Décembre 2007 Chers Amis, Arrivé à Sydney depuis quelques jours seulement en provenance de Corée, c’est un honneur et un grand plaisir de m’adresser à vous pour la 1e fois. Sydney apparait comme une ville jeune et cosmopolite qui respire le bonheur de vivre. L’Alliance Française semble évoluer à l’unisson de son environnement. Les cours sont en constante progression, les événements culturels se multiplient et l’Alliance porte un regard ambitieux sur l’avenir. Tout le mérite en revient au fort investissement de son comité de gestion, à la clairvoyance de sa direction ainsi qu’à la compétence et au dévouement de ses enseignants et de ses personnels administratifs. Je les en remercie toutes et tous très chaleureusement. Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année! Amitiés francophones Hervé Devoulon Directeur

December 2007 Dear Friends, Having just recently arrived in Sydney from Korea, it is an honour and with great pleasure that I write to you for the first time. Sydney is indeed a youthful and cosmopolitan city which exudes a joy for living. The Alliance Française de Sydney is evolving in unison with these surroundings. The classes are constantly expanding, the cultural events are evermore increasing and the Alliance has an ambitious and positive outlook for the future. All of these activities rely on the solid investment on the part of the board, the perspicacity of its management as well as the competence & talent of its teachers & administrative staff. I would like to sincerely thank them, one and all. With warmest wishes for the end of year celebrations! Hervé Devoulon Director

Thursday 6 December
Thierry Schwarz: “Studying at Sciences Po”
Sciences Po, founded in 1872, is one of France's most prestigious universities and is recognized worldwide. Dominique Strauss-Kahn (Head of IMF), Boutros Boutros Ghali (former UN Secretary General), Pierre Eliott Trudeau (Former Prime Minister of Canada), Marcel Proust (Writer) as well as Nicolas Sarkozy (President of France) are among Sciences Po's alumni. Sciences Po offers various programs at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD levels. Thierry Schwarz will present the studies at Sciences Po, focusing on the Europe-Asia Undergraduate Program, the best suited program for students residing in Australia and willing to join Sciences Po. The Europe-Asia Undergraduate Program, located in Le Havre (Normandy), welcomes just 60 students every year, from the Asia- Pacific area and Europe.
AF 6.00pm. All welcome!

Thursday 6 December
“Twice upon a time” (Désaccord parfait) byAntoine de Caunes.
Alice, a famous actress (Charlotte Rampling) and Louis (Jean Rochefort), a film director, were the most striking glamourous couple of the 70s. But this legendary pair have done all they can not to see each other since their abrupt, incomprehensible separation. Now Louis is captivated by Alice all over again. A charming French romantic comedy about what to do with the great love of your life, thirty years too late.

Thursday 6 December
“Coeurs” by Alain Resnais
6 characters, all in search of love and companionship. . They’re deeply lonely, though none is a natural loner, and their individual backgrounds, and in some cases the nature of their sexuality, are only hinted at. They live in a sort of emotional & social blur, which is rendered actual by the snow that falls incessantly outside, clings to their shoulders whenever they arrive inside and briefly fills the whole screen between individual scenes. Wonderful cast led by Lambert Wilson, André Dussolier, Pierre Arditi, Sabine Azéma & Laura Morante.

Wednesday 12 December
Ciné-Club: “C.R.A.Z.Y” by Jean-Marc Vallée.
This wonderful family saga follows Zachary from his birth on Xmas day through to his 20s. A heartwarming comedy with emotional moments & great music from the 60s’. This film was a big success with audiences at the Sydney Film Festival
07. Very Special release.
All welcome
Room 103 - 3.30pm

Thursday 13 December
Screening of “Hunting &Gathering” (Ensemble,c’est tout) by Claude Berri
Starring the darling of French cinema, Audrey Tautou in her best performance to date, this is an engaging and inspiring romantic fable about four lost souls regaining their passion for life through love and friendship. Based on the best-seller book by Anna Gavalda, the film is gorgeously original, full of wry humour and razor-sharp observation, redolent of Paris and its foibles, food and deserted corners, Hunting & Gathering is a film that enchants as effortlessly as it entertains.
Special discount ticket offer $10, at Reception for special advance screenings at Palace cinemas.

To celebrate Christmas & toast 2008 in style, our last event at the Alliance this year will be about celebrations. Celebration of life “gourmet style” with this “je ne sais quoi” specifically French. Unusual cheeses matched by fabulous wines and also a whole selection of products which will all be available for purchase on the night. Tastings & shopping!
Jane, Diane, Pablo & David will advise you, share recipes and ideas for entertaining your guests on special occasions.

Adding to the gastronomic delights, Céline will be showcasing some of her most beautiful creations.
Haven’t found the perfect present for your mums, sisters, girlfriends? On sale that night will be hand made Swarovski crystal rings.
Book early!!! AF Café, 6.30 pm. $50


Wednesday 26 December
Screening of “2 Days in Paris” by Julie Delpy
The film follows a New York couple, as they attempt to re-ignite the romance in their relationship on a European vacation. The combination of Marion’s offbeat and overbearing non-English speaking parents and flirtatious ex-boyfriends, with Jack’s photography obsession & conviction that French condoms are too small, don’t make for an auspicious beginning...Will they be able to salvage their relationship? Will they ever have sex again?
Free passes at Reception for special advance screenings on 14th to 16th and 21st to 23rd.