Institut Français has announced the lineup of the 2016 edition of their “Voilah!” festival, bringing French film, food and far more to Singapore. Running from April 15 to May 31, “Voilah!” features over 40 programs highlighting the best of France and its arts, culture and food.Opening the festival is the “Luminéoles Ballet,” which will see the Marina Bay lit up with giant illuminated kites, dancing and weaving around each other. Following from the example of last years’ relaunched festival this event, and most others over the two months, will be free to attend.Other events celebrate the cultural history of France. One such event is an exhibition at the National Design Centre celebrating film studio Gaumont and its “120 Years of Cinema.” The oldest film studio in the world, Gaumont is celebrating its anniversary film an exhibition of posters, moments from its finest films, and special showings from the many luminaries who have created work for the studio, from Jean Vigo to Michel Gondry via Federico Fellini, Jean Renoir and Henri-Georges Clouzot.For fans of contemporary French film, also being shown as part of the French Animation Film Festival is “The Little Prince” (2015), an adaptation of the beloved story which has picked up international acclaim in the last year, winning a César (the French equivalent of an Oscar) and becoming the most financially successful French animated film ever released.Other events showing French’s cultural history include Miaja Gallery’s “From France to Singapore,” which looks at how the two countries communicate through abstract art, and “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris,” a revue of the songs of the master of chanson.Alongside the cultural events, which also encompass dance, theater, photography, music, and more — 50 restaurants will be offering special events, offers and French menus as part of the “Voilah! Food Festival.”“Voilah!” runs from April 15 - May 31 at various venues.
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