The Knicks played and lost against the Chicago Bulls a couple of weeks ago. Because the season started late, the rhythm was very intense. In contrast, the Bulls came back to NYC last week, but this time to play against the Nets, so it really wasn’t in the city, as the team is based in New Jersey. The game was still basketball, but the environment was completely different.

We all know the difference between NYC and New Jersey. Without being mean, anybody can easily list the huge differences. NYC is synonymous with big dreams, beauty, magic, trends, and success. Whereas, New Jersey is the state you live in, but always hope to leave someday – for some. I am of course kind of caricaturing here.

Both games started the same way, a bunch of supporters in the stadium, players on the floor, referees, one of whom I noticed was a woman, a subjective commentator, cheerleaders, and scoring boards. However, the rest was completely different; everything was “less” than the game at Madison Square Garden. By “less,” I mean not as much glitz or sparkle. Comparing the Garden with the Prudential Center is like comparing a bus with a town car, or a beach in Miami with Coney Island, or even Las Vegas with Atlantic City. The New York Knicks were masters of the “art of the grandiose,” and the Nets are a little more practical – down to earth.

The Prudential Center was, in fact, bigger and you had to go through different hallways before finally seeing the game floor. The feeling was different, as well. The lights were too yellow, the speakers less powerful, and the show less spectacular, in a sense. Entering the stadium made you feel the authentic, basic atmosphere of a basketball game, the one we pictured by watching American programs. It seemed like a high school game, but for professionals. The mascot was there, present all the time, and “entertaining” the fans. The poor guy, he must have been suffocating inside his furry costume. I couldn’t rid myself of the image of the nerdy guy in school that everybody laughed at. Was that the case for this guy? The cheerleaders reminded me of the little precious girls who spent their whole time preparing for the national contest. I will comment no further. It was acrobatic, and that’s all I can say.

Even before the game began, everybody knew the result: The Bulls were going to win. The only mystery was the final score. The Nets fans were here to see the level of humiliation they would have to endure. On the other hand, the Bulls fans were confident and came in large numbers to see the game. More than half of the stadium wore red, which was a clear contrast to Madison Square Garden, where if you were not a Knicks supporter, you’d better hide.  Not the case at the Nets game, where fans of the visiting team were showing off! It was not easy to stomach. The Nets may have tried, though it wasn’t obvious based on their performance, and the Bulls, themselves, were disappointing, reacting efficiently, really, more than playing. It wasn’t a surprise to see the Bulls leading 109 to 87. Actually, most of the local fans left before the end.

Every twelve minutes, a break was scheduled. In both the Garden and the Prudential Center, they used these time slots to keep the public entertained; the only difference is in how they did it. The cheerleaders performed, of course, and they cannoned t-shirts into the crowd too. However, instead of having the mysterious voice resonating in the whole arena, at the Prudential Center, the entertainer was physically present, and used his mic to make some noise. Meanwhile, for the official t-shirts, there was no need to scream because it was easy to get one. Indeed, during the breaks, staff circulated t-shirts among all the rows, a mark of generosity – or maybe incentive to stay and watch.

In addition, instead of having children interviewing the players on a screened video or having a music contest for kids like they did at the Garden, the Nets preferred to invite a basketball team from the sixth grade to play. The little kids were surprisingly good. Some baskets, in fact, were worthy of even the best champions.

The public was generally quiet, but still present when exciting plays happened. It’s not their fault that exciting plays were few and far between. It was funny, in fact, to see some people changing their support during the game by rooting for the Nets in the beginning, and switching their support to the Bulls later on. They didn’t care who won, as long as they were on the right side in the end.

However, despite the more subdued atmosphere, passion for the game was still present! The players played and had the heavy responsibility of representing the color of their team. The supporters came, despite the predictable results, and the show kept going. Indeed, long live the NBA!

If you follow a little bit of breaking news, and I am not talking about Jeremy Lin here, you might have heard about the new development regarding the Nets. If you live in the city, you must have heard about Jay-Z’s plans to build a new stadium in Brooklyn with a new team that will represent both New Jersey and Brooklyn. After thirty-five years in Prudential Center, the Nets are starting a new page, and maybe new records.

By Kenza Yahrfouri

Last week I visited the 96th Street Mosque with a group of five NYU students. The Imam, Feisal Abdul Rauf, a charming, soft-spoken man, received us in his office.

When asked to say a few words about Islam, he took a good look at his audience and smartly asked us to introduce ourselves and to state our origin. Among the six of us present, there were no Arabs. The Imam proceeded in addressing
the “scientific” side of Islam. “The dead visit us,” he said. And because we vibrate at lower resonances than the dead, we cannot see them. They, however, can.

He went on to point out how lucky we are that Allah put all that information in the Koran with no explanation. “It is too much thought for our brain to process,” he explained. Allah gave us the information, so “we wouldn’t need to think,” the Imam explained.

That same week, presidential candidate Newt Gingrich announced that by the end of his hypothetical second term as president, there would be a colony on the moon with colonists able to petition for statehood – so long as the colony had a population of at least13,000. He was immediately accused by Mitt Romney to be out of touch with the American people. That same evening Romney prayed, as he does every evening, to a God who lives on Planet Kolob.

Do you see where I am leading you?
There are almost a million nominal Muslims in New York, out of which roughly fifty percent are regular observers. Newt Gingrich has a significant following and Mitt Romney could be our next President.

The reading of the Abrahamic texts (the Bible, the Koran, and the Torah) requires a master of languages, theology, and philosophy who can unlock meaning from the texts. The reader hence, unable to think for himself, becomes a disciple. When Lorenzo Valla declared in the fifteenth century that the Bible had to be made more accessible, Erasmus took on the task to translate it, and so did Luther, then Calvin. The texts became accessible to the people in their language, thereby limiting third party interpretation.

Serious debates started soon after the Bible was “vulgarized,” such as the example of a countryside priest who goes to church on a bicycle with consecrated hosts. The priest falls, the hosts spread on the grass and a mouse eats a host. Is the body of Christ in the body of the mouse? As debates grew, and birth of religious criticism, so the decline of the Church began.

In Dr. Nawal El Saadaws funny, fast-paced play, God Resigns from the Summit, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed reflect on the current state of affairs of their people and question God’s design. They conclude they need to meet God face-to-face to confront the desolate situation their people are faced with. No more blind faith. They want facts. I leave you to read this fantastic play to discover what happens when God accepts to meet with his Prophets.

Is rational thought process necessarily divorced from faith? This is a never-ending debate. But how about faith in politics? There are over one million Muslims in France out of which five hundred thousand attend religious services. Four and a half percent of Catholics attend mass on Sundays according to a 2009 survey from the Journal La Croix. We are bound to see one of them take a bid for the presidency, aren’t we? Does it matter? A few years ago, French Minister Christine Boutin was under fire, accused of letting her Christian beliefs influence her political decisions. It mattered then.

By Alfredo Jimeno Orrego

In an earlier post, I wrote about my favorite French language education App, “7 Jours Sur La Planète” from TV5 Monde.  While I probably do play this one most often, it only updates new material on Friday nights, so I have a few other Apps in reserve to help in my never-ending quest to learn to speak French fluently and make use of my time on the subway.

French Gender– This game is so completely simple, but covers one of the most difficult to grasp components of the French language for native English speakers – word genders.  Obviously, it’s mostly just pure memorization, but as this game points out, there are actually some patterns (which all have exceptions, of course – I mean, it is French!).  You are given groups of words based on their endings – as you master each ending, that category will turn green so that you can keep up with your progress.  This App is great, because there really is no beginning or end, you’re not being timed – you can start and stop whenever.  Your progress is monitored over your cumulative playing time, so if you have a twenty minute subway ride, a half-hour wait in the dentist’s office or five minutes waiting for a friend at Starbucks – this App is a great way to make good use of odd moments of spare time in your day!   This App is free, which makes it even more Appealing – so, predictably, there are occasional glitches.  However, the benefits outweigh the inconveniences by a long shot.

Busuu French – This App was suggested to me on iTunes and it is really fantastic.  Busuu also has online lessons in French, as well as many other languages.  One of my favorite aspects of the Busuu App is that you can start for free, and you get several trial lessons in each level.  That way, when you determine your specific level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), you can purchase the extended section for ninety-nine cents.  So if you’re an intermediate, you won’t have to buy an entire App with beginner sections that you don’t need, etc. You can also sync your App to Busuu’s website. I haven’t quite figured out the “Busuu berries” rewards that you get when you pass a section of games – if anyone finds out, and there’s some cool prize that you can cash them in for, please let me know!

Price: free trial, then ninety-nine cents for each level.

I am a devoted Apple person, so I have these on an iPhone – but they’re available for Droids and other smartphones as well.   I’ve had both of these Apps for over a year and still enjoy them.  And really, if you’re over twenty, isn’t this a better way to pass your small bits of spare time than playing Angry Birds?

By Jackie Sanders 

The city started to remind us of Valentine ’s Day the day after New Year’s, and the countdown began for the two groups of people in the city: those in relationships and those who are single. Incidentally, bachelors could just change their situation if they chose, by attending different events or through multiple Internet platforms to find love. In fact, there was no escaping this day. Since the first of the month, New York City started to change its appearance: hearts were everywhere, at utility stores, restaurants, clothing shops, et cetera. No man could use the excuse: “Sorry, honey, I forgot it!” It was impossible. Even if you tried to avoid thinking about it, the whole city kept reminding you. Because of this, I have a deep concern for people who have just been dumped! Timing can be cruel.

Tuesday, February 14 arrived, and it was hard to imagine anything new for Valentine’s Day because of the whole spirit already present, but I was wrong. From early morning, you can feel a different atmosphere. Love was certainly in the air, as cliché as that sounds. It started in the morning with the long lines in front of chocolate stores and florists. The digital billboards in Time Square screened videos that were Valentine’s themed. I also met Cupid himself, armed with his bow and arrow and ready to spread more love. Throughout the day, couples were everywhere, hand in hand, hugging, kissing, or laughing, simply in love (or in a relationship for the most skeptical)! They were all carrying flowers, balloons, boxes of chocolate, presents wrapped in heart-patterned paper or Victoria’s Secret bags.

The lines at the supermarkets were also interesting to observe because of the huge consumption of whipped cream, strawberry, and wine. Who knows what they were going to do with all of that? This whole atmosphere would be very nauseating anywhere else, but not here. Not in New York City where it actually sounds appropriate.

Because love is everywhere, I decided to share my personal love story. I am sure it’s only one among plenty of others.

It was the July 15, 2011. At that time, I didn’t know my life was going to change forever. When we first met, I wasn’t really focused. I was new in town, and I was distracted by the need to find a place to live, so I didn’t pay any attention to him. Actually, I already knew him; indeed, his reputation preceded him. He was praised by everybody, and I guess it was intimidating to be so close to him.

After this first and brief encounter, I saw him a week after and BADABOOM! I knew it was him. He is the mysterious type, a modern Mr. Darcy, arrogant and pretentious at first sight, but gentle and caring once you get to know him. I couldn’t picture myself with him. We were not in the same league, so to speak. I was the new Moroccan girl, fresh in town, whereas he was this attractive creature always surrounded by people who compete with beauty, wealth, style, background, and more. I thought he wouldn’t even notice me, but I was wrong. He walked me home, and never let me go.

Since then, he has always been here for me: making me laugh, realizing my deepest desires, giving me opportunities, and most of all making everyday unique and precious. He surprises me constantly by suggesting new plans: tasting international foods, meeting people from everywhere, having brunch in the East Village, attending indie rock concerts, watching a movie in Brooklyn Bridge Park, picnicking in Central Park, dancing on a rooftop, ice-skating in Bryant Park, cheering on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, shopping on Fifth Avenue, visiting the Met, and so on. He always has something going on!

He took me as I am, and accepted me for who I really am, which includes respecting my past, beliefs, and personality.  He’s a good influence, and brings out the best in me. Even my father liked him when he came to visit. With him, I feel nothing is impossible. He makes me enjoy every moment, every breath. My heart beats with his rhythm; I am completely enchanted. Every morning, I wake up in his arms where I feel secure, peaceful and lucky. I am afraid of my happiness, afraid of losing him, but since then I can say it out loud:  I am madly in love with you, New York!

By Kenza Yahrfouri

For many, the best part of Valentine’s Day is the chocolate. And while Valentine’s Day may not have originated in France, the chocolate we enjoy indulging in the most is usually French.

But better than the chocolate on Valentine’s Day (at least for those without Valentines) is the chocolate in the days following Valentine’s Day. And while not all chocolatiers discount the price of their heart-shaped, love-themed confections, getting chocolate now is still an excellent way to keep the holiday going (especially if you missed out on February 14.) Here’s a list of some of our favorite New York chocolates and chocolatiers. If you go now, maybe you’ll catch some deals, or at least enjoy some festive red and pink packaging.

Francois Payard
François Payard is a third generation pastry chef originally from Nice. The Houston Street location is both a bakery with sweet and savory items and a chocolate shop. For Valentine’s Day, Payard released a set of chocolates featuring Valentine’s Day designs and truffles in heart-shaped boxes.

Jacques Torres
Jacques Torres has locations on the Upper West Side, in Chelsea, Dumbo and the West Village. According to an employee at the Upper West Side location, they send their festive chocolate back after the holiday, but if you check all the stores, you might just find some left. If not, try out some of Jacques Torres’ amazingly rich hot chocolate instead.

La Maison du Chocolat
The quintessential French chocolatier (with locations in the Financial District, at Rockefeller Center and on the Upper East Side) still has some of the holiday fare in stock. This year, the Valentine’s Day collection was inspired by Indian and African fruits and spices and, of course, also included heart-shaped confections. While chocolates from La Maison du Chocolat are unlikely to ever go on sale, Valentine’s Day provides the perfect excuse to indulge.

MarieBelle
Though not French, MarieBelle chocolates do make the perfect Valentine’s Day (or post-Valentine’s Day) gift. And the name certainly has a French ring to it. MarieBelle chocolates are characterized by the colorful images that top each ganache. For Valentine’s Day, the chocolates come with love-themed illustrations. There’s no better way to say, “I love you,” even after the holiday has passed.

By Monica Burton

In this dismal economy, a lot of professionals are opting to return to school to improve their resumes, and subsequently better their chances at securing a job.

One profession that’s always in demand is teaching. Good teachers are hard to come by, even in a job market like the one we have today, where countless applicants are flooding HR offices for positions they might normally consider themselves over-qualified for.

If you’re looking for ways to make yourself seem more attractive to potential employers, or are interested in new fields with better chances for employment, I would recommend taking a quick look at the graduate programs available at CUNY Hunter College. As a public university, tuition at CUNY is significantly cheaper than you’d find at other area institutions, like Columbia, NYU, or the New School. That said, Hunter College still has a phenomenal reputation among employers. Its considered one of the best publicly funded universities in the country, along side such giants as the Universities of Michigan, North Carolina, or Texas.

For Francophiles interested in entering a field where prospects of hire are brighter, or better yet, in making a positive difference in the lives of children, teaching French in schools is not only a safe, but profound way to do it. Although the open house date for the program has already passed, Hunter College has a wonderful graduate program in bilingual education, and is actually known nationwide as a prime institution for preparing foreign language teachers to excel in the field.

Available programs include a Master’s in Childhood Education – French, Early Childhood Education – French, and standard Bilingual Education – French. There are also plenty of tuition assistance programs available for students in need.

For more information, see this write-up of the program on FrenchCulture.org, or visit the Hunter College School of Education website.

By Jake Flanagin

French Culture Nights invite you to Duo Lounge (72 Madison Avenue) and will feature French artists Julie Prunier Vecchio (jeweler), Céline Khawam (photographer) and DJ Jean Michel.

Ricard’s “Apero” from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
The event is FREE for anyone who registers online before Wednesday February 22 at 4PM at www.frenchculturenights.com.

No pre-registration? A $10 cover will be charged at the door.

PARTNER & SPONSORS:

Partner: Ricard, Volvic, St Géron

Medias: French Culture Guide, French Morning, New York In French

Don’t miss our next event! The next French Culture Nights will be held on February 22 and promises you an enjoyable atmosphere featuring new talented artists. Let’s discover Celine Khawam, a rising visual artist.

Celine received her MFA in visual arts from La Sorbonne in Paris along with her master’s in textile design and exhibited in several galleries and group shows in Europe. She currently lives and works as a designer in New York City where she creates home textile collections for Ralph Lauren.

In her interdisciplinary practice, Celine explores the daily panorama of her life and experience in Lebanon. Her artwork embraces a contemplative approach that subtly interacts with moral and social observations. Her pieces portray conflicting perceptions to draw the viewer in on both emotive and intellectual levels. Celine brings to attention simple elements such as walls, furniture and domestic objects focusing on their form to poetically reflect a society struggling with the past and identity.

Q: Why and when did you start photography?
A: Visual arts have always been one of my major interests since childhood. During my last years at Les Beaux-Arts of Beirut I developed a strong preference for still images. I discovered through photography the narrative, nostalgic and intellectual potential of images and a powerful way to communicate thoughts. I mainly use photography to describe the personal, collective and lost memories and identity of Lebanon, my home.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
A: I find inspiration in the everyday life and the way it interacts with people, objects and culture. I look for textures and forms and consider the slightest detail of my environment. My work is mostly based on close-up images.

Q: What is your favorite place in New York?
A: The diversity of New York is unique and contradictory. This creates a fascinating range of different worlds within the city. I am in constant exploration of new places to favor.

Q: Do you think New York can still be considered the place-to-be for young artists?
A: New York is a relatively young city that is reputed for its openness to difference, initiative, experiments and novelty. New generations of galleries keep popping up in the city expanding the art scene and offering opportunities for emerging artists.

Q: Do you take pictures of New York? What are your favorite subjects?
A: New York carries numerous universes that I like to investigate through the ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the boroughs. I photograph structures, abandoned places, textures, graffiti and faces.

In the featured image (Missing Pieces), the random placement and combination of the damaged objects create natural sculptures and interact with each other generating layers of interpretation. These conversation pieces subtly communicate notions of transformation and mutation that are paralleled with the idea of identity fragmentation.

The images on the left (Wall Dialogues) were shot in the streets of Beirut. After over fifteen years of civil war, Lebanon is starting anew with the will to live normally. The walls are talkative and reflect the presence of the past. These images poetically hold multiple tensions in balance: between light and shadow, color saturation and dustiness, abstraction and figuration, hope and death.

The seventeenth edition of the Rendez-Vous with French Cinema festival will take place from March 1 – 11 this year, showcased by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and Unifrance Films. Hosted at the Film Society, the IFC Center, and BAMcinématek, Rendez-Vous will feature more than twenty-four French films premiering for the first time in New York City. They include The Intouchables by celebrated French directors André Téchiné, Benoit Jacquot, and Alain Cavalier, as well as Marcel Carné’s Children of Paradise and the beloved Audrey Tautou (Amélie) will present Delicacy on closing night.

This year, Rendez-Vous is also collaborating with Emerging Pictures, featuring films like Delphine Gleize’s Moon Child, Rabah Ameur-Zaïméche’s Smugglers’ Songs, Alain Cavalier’sPater, Laurent Achard’s The Last Screening, Daniel Auteuil’s The Well-Digger’s Daughter, and Mathieu Amalric’s The Screen Illusion. These screenings will include live Q&As with the filmmakers.

Other features of note include a hand-drawn animated film Zarafa, as well as Jean-François Laguionie’s lauded animated tale The Painting.

If you find yourself away from New York during this exciting week and a half, never fear – according to Régine Hatchondo, Executive Director of Unifrance Films, they will be “offering a selection of films in fifty cities throughout the United States,” which will correspond with the festival’s schedule.

For more information, please visit one or more fo the following websites:

www.filmlin.com

www.ifccenter.com

www.BAM.org/BAMcinematek

www.rendezvouswithfrenchcinema.com

A schedule of screenings can be found below:

OPENING NIGHT

The Intouchables (Intouchables)

Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, 2011, France; 112m

A phenomenon in France, where it shattered box-office records to become the second most successful film of all time, The Intouchables tells the true story of the unlikely friendship between a handicapped white millionaire (François Cluzet) and his unconventional Senegalese caretaker (breakout star Omar Sy). A Weinstein Company release.

*Thurs., March 1, 7:30pm – ATH; *Sun., March 4, 1:05pm – IFC

*In person: Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache and François Cluzet

CLOSING NIGHT

Delicacy (La Délicatesse)

David and Stéphane Foenkinos, 2011, France, 108 min.

Audrey Tautou returns with this touching portrait of a woman trying to put her life back together after the loss of her husband, including embarking on an unexpected affair with a co-worker. A charming adult fable about starting over. A Cohen Media Group release.

*Sun., March 11, 6pm & 9pm – WRT

*In person: David & Stéphane Foenkinos and Audrey Tautou

17 Girls (17 Filles)

Delphine Coulin and Muriel Coulin, 2011, France, 90 min.

Based on a headline-grabbing incident in the U.S., sisters Delphine and Muriel Coulin’s provocative debut feature follows the fallout in a sleepy French coastal town when a group of teenage girls all decide to become pregnant at the same time. A Strand Releasing film.

*Fri., March 2, 9:15pm – WRT; *Sat., March 3, 9:30pm – IFC; *Sun., March 4, 1pm – WRT

*In person: Delphine and Muriel Coulin

18 Years Old and Rising (J’aime Regarder les Filles)

Fred Louf, 2011, France, 92 min.

As France prepares for a presidential election that will determine the fate of François Mitterand, a young man from the provinces falls head over heels for a bourgeois girl from Paris in this charming and inventive spin on a classic tale of first love.

Mon., March 5, 6pm – IFC; *Sat., March 10, 3:45pm – WRT

*In person: Frédéric Louf

38 Witnesses (38 Témoins)

Lucas Belvaux, 2012, France/Belgium, 104 min.

A woman is brutally murdered in front of an apartment building, but all of the residents claim to have seen and heard nothing in this taut, haunting thriller from RAPT director Lucas Belvaux. Inspired by New York’s infamous 1964 Kitty Genovese case.

Fri., March 2, 7pm – IFC; Sat., March 10, 6:15pm – WRT; Sun., March 11, 1:30pm – WRT

Americano

Mathieu Demy, 2011, France, 105 min.

When thirty-something Martin (played by actor-writer-director Mathieu Demy) travels from Paris to Los Angeles to settle his estranged mother’s estate, the journey dredges up long-submerged emotions…and unexpected revelations about a woman he hardly knew. Salma Hayek and Geraldine Chaplin co-star. An MPI release.

*Sat., March 3, 6:30pm – WRT; *Sun., March 4, 6:45pm – IFC; *Tues., March 6, 7:30pm – BAM

In person: Mathieu Demy

Special CENTERPIECE Screening!

Children of Paradise (Les Enfants du Paradis)

Marcel Carné, 1945, France, 163 min.

At last year’s Cannes Film Festival, one of the most eagerly awaited events was the unveiling of Pathé’s newly restored version of Children of Paradise, one of the best-loved masterworks of French cinema and our special Centerpiece at this year’s Rendez-vous. In 1830s Paris, theatrical mime Baptiste (the amazing Jean-Louis Barrault) falls in love with an actress and notorious woman about town, Garance (Arletty, enough said); when she’s falsely accused of a crime, Garance must seek the protection of one of her admirers. Yet Baptiste’s passion, once kindled, never really dies. Made in the last years of the War,Children boasted the largest set ever constructed for a French film, a tour-de-force for legendary production designer Alexander Trauner (who worked in secret because of the occupation) and a sparkling script from acclaimed poet and screenwriter Jacques Prévert. Carné moves the action effortlessly between stage and audience, teeming streets and intimate boudoirs, bringing the world of these characters to pulsing, vibrant life. A Janus Films release, opening on March 9th at Film Forum.

*Wed., March 7, 7pm – WRT

In person: Positif editor Michel Ciment

Farewell to the Queen (Les Adieux à la Reine)

Benoit Jacquot, 2012, France, 97 min.

A brilliant snapshot of the final days of Marie Antoinette, starring a terrific Diane Kruger as the ill-fated Queen and rising star Léa Seydoux (MIDNIGHT IN PARIS) as her quietly ambitious lady-in-waiting. This was the Opening Night Film, 2012 Berlin Film Festival.

*Fri., March 2, 6:30pm – WRT; *Sat., March 3, 1:30pm – WRT; *Sat., March 3, 7pm – IFC; *Sun., March 4, 6pm – BAM

*In person: Benoit Jacquot

Free Men (Les Hommes Libres)

Ismael Ferroukhi, 2011, France, 99 min.

During the German Occupation of France, an Algerian black marketeer (A Prophet star Tahar Rahim) is coerced into spying on the denizens of the Paris Grand Mosque, whereupon he discovers a clandestine operation to provide North African Jews with fake Muslim IDs. A Film Movement release.

Fri., March 2, 1pm – WRT; *Sat., March 3, 9:15pm – WRT; *Sun., March 4, 4pm – IFC

*In person: Ismael Ferroukhi and Tahar Rahim.

A Gang Story (Les Lyonnais)

Olivier Marchal, 2011, France, 102 min.

Based on the autobiography of a real crime boss, A Gang Story follows aging ex-gangster Momon (Gérard Lanvin) as he agrees to break his old partner (Tchéky Karyo) out of prison. A solid return to the gangster genre—in the French style, of course! A Weinstein Company release.

Sat., March 3, 4:45pm – IFC; Thurs., March 8, 8:45pm – WRT; Fri., March 9, 4pm – WRT

Guilty (Présumé Coupable)

Vincent Garenq, 2011, France, 102 min.

A breathtaking, fact-based journey into a Kafka-esque judicial nightmare: a provincial court bailiff (the extraordinary Philippe Torreton) is accused of horrifying crimes against children. Imprisoned, he maintains his innocence, even as his reputation and family life are destroyed.

Mon., March 5, 6:15pm – WRT; Tues., March 6, 1:30pm – WRT; Thurs., March 8, 10:25pm – IFC

Headwinds (Des Vents Contraires)

Jalil Lespert, 2011, France, 91 min.

Benoît Magimel (The Piano Teacher) gives perhaps his greatest performance as a struggling writer who tries to start a new life in the coastal Brittany of his youth after his wife (Audrey Tatou) mysteriously vanishes. He is joined by an all-star cast, including Isabelle Carré, Bouli Lanners and Aurore Clement. Based on Oliver Adam’s best-selling novel.

Tues., March 6, 6pm – IFC; Thurs., March 8, 4pm – WRT; Fri., March 9, 6:15pm – WRT

Here Below (Ici-Bas)

Jean-Pierre Denis, 2012, France, 100 min.

The brief, tempestuous relationship between a nun and a priest working for the French Resistance is the focus of director Denis’s taut, suspenseful look at closing months of WWII and the transformation of private passion into national politics.

Sat., March 3, 4:15pm – WRT; Sun., March 4, 9:30pm – IFC; Wed., March 7, 4:40pm – WRT

The Last Screening (La Dernière Séance)

Laurent Achard, 2011, France, 81 min.

Cinema Paradisio meets Psycho in a provocative genre film about the dutiful manager/projectionist (Pascal Cervo) of a repertory cinema in the French provinces…and the many secrets he holds.

*Tues., March 6, 8:30pm – WRT; *Thurs., March 8, 6pm – IFC; *Sat., March 10, 1:30pm – WRT

*In person: Laurent Achard, Pascal Cervo and producer Sylvie Pialat

Louise Wimmer

Cyril Mennegun, 2011, France, 80 min.

In a tough, unapologetic work of social realism, director Mennegun observes the daily life of a middle-aged chambermaid (the riveting Corinne Masiero) who lives out of her car while desperately trying to make a fresh start.

Sat., March 3, 3pm – IFC; Mon., March 5, 2pm – WRT; Tues., March 6, 6:15pm – WRT

Low Life

Nicolas Klotz and Elisabeth Perceval, 2011, France, 120 min.

By Jake Flanagin

Williamsburg may be the most stereotyped neighborhood in New York. The name instantly calls to mind a certain type of bar-going, indie music-listening Brooklynite.

Williamsburg does not, however, bring to mind French bistros, cafes or patisseries. But, you can find just enough of these French outposts to eat like you’re in the Marais (perhaps Paris’s hippest neighborhood) all day long.

Petit déjeuner
For your morning pastry and coffee fix, go to Margo Patisserie Café on Driggs Avenue. Inside the red brick storefront, you’ll find a selection of breakfast and dessert pastries (their almond croissants get rave reviews) along with a number of coffee options. There are only a few tables and free Wi-Fi causes the place to fill up quickly, so take your breakfast to go as you shop along nearby Bedford Avenue.

Déjeuner
Fanny on Graham Avenue was named for the thirties romantic drama by Marcel Pagnol. Inside, the pared down interior tries to evoke a similar romantic mood. At lunchtime, you’ll dine on French food with subtle Mediterranean flair. All of the menu items are made with fresh ingredients in a simple, no frills style. What’s more, Fanny has a lovely garden seating area that will have you anticipating warmer months even more than you Pâtes et Traditions any time of the day, but for your goûter bypass the already are.

Goûter
You could eat at Pâtes et Traditions any time of the day, but for your gouter bypass the pasta dishes and try a sweet crepe. At the Franco-Maghrebi café you can choose from among thirteen different varieties of dessert crepes. Pair a crêpe with a chocolate viennois, for an indulgent afternoon snack, or order the Moroccan mint tea, to sample a bit of the North African side of the Pâtes et Traditions menu.

Dîner
Fada brings southern French cuisine to Williamsburg, complete with live music and authentic décor. Head to Fada (which loosely translates to “crazy“) for fresh, Provençal dishes, a great selection of wines and an all around excellent dining experience in the heart of Williamsburg. You certainly don’t have to be crazy to want to return to Fada for reasonably priced lamb steak and coq au vin.

By Monica Burton