advertisement

Nov. 1-8: National French Week film, music and lectures offered at CLC

The music, films and fabulous culture of French-speaking countries will be celebrated at the College of Lake County during National French Week, Nov. 1-8. Students and members of the community who are interested in French-speaking countries and developing a greater understanding and appreciation for these vibrant and diverse world communities are invited to attend the following events on the CLC Grayslake campus, 19351 W. Washington St.

Film: Holy Motors (2012) on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in Room A162. This film is a rhapsodic, glorious tribute to performance, music, cinema and ultimately, life itself. The Guardian called it “something different, experimental, a tilting at windmills, a great big pole-vault over the barrier of normality by someone who feels that the possibilities of cinema have not been exhausted by conventional realist drama.” Sponsored by the International Film Series, the French department and the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts division. (Note: the date of this film was previously advertised as part of the International Film Series on Nov. 8.)

Events held in Room C005 (C Wing Auditorium):

Lecture/presentation on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.: Culture and Traditions of Guinea (West Africa). Speaker Fodé Camara is a musician, artist, storyteller and performer from Guinea. He is a guest faculty member with Medusa's Musical Mysteries and has been touring the U.S. and Canada for the past eight years, participating in workshops and assisting in teaching traditional percussion music from his home country. Camara is also a master drum maker who creates professional quality African hand drums using natural materials, including the goblet-shaped djembe and barrel-shaped dununs. He is a member of the Susu ethnic group in Guinea, and will discuss his culture and traditions and his reflections on the benefits and challenges of growing up in West Africa. For more information, visit www.MedusaDrums.com.

Lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.: The French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon After World War I by Dr. George Aynilian. Discover how the partition of the Ottoman Empire was planned by Western powers during World War I and formalized by a League of Nations' mandate in the early 1920s. France was assigned the mandate of Greater Syria in 1923, which included present day Lebanon and Syria. The French mandate was not well received by the Arab Muslim inhabitants, but it lasted until 1943 when two independent countries emerged, Syria and Lebanon. Speaker George Aynilian was born and educated in Beirut, Lebanon, and had a successful career in pharmaceutical chemistry, working at Abbott Laboratories for 30 years. He was also a member of Scientific Board of World Health Organization's Malaria Venture. A question and answer session to follow the presentation.

Musical performance by Dennis Stroughmatt et l'Esprit Creole on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. A vibrant blend of Celtic, Canadian and old time sounds, this music bridges the gap between contemporary Canadian and Louisiana Cajun styles. Preserved by families in the Ozark foothills, the music remains largely intact and true to the traditions that have been passed down for over three centuries. This talented musical group will share the songs, stories, music and language of this enduring French culture.

French Week events are being co-sponsored by the French department and the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts division. For more information, contact Maria Manterola at (847) 543-2291 or mmanterola@clcillinois.edu.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.