French Week ‘brings Paris to Amman’

AMMAN — The third edition of the French Week in Jordan was launched on Sunday, announcing a series of cultural, musical and urban art events taking place through October 22.

Organised by the Franco Jordanian Chamber of Commerce (CAFRAJ) in cooperation with the French embassy and the French Institute (IFJ), the week seeks to promote the French presence in the Kingdom and to foster the cultural ties between the two countries.

At the press conference inaugurating the event, French Ambassador David Bertolotti said: “I am delighted to be launching this week, which will be the occasion to share moments of culture and to celebrate modernity.”

“All the events are free of charge, as we strongly believe that access to art and culture should be for all without any exception,” he added.

Commending the bilateral cooperation at the political, economic and cultural levels, Minister of Tourism Lina Annab said: “France is a key partner to Jordan and we are proud to be hosting the French Week as a celebration of our strong brotherly ties.”

French companies, education, culture, sports and gastronomy will be celebrated throughout the week, offering visitors of the Abdali Boulevard an immersion into the French “art de vivre”.

The minister and the ambassador, along with President of CAFRAJ Aqel Biltaji went on to inaugurate “Le French marché” (The French Market) on the Boulevard, which will be the main venue for a number of events throughout the week, “bringing Paris to the heart of Amman”.

“This year, we are shedding light on the exchange between our two cultures,” said Bertolotti, noting that many events will feature collaborations between French and Jordanian artists, in addition to workshops that will see the participation of Jordanian and French youth.

Some of Paris’ landmark monuments including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Louvres pyramid are showcased at the Boulevard, along with popular French characters such as the mime, the invisible man and accordionists. 

French-made products will be on display every day from 4pm, along with free tastings of typical French foods in a Parisian ambiance.

The week kicked off on Sunday with a live performance by Jordanian artist Galyna Pryklonska, accompanied by her quartet of musicians.

On Monday, the band Noura and Friends will perform a pop music show while a free screening of the French movie “L’Outsider” will be held at TAJ Mall’s cinema. Other free screenings of the French classical movie “Le dernier metro” will be held on Tuesday, offering the public a peek into the French cinematographic art.

The week will see a number of free live performances, including musical shows by the French rap singer Liqid, French/Jordanian DJ SOTUSURA, in addition to a DJ competition for local aspiring artists.

The world renowned French breakdance group “Pockemon Crew” will perform live on the Boulevard. Additionally, breakdancing workshops will be organised along with a hip hop and breakdance battle, inviting the public to reveal their talents.

On Monday, the IFJ will also reopen the doors of its fully renovated multimedia library located in the heart of Jabal Luweibdeh, which marks the addition of a space dedicated to Arabic literature. 

Inaugurated in 1963, the library has the largest French-language book collection in Amman with more than 12,000 titles ranging from the classics to the latest novelties and Francophone literature.

“This week shows the extent of our investments in the Kingdom, which keeps on growing every year,” said the French ambassador, citing the 1.5 billion euros French investments in Jordan. 

He also mentioned that several French investors are currently looking at new opportunities in Jordan, in the fields of transport, health, IT and the green economy.