jacques Malnou
Son : Raja Singh
Montage : Marie-Agnès Blum
Mixage : Eric Lesachet – Yellow Cab Studios
Durée : 52 mn
Produit avec le concours du CNC et du Ministère des Affaires étrangères.
Collaboration en Inde : Orange Cat productions.

LES FILMS DU HORLA

Indian Press about two Patrick Cazals films :

PARIS INDE SKETCHES AND CANVAS

PRESS :

Paris-Inde, beautifully photographed, this outstanding documentary film
Comprehensively covers the life and work of four major centemporary
Indian artists – Krishna Reddy, Raza, Akbar Padamsee, Ram Kumar, who
have extended stays in Paris.
The film tries to bring out the Parisian influence on these artists .

Free Press Journal – Mumbaï

Technically, the documentary is of high order. The director goes deep into
the artistic processes which characterise each of the four artists..

Times of India

AMRITA SHER-GIL AN INDIAN RHAPSODY

PRESS :

“ The intention was not to make a biography, but a film on how and why this woman was important and the influence she still has on artists today “.
It is indeed Cazals’look at Amrita Sher-Gil in her time and in history, as an
Artist and more importantly, as a woman, that makes for a fascination film. “

Mid-day Mumbaï
( Sonali Velinker )

“ She has a road named after her in New Delhi.Her paintings are fond in the
National Gallery of Modern Art. But how many of us know about her or her short life in which she explored the realms of contemporary art in the Indian
context ? It required a French director, Patrick Cazals to make a very exciting
documentary on her Amrita Sher-Gil

The Hindu ( Deepa H Ramakrishnan)

2 )

“ A distant perspective helps. which explains why French filmmaker Patrick Cazals has been more successful than an Indian filmaker in capturing the
spirit of legendary artist Amrita Sher Gil’s paintings in his documentary film.
And though Cazals had to literally rewind half a century back in time his 52-minute documentary titled Amrita Sher-Gil, an indian rhapsody is able
to make the most of whatever material was available and present it in a way that explains what placed her at the heart of Indian modernism.
The film, according to Cazals, was shot in Budapest, New Delhi, Paris, Mumbai and Shimla and builds on a shattered narrative taken from Amrita’s letters sent to her family…..”

Times of India ( Pune Times )
( Huned Contractor )

The Many Lives of David Foenkinos
2025-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Rajasthan
The Many Lives of David Foenkinos

French author and film-maker
In conversation with Mohit Batra
Toss Jaipur – February 26 – 6PM Onwards

Biography
David Foenkinos is a renowned French novelist, screenwriter, and director, widely recognized for his insightful and often humorous explorations of human relationships. Born on October 28, 1974, in Paris, he studied literature and music before embarking on a successful literary career.
Foenkinos gained widespread acclaim with La Délicatesse (2009), a bestselling novel that was later adapted into a film starring Audrey Tautou and François Damiens. His work is characterized by a blend of sensitivity, wit, and an elegant prose style that captivates readers worldwide.
Over the years, he has published numerous novels, including Les Souvenirs (2011) , Charlotte (2014) — which won the prestigious Prix Renaudot and the Prix Goncourt des Lycéens— Numéro Deux (2022), a novel that reimagines the alternate fate of a young actor who narrowly missed the role of Harry Potter, and his most recent work, Tout le monde aime Clara (2024).
This latest novel delves into the power of celebrity and social fascination, exploring how an ordinary woman becomes the center of worldwide attention.
Beyond literature, Foenkinos has also made a mark in cinema, co-directing three films with his brother Stéphane Foenkinos. Their first collaboration, La Délicatesse (2011) , brought his novel to the big screen with great success.
They followed this with Jalouse (2017) , a sharp and touching portrait of a woman struggling with jealousy, starring Karin Viard. Their most recent film, Les Fantasmes (2021), is a bold and humorous exploration of human desires, featuring an ensemble cast including Monica Bellucci and Carole Bouquet.
With his signature blend of humor and emotion, David Foenkinos continues to be a leading voice in contemporary French literature and cinema, captivating audiences with stories that resonate deeply with the complexities of life and human nature.

Beyond words : A conversation with Indian ocean Author : Johary Ravaloson
2025-03-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Alliance Française de Jaipur, Opp G 62 Shanti Nagar, Prem Nagar 2, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302020
Johary RAVALOSON
Born in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Johary Ravaloson is a distinguished author, translator, and publisher known for his contributions to contemporary Malagasy literature. He studied law at the University of Paris 2 – Assas and earned his PhD at the University of Réunion in 2002. Alongside his legal career, he engaged in artistic and literary activities, notably with the character Arius et Mary Batiskaf. He practiced and taught law in Réunion and later in his hometown before fully dedicating himself to literature in 2016.

Ravaloson writes novels, short stories, and adaptations of traditional tales, and also translates literary works. In 2006, he co-founded Dodo Vole Publishing with his wife, contemporary artist Sophie Bazin, to promote the arts and literatures of the southwestern Indian Ocean, particularly Madagascar and Réunion.
In 2018, he launched Lettres de Lémurie, a literary magazine that annually publishes twenty-four authors from the region, in French or in their native languages with French translations.
His novel Return to the Enchanted Island, translated into English, won the Prix du Roman de l’Océan Indien. The book combines modern themes with Malagasy mythology, showcasing his unique storytelling style. Since 2017, Ravaloson has lived in Normandy, France, where he continues to focus on writing, translation, and publishing, helping to promote Malagasy culture and storytelling worldwide.

Publications in English
Translated by Allison M. Charette

The Return To The Enchanted Island, novel, from Les larmes d’Ietsé (2012), Amazon Crossing, Seattle, Washington (USA), 2019.
Water in the Rice Fields up to My Knees!, short story, Sunspot Jungle, vol. 1, Rosarium Publishing, Greenbelt, Maryland (USA), 2019.
Out’n Around, short story, The Southern Review, Summer issue 2019, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (USA), 2019.

Translated by Mehedy Hasan
– The most secret memory of dodo, Mayurpankhi Publishing, Dakha, Bengladesh, 2023.

Read out loud 2025
2025-05-09 | Alliance Française de Jaipur, Opp G 62 Shanti Nagar, Prem Nagar 2, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302020
This competition is only for current AFJ students (offline & online) only. For details, please contact your teacher or Library Staff.
The AFJ Library’s Read Aloud 2025 Competition is an engaging event that highlights the power of storytelling and public speaking while promoting literacy skills among participants. This competition brings together AFJ students from various age groups to demonstrate their reading abilities, eloquence, and passion for literature.
At its core, the Read Aloud 2025 Competition is designed to encourage a love for reading and improve participants’ communication skills. Competitors are tasked with reading a selection of written material aloud, often in front of an audience or judges. These selections can range from classic literary works to contemporary pieces, allowing participants to showcase their ability to engage and captivate listeners through voice modulation, tone, and emotion.
The competition also serves as a stepping stone for individuals looking to pursue careers in fields that value strong communication, such as education, broadcasting, and the arts. It reinforces the importance of public speaking and reading as foundational skills that contribute to personal and academic growth.
Whether participating or simply enjoying the event, the AFJ Read-Aloud Competition offers an exciting opportunity to appreciate the beauty of spoken word and to inspire future generations to develop their reading and speaking abilities.
This competition is organised as a part of the Library Fest 2025 and Francophonie 2025 by the network of Alliances Françaises in India with “La Plume de Paon” and Institut Français en Inde. There is a regional round and a national round. Exclusive prizes and certificates for the local and national winners.

Défi Inter-Alliances 2025
2025-05-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Rajasthan
The Inter-Alliances CHALLENGE is back!
The Alliances Françaises in India, the French Institute in India, and the Fondation des Alliances Françaises based in Paris are the organizers of the fifth edition of the Inter-Alliances Challenge 2025.
The Challenge is a vibrant celebration of French culture and the global Francophone community, uniting Alliances Françaises from all around the world. Students from Alliances Françaises are invited to participate in a general knowledge quiz, in French, via the digital platform Kahoot, using two devices.
The competition consists of four stages:
The local selection round of Alliance Française de Jaipur will be held online on April 26 at 2:00 PM.
A regional selection round will be held online on May 16 at 4:00 PM.
A semi-final by geographical zone will be held online on Saturday, May 24 (timing per zone to be confirmed).
An international final will take place in person, at the Alliance Française de Nice, during the week of July 21, 2025.
How to participate?
Participants must register via the online registration form before April 20, 2025.
Here is the link to the form:
👉 https://forms.gle/PxNRk5sSHf9gXyfs9
Conditions for participation
You are eligible to participate if:
You are currently a student at an Alliance Française and have passed level A1
You are at least 18 years old by July 15, 2025
You will need 2 internet-connected devices:
A computer for the Zoom videoconference
A smartphone to participate in Kahoot
Prizes
The two highest-scoring participants in the local selection will be named finalists and will represent their Alliance in the national selection. They will also receive a reward from the Alliance Française de Jaipur.
The two highest-scoring participants in the national selection will move on to the geographical zone semi-finals and will be rewarded by the French Institute in India (IFI).
The top scorer in the semi-finals of each geographical zone will qualify for the international final in Nice (July 21–27, 2025).
The stay includes:
Accommodation
Transport from the nearest airport to the winner’s home to Nice, and from Nice to the departure airport
(Urban transport – bus, metro, RER, etc. – is not included)
An allowance of €400
All other expenses not covered by the prize (insurance, extra baggage, etc.) will be the responsibility of the winners. If the winner needs a visa to travel to France, it is their responsibility to make the necessary arrangements. Winners must ensure they meet all travel requirements for France.
In case of visa refusal or inability to travel, the runner-up from the semi-final will be invited to participate in the final.

DeyMKO, a street artist from Reunion Island is making a long trip to Ajmer this February!
2026-02-11 - 2026-02-15 | Rajasthan
DeyMKO, a street artist from Reunion Island is making a long trip to Ajmer this February!
As a part of the Embassy of France in India, French Institute in India and the Alliances Françaises network’s annual wall art festival, 4 French and Francophone and Indian artists will be touring 15 indian cities this year.
DeyMKO is a militant feminist muralist from Reunion Island who is actively engaged in street art, cultural projects, and community initiatives, with a strong focus on women’s rights and youth engagement.
She is going to be part of an exciting and impactful partnership with Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti, an NGO based in Ajmer, Rajasthan, which works with social development and emancipation of adolescent girls and young women through sports. Joining hands with the NGO is the Ajmer Municipal Corporation, Prithviraj Foundation Ajmer, DAV College Ajmer and their art department along with Lok Kala Sansthan, run by renowned Mandana artist Sanjay Sethi.
This project envisages a strong cooperation between local organisations, local government and the Alliance Française Jaipur in order to bring cultural projects to every city of Rajasthan. Democratising the arts remains an essential objective of the Alliance.
The mural will be painted on the public walls of the collectorate circle of Ajmer and will be inaugurated on 13 Feb evening by the government officials and dignitaries of the Ajmer Nagar Nigam, commisionerate, Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti, DAV College, Prithviraj Foundation and Lok Kala Sansthan.
This is the 5th edition of the Wall Art Festival, with Udaipur, Jaipur, Jobner and now Ajmer being its 5th destination.
Watch this space as we bring you live updates from Ajmer all through next week.

ECHOES – A Heritage Carved in Wood
2026-02-14 18:00 - 2026-02-15 10:00 | Rajasthan
Saturday, February 14th, Alliance Française opens the doors of The City Palace Museum (Chota Darikhana) for an unmissable cultural evening. Starting at 6:00 PM, join us for the grand vernissage of the exhibition “ECHOES – a ceremonial heritage in wood”, celebrated in the distinguished presence of Shriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur.
The guest of honor for this evening is none other than Prof. Philippe Charlier, a global figure in anthropology and forensic medicine. Dubbed by the international press as the “Indiana Jones of Graveyards,” Dr. Charlier is famous for authenticating the relics of Joan of Arc, studying the heart of Richard the Lionheart, and revealing the secrets of royal favorite Agnès Sorel. His presence in Udaipur offers a unique opportunity to witness the dialogue between Indian royal heritage and French scientific excellence. Do not miss this historic convergence of art, science, and tradition. (Entry by invitation only – RSVP required)

The Secret Life of Ritual Objects

February 15 @ 10:00 am

What if objects could speak? On Sunday, February 15th at 10:00 AM, Rockwoods International School will host a scientific luminary for a captivating session: “The Secret Life of Ritual Objects”.
Prof. Philippe Charlier is no ordinary speaker. As a Director of Research and a renowned forensic pathologist, he has revolutionized history by using modern science to solve the “cold cases” of the past—from the mystery of King Henri IV to the medical secrets of Robespierre. During this exceptional morning, he will apply his expert eye to ritual objects to unveil the invisible: their history, their hidden usage, and their “magical charge.” This is an incredible chance for students, history buffs, and the curious to meet the man who makes the dead and ancient artifacts talk. A live scientific investigation that is simply not to be missed. (Entry by invitation only – RSVP required).

bAlllAd
2026-06-06 18:30 - 21:00 | Patrika Gate, Jaipur, RRR2+JHC, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302018, Rajasthan, 302018, India
This June, as part of World Music Month, the Embassy of France in India brings French experimental musician Bertrand Devendeville and his iconic performance bAlllAd to the country for the very first time.Betrand Devendeville is a sound artist working at the crossroads of experimental music and poetry. His performances are not concerts in the traditional sense — they are immersive, participatory experiences that transform public spaces into something collective, alive, and deeply felt. Over 200 performances across the world. Most recently, Nepal.bAlllAd does not ask you to sit and watch. It asks you to be part of it. Join us for this experimental, immersive piece, in Jaipur!This multicity tour opens in Delhi before making its way to Jaipur, Kolkata, Goa, Kochi, and Bangalore.For more information: fetedelamusique.inJaipur | 6 June 2026 |9AM and 7PMPatrika Gate, JaipurArt Patron: Rajasthan PatrikaMedia Partner: FM TadkaBrought to youby the Alliance Française Jaipur, in partnership with the Embassy of France in India and the French Institute in India.Google Form to RSVP: : https://forms.gle/ozSzLeKWU2417xtP8

The Secret Life of Ritual Objects

February 15 @ 10:00 am

What if objects could speak? On Sunday, February 15th at 10:00 AM, Rockwoods International School will host a scientific luminary for a captivating session: “The Secret Life of Ritual Objects”.
Prof. Philippe Charlier is no ordinary speaker. As a Director of Research and a renowned forensic pathologist, he has revolutionized history by using modern science to solve the “cold cases” of the past—from the mystery of King Henri IV to the medical secrets of Robespierre. During this exceptional morning, he will apply his expert eye to ritual objects to unveil the invisible: their history, their hidden usage, and their “magical charge.” This is an incredible chance for students, history buffs, and the curious to meet the man who makes the dead and ancient artifacts talk. A live scientific investigation that is simply not to be missed. (Entry by invitation only – RSVP required).

Artists' Cinema | Artist's Cinema
2026-07-03 18:00 - 2026-08-09 18:00 | Alliance Française de Jaipur, Opp G 62 Shanti Nagar, Prem Nagar 2, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302020
In collaboration with Jaipur Centre for Contemporary ArtIndependent Indian cinema screenings plus interactive online Q/A with filmmakersArtists’ Cinema, Artist’s Cinema is an initiative of the Jaipur Centre for Contemporary Art, curated by Shwetal Ashvin Patel is bringing its film programming off-site this summer with a special series of screenings at Alliance Française de Jaipur — every Wednesday in July and August.The initiative aims to decentralise and make JCA’s film programming more accessible beyond the City Palace of Jaipur, bringing bold, award-winning cinema directly into the city.
Daily Screenings : 02:00 to 08:00 PM
July 8
Victoria (Malayalam)
Sivaranjini J’s striking debut feature, a day in the life of a small-town beautician that unfolds into quiet conviction.
July 15
Writing with Fire (Hindi)
Rintu Thomas & Sushmit Ghosh’s Oscar-nominated, Sundance-winning documentary on India’s all-women newsroom redefining power.
July 22
Abharkha (Desire) (Gujarati)
Himadri Mahesh’s self-made, deeply local story of love, struggle, and a woman’s quiet defiance.
July 29
Jugnuma (The Fable) (Hindi)
Raam Reddy’s haunting magic-realist tale set in the Himalayas, from the director of Thithi.
August 5
Letters from Wolf Street (Polish/English)
Arjun Talwar’s witty, personal Berlinale-selected portrait of immigrant life on a Warsaw street.
All screenings are free and open to all.
Reservations via Google Form are recommended to secure your seat.
