The first of a series of free French language films will air at the Cochrane Movie House Friday, Oct. 18. The following two films will be presented Jan.17 and then in April, with a date to be announced.
French language films with English subtitles are a good activity for those looking to improve their French speaking skills.
"We are so excited to host a french film series this fall and through next spring in Cochrane," said Peggy Holroyd, President of Canadian Parents for French, Cochrane Chapter. "The films will be from Canada and around the world.
“'Belle and Sebastien' is our first film, which is based on a novel that people may know as it was adapted to a cartoon in the 60s and 80s," she added. "This live action version has had rave reviews and is rated general.”
It was based on the 1966 French novel "Belle et Sebastien" by Cecile Aubry. In 1943, in the French Alps, Sébastien is a seven year old orphan living with César, an adoptive "grandfather." The family lives in a village that, despite the German occupation, secretly organizes the passage of Jewish exiles into Switzerland.
Holroyd expressed her gratitude to sponsors.
“The Town of Cochrane and the Cochrane Movie House’s financial and in-kind support, demonstrates their value in community and culture."
Cochrane resident Trish Rognvaldson is Manager of Programming with Canadian Parents for French. She said learning French is about much more than simply becoming bilingual.
"Learning French opens up a world of communication, connection and cultural enrichment. We applaud our local Canadian Parents for French, Cochrane Chapter, Cochrane Movie House and the Town of Cochrane for coming together to provide this for the community,” she said.
“It is key for students learning French to have opportunities outside of the classroom to enhance their bilingual or multilingual journey.”
