Speaking the French language allows us to access 321 million imaginations spread across the five continents. In 2024, the Alliance Française de la Nouvelle-Orléans once again invites you to explore the incredible cultural diversity of the Francophonie by way of a rich program throughout the month of March.

We are delighted to be hosting author talks, performances, concerts, discussions, and more. Come explore the world with us!

Parler la langue francaise nous permet d’accéder à 321 millions d’imaginaires répartis sur les cinq continents. En 2024, l’Alliance Française de la Nouvelle-Orléans vous propose une fois encore d’explorer l’incroyable diversité culturelle de la francophonie à travers une programmation riche tout au long du mois de mars.  

Nous sommes ravis d'accueillir des conférences d'auteurs, des performances, des concerts, des discussions et bien plus encore. Venez explorer le monde avec nous !

March 2024  |  All events accessible to English speakers

The Mois de la Francophonie is made possible thanks to the financial support of CODOFIL, Villa Albertine, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Consulate general of Canada in Dallas, and Tulane University.


PDF of Program PDF of Program



Monday March 4

Rendez-vous with Florient Jousse & Big Chief Juan Pardo

AFNO  |  6:30 pm  |  Free |  Bilingual  

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During Mois de la Francophonie 2023, theater director and actor Florient Jousse presented his play 'Frénésies,' inspired by Jack Kerouac, in partnership with Tulane University and AFNO in New Orleans. During his time here, he forged a friendship with Big Chief Juan Pardo, leading to a unique theater project, "Flamboyants!" Explore the fascinating journey of how this international connection has cultivated a new theater play bridging Creole legacies across the Indian Ocean and the vibrant Mardi Gras traditions of New Orleans.


WEDNESDAY March 6

rencontre avec nicolas fargues | France

AFNO  |   6:30 pm  |  Free |  French  

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Embark on a literary voyage with Nicolas Fargues, the acclaimed French author and nominee for the prestigious 2015 Goncourt Prize. Join us for a captivating evening as Fargues, world traveler and resident of the Randell Cottage in Wellington, shares his rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped his evocative writing.

After growing up in Cameroon, Lebanon and Corsica, Nicolas Fargues moved to Paris and then Indonesia, where he worked in the cooperation sector. Since 2002, he has lived and worked in Alliance Française and Institut Français in Antsiranana, Yaoundé and Bukavu, destinations that have left their mark on his writing.

In partnership with the Consulate of France in Louisiana and University of Louisiana at Lafayette.






thursday March 14

open house and live Cajun music | louisiana

AFNO  |  4-8pm  |  Free  |  Bilingual

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This afternoon aims to celebrate New Orleans’ role in the Francophone world, and all relationships between Louisiana and other French-speaking countries. We will be joined by local, Cajun musician and native  Louisiana French speaker, Bruce Daigrepont from 6-8pm

Plus, enjoy the outdoor photo exhibit, Mon coeur est dans la terre de ma famille, highlighting indegenious tribes and their lands. Photos by Wayan Barre and Audoin de Vergnette.

In addition to free placement tests, trial classes, and a used French book sale, don't miss the exclusive promotions and discounts available only during the Open House. Take advantage of our Early Bird Discount of $30 off Full Courses when you register early. Plus, enjoy $10 off Partial Courses, perfect for those seeking a refresher or an introduction to French language skills. In person only, 50% off memberships!






FRiday March 15

Afro-contemporary dance performance | benin

AFNO  |  6:30pm  |  $5 · Free for members |  Bilingual

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Be moved by the Dow Dance Company as they communicate captivity and honor their ancestors who were deported from Benin. Dow Dance Company's work pushes the decolonization of the black body and represents the connections between French-speaking West Africa and New Orleans.

The duo, composed of Arouna Guindo and Caleb Dowden, is based in New Orleans. Arounda Guindo is a dancer and choreographer from Benin. Caleb Dowden, born in New Orleans, has been working for years in West Africa where she found her inspiration for the choreographies performed by her artistic company Dow-Dance.





thursday March 21

hap'apéro franco-happy hour 

The Columns Hotel |  5-7pm  |  Free |  Bilingual

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Connect with fellow enthusiasts, make new friends, and elevate your language skills in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. This is your chance to seamlessly blend language learning with socializing – a unique opportunity that's both fun and educational!



Monday March 25

documentary screening : "Noirs en France" | France

Q&A with Alain Mabanckou after the screening

AFNO |  6:30 pm  |  $5 · Free for members |  French with English subtitles 

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“Noirs en France” (Black in France) is a documentary produced by France Television, directed by Aurélia Perreau and narrated by novelist and academic Alain Mabanckou, who will be in attendance. 

Synopsis: What do French Black people have in common? Not much, except for their skin color and the racism they face. For the first time, the film “Noirs en France” (Black in France) gives a voice to Black French people of all ages and backgrounds, known or unknown to the general public. Narrated by the writer Alain Mabanckou, this documentary tells their stories filled with prejudice and stereotypes, but also marked by hope and pride.

We will be joined by author and narrator of the film, Alain Mabanckou!

In partnership with OIF, Consulate General of Canada in Dallas, Villa Albertine, and Tulane University.

                                   

tuesday March 26

conversation with alain mabanckou | congo

Ashé Powerhouse Theater |  6.30 pm  |  Free |  Bilingual with Translator 
1751 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

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Alain Mabanckou is a novelist, journalist, poet, and academic. A French citizen born in the Republic of the Congo, he currently teaches literature and creative writing in the Department of French & Francophone Studies and African Studies Center at UCLA. Known for his novels and non-fiction writing depicting the experience of contemporary Africa and the African diaspora in France, Mabanckou is among the most recognized Franco African writers in France in contemporary literature.

In partnership with OIF, Consulate General of Canada in Dallas, Villa Albertine,  Tulane University, and the Garden District Book Shop.

                                      

wednesday March 27

discussion "louisiana french history and challenges" | louisiana

Online  |  5:00 pm  |  $10 · Free for AFNO members |  English

Register AFUSA.org Register AFUSA.org

Join AFNO and the entire Federation of Alliances in the US as we discuss Louisiana's francophone past, present, and future. Joseph Dunn’s understanding of Louisiana’s distinct cultures, languages, and heritage has led him to work at the highest levels of the state’s tourism and cultural industries. Joseph is an outspoken advocate for the development of social, professional, and economic opportunities for Louisiana’s franco-créolophone heritage language communities and is particularly interested in the concepts of minority language rights and identity. Joseph Dunn was named a Chevalier dans l’ordre national du Mérite in 2021.

In partnership with the Federation of Alliances Françaises in the US.

                                      

wednesday March 27

Louisiana creole  Round table | louisiana

AFNO  |  5:30 pm  |  Free & Public

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Join us for this free social and conversation hour when you'll be able to practice your Louisiana Créole. Feel free to bring food or drinks to share. These events are free and open to all, but donations for the Alliance Française are welcome. Mèsi for the support!

                                      

thursday March 28

conversation with thomas sandoz | Switzerland

AFNO  |  6:30 pm  |  Free  |  French with translator

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Meet Swiss author Thomas Sandoz as we divulge into cultural psychological question of francophone literature’s creation and promotion in the small country with four national languages.

Free raffle giveaway of signed copies of "Croix de bois, croix de fer"

Event will be presented in French with an English translator. 

In partnership with the Consulate General of Switzerland  in Atlanta.

                                      

In our gallery :

Black Blood & Mas

by Anaïs C.

De Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) à Saint Georges (Grenade), une couleur noire et sirupeuse sur la peau, des chaînes, une certaine gravité mêlée à des sourires, et un air de déjà-vu : le carnaval.

Vestiges des traumatismes issus de l’esclavage, vecteurs d’expression inter-générationnelle, le carnaval dans la Caraïbe permet à la population d’évacuer les tensions, de refondre les disparités sociales, sorte d’exorcisme populaire.

In partnership with Guadeloupe cultural organization Arts aux pluriailes






Check out these events with our partners

French Film Festival

Prytania Theater & online  |  Feb. 22 - March 3  |  Various times  

Film Festival organized by the New Orleans Film Society with short and feature-length films.  To learn more click here.

                                       

Le Grand Pique Nique

West Baton Rouge Museum |  March 2 |  10:00 am to 2:00 pm

We will be joining all 25 French immersion schools for this wonderful afternoon in Baton Rouge! Check out the full lineup of events on their website here. In the meantime, stay up-to-date with their Facebook page. 

In partnership with Parents for Immersion and Louisiana Consortium of Immersion Schools (LCIS).

                                      

writing workshop with nicolas fargues

Room 315 in Griffin Hall, University of Louisiana at Lafayette | March 8 |  1:30 pm
Gratuit et ouvert au public

Évènement en français : Romancier renommé, Nicolas Fargues, sera de passage à Lafayette afin d'offrir un atelier d'écriture en français en collaboration avec la revue Feux Follets et l'Alliance Française de la Nouvelle-Orléans. 

                                      

Fête française

Ecole Bilingue  |  March 23

Visit the AFNO's booth at this annual street festival celebrating French. 

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CREOLE CONVERSATIONS

George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center  |  March 29

Join AFNO as we explore the cultural identity and practices developed during periods of enslavement, colonization, and social-political transitions, all based on African cultural retentions and, importantly, the creolization of those retentions.

We speak the same language. Come Listen and Come Dance!

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Merci aux partenaires

 





Alliance Française
de La Nouvelle-Orléans

1519 Jackson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday: 10am-4pm

504.568.0770

afno@af-neworleans.org

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