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Institut Français du Royaume-Uni

The Institut français du Royaume-Uni promotes French language and culture and encourages cross-cultural exchanges from both sides of the Channel. Explore, experience and enjoy!

Founded in 1910, and based in South Kensington in London, it comprises a Language Centre, a Cultural Centre, Ciné Lumière, a cinema with two screens, and a multi-media library, La Médiathèque.

The Institut welcomes over 100,000 people each year, thanks to its wide range of public events, from film screenings, debates and festivals to concerts and workshops. It has also developed a broad offer for young audiences through public and school activities and its dedicated spaces, the Bibliothèque Quentin Blake and L’Atelier. It also hosts Gazette, London’s most authentic French brasserie.

Next Activities

4 May at 12:30

Screening "My Father's Glory"

Young Marcel, the son of a seamstress and a school teacher, quickly learns how to read and write. The whole Pagnol family takes off to their vacation spot in the hills, where they have rented a house. Marcel meets Lili, a local boy who knows all the secrets of the hills, and the two quickly become best friends. But, as the holiday comes to an end, Marcel must leave both his newfound friend and the wildlife he became so found of. Director(s): Yves Robert Cast: Philippe Caubère, Nathalie Roussel Original title: La Gloire de mon père Country, year: FRA/1990 Duration: 105 mins Language: in French with English subs Age: 8+ Cert.: U

5 May at 12:30

Screening "Stinky Dog, Happy Life in Paris!

Once upon a time, there was a naive and passionate Parisian dog named Stinky Dog. With his faithful alley companion Chaplapla, Stinky Dog roams the streets of Paris with his nose to the wind. No matter what disasters he causes, Stinky Dog always lands on his feet! So much so that the other dogs start to find it suspicious… Discover the poetry of Paris with the crazy adventure of Stinky Dog and his friends. Director(s): Stéphane Aubier, Davy Durand & Vincent Patar Original title: Chien Pourri, la vie a Paris Country, year: BEL/FRA/FIN | 2020 Duration: 60 mins Age: 4+ Cert.: TBC

11 May at 12:15

Screening "My Mother's Castle"

Marcel returns to the hills where he discovers love and heartbreak. Every weekend The Pagnol family faces a very long walk under the hot sun to be able to spend two days in their lovely La Treille. Shortcuts across private estates make the task more bearable. Until one day, a stubborn caretaker catches them trespassing. Years later, Marcel buys a land with a castle and realises it is the very one his mother was so afraid of cutting across. Director(s): Yves Robert Cast: Philippe Caubère, Nathalie Roussel, Jean Carmet, Jean Rochefort Original title: Le Château de ma mère Country, year: FRA/1990 Duration: 98 mins Language: in French with English subs Age: 8+ Cert.: U

12 May at 12:30

Screening "Calamity, A Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary"

1863, United States of America. 12-year-old Martha Jane and her family are headed West in search of a better life. After her father is hurt in a serious accident, Martha Jane takes charge of her siblings and learns to drive the family wagon. She has never felt so free. In the wild, she discovers herself and a world which shapes her… revealing the mythical and slightly mysterious Calamity Jane. Rémi Chayé’s film won the Cristal Award for Best Feature Film at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2020. Director(s): Rémi Chayé Original title: Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary Country, year: FRA/DEN | 2020 Duration: 85 mins Language: in French with EN subs Age: 8+ Cert.: TBC

18 May at 12:45

Screening "The Times of Secrets"

Film brought by the director of The Chorus Christophe Barratier. Marcel Pagnol embarks on his last summer vacation before high school and returns to his beloved hills in Provence where nature is at its best: the smells, the views, the animals… His summer of boyhood adventures becomes one of first loves and secrets. FRA | 2022 | 104 mins | dir. Christophe Barratier, with Leo Campion, Melanie Doutey | in French with EN subs | PG 11+

19 May at 10:00

Screening + Intro by dir. Benoit CHieux "Sirocco & the Kingdoms of Air streams"

Audience Award at the Annecy Animation Festival, Sirocco and the Kingdom of Air Streams follows two sisters, 4-year-old Juliette and 8-year-old Carmen. Together they discover a passage between their world and a book’s, The Kingdom of Air Streams. To come back they need to find Sirocco, a terrifying character who can control the wind. Bonus Screening preceded by a pre-recorded introduction by director Benoît Chieux Director(s): Benoit Chieux Cast: Loïse Charpentier, Maryne Bertieaux Original title: Sirocco & le Royaume des Courants d’air Country, year: FRA /BEL | 2023 Duration: 74 mins Language: in French with EN subs Age: 6+ Cert.: TBC