French Culture Through Films *In-Person* *NEW*

Join us for an exploration of French literature through the lens of captivating cinema. Over four weeks, immerse yourself in the essence of France as we study its diverse authors and works, one film at a time. Each week unveils a new story, a new region, and a new perspective, from the 17 th century to the 20 th century. Molière, Emile Zola, Marcel Pagnol and Victor Hugo will be our guides as we watch four iconic films in their original language (with English subtitles), delving deep into the soul of each author. But the adventure doesn't end with the credits, nor does it begin with the opening sequence. Engage in lively pre- and post-screening discussions as we dissect the cultural nuances and societal reflections portrayed on screen. Guided by the themes of each author and the insights of your instructor, our conversations will unveil the intricate web of traditions, values, and customs that have shaped French identity throughout the ages. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your horizons, ignite your passion for cinema, and discover the captivating diversity of French society. Join us on this unforgettable journey through film, culture, and conversation! Students of all levels of French are welcome, knowing French is not a prerequiste for this class but the willingness to immerse into the language is required. Weekly Breakdown: Week 1: We’ll start our course with Alceste à Bicyclette, a loving tribute to arguably France’s greatest author, Molière. A fascinating film based on a play within a play, with a clever plot twist to highlight Molière’s own quandary about his relationship to humanity, we’ll start off with an in-class reading of Moliere’s first act of Le Misanthrope to put us into the ambiance. Week 2: Emile Zola’s most powerful novel, Germinal, was brought to the screen by Claude Berri in 1992 with Gérard Depardieu playing the lead role in this 19 th century drama of mine workers in the north of France. A gripping story about poverty and the dreadful conditions in which the miners lived, Zola’s concerns were heard through France, and Germinal! entered the French vocabulary as a cri de coeur. Week 3: We’ll jump ahead to a 20 th century author who so lovingly describes his native Provence. In La Fille du Puisatier, we’ll watch author Marcel Pagnol portray a devoted father (Daniel Auteuil) tormented by his gifted daughter’s “condition” as a pregnant unmarried woman, and the ultimate decision he feels he must make to preserve his family’s dignity. Week 4: Victor Hugo wrote the brilliant drama The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1832 initially as a plea to save the beloved church from decrepitude, but its haunting story lines reaches across the ages. The charming gypsy girl Esmeralda enchants the archdeacon of the church, the Captain of the king’s Archers, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame, unknowingly ensnaring the three in a mortal battle for her love. Instructor: Valerie Sutter 4 Tuesdays, 1-3:30pm. Begins Sep. 17

CCAE

Cambridge Center for Adult Education 

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Best of 💫

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

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French Culture Through Films In-Person NEW

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