Delhi recently vibrated with the rich tapestry of Francophone culture as the Alliance Française de Delhi (AFD) successfully hosted its highly anticipated Francophonie Mela 2025 and a series of related events. The celebration, elaborately designed and curated, exceeded expectations, drawing a diverse crowd into a world of film, literature, art, and performance.
Patricia Loison, Director of Alliance Française de Delhi, expressed her delight at the event’s overwhelming success. “We wanted to make the Francophonie celebrations big and fun, which was definitely achieved at the Mela,” Loison recounted. “The Belgians came, the Swiss were there, and the vibrant displays of food and culture from African countries, like Cote d’Ivoire, who took two stalls, created an unforgettable atmosphere.”
The Mela transformed the AFD campus into a bustling marketplace, showcasing the diversity of Francophone nations. With over 20 stalls, the event offered a sensory feast, complemented by the energetic ‘AFD Got Talent’ performances, where students displayed their dance and singing skills. The poster competition, engaging Indian schools, further enriched the cultural exchange.
The transformation of the art gallery into a literary beach, proved to be a popular retreat. Visitors relaxed with French books, immersed in the sounds of the South of France, and even enjoyed a spirited volleyball game. “We wanted to make Francophonie fun, and the literary beach was a hit,” Loison noted. “It attracted both seasoned enthusiasts and new audiences.”
The Francophonie Film Festival and Short Film Festival have captivated cinephiles, offering a window into the diverse cinematic landscapes of Francophone countries. “The main idea was to share the culture and dreams of other Francophone nations,” Loison explained. “The focus on independent cinema, showcasing films often overlooked, resonated deeply with our audience.” The Short Film Festival, curated by Deputy Director Frederic Wolska, drew families and young French learners.
A highlight of the celebrations was the “Écrire en Français» (Writing in French) exhibition, a collaboration with the French Institute and Alliance Française in Paris. «The exhibition, featuring 37 writers from around the world who chose to write in French, was a powerful testament to the unifying force of the language,» Loison said.
The performances by the Franco-American stand-up comedian Sebastian Marx living in Paris added a unique comedic dimension to the event. «His humorous take on French culture and language resonated particularly well with our French-learning audience,» Loison observed.
«La Dictée pour Tous» (Dictation for All) proved to be a surprising success, transforming the traditional French dictation into a fun, engaging experience. «The event brought a fresh perspective to a classic exercise,» Loison remarked. The «My PhD in 180 Seconds» presentations, showcasing French research, highlighted the intellectual depth of Francophone culture.
The educational aspect of the Francophonie celebrations was also significant. The Alliance Française›s library, in collaboration with Indian schools, provided valuable cultural and linguistic resources. «The engagement of Indian schools, particularly through the poster competition and poetry performances, was a key element of the Mela›s success,» Loison emphasized.
The collaborative relationship between the Alliance Française and the French Institute was evident throughout the celebrations. «The synergy between our institutions, guided by our shared vision, was crucial to the event›s success,» Loison affirmed.
Loison also talked about an earlier exhibition, «portraits on giant silk saris,» by a French artist living in Mangalore, which focused on women›s stories, left a lasting impression. «The powerful portraits and accompanying stories resonated deeply with visitors,» Loison reflected.
She further highlighted the Ambassador Mathou›s involvement in inspiring cultural events, such as the Charles Aznavour concert and the «Talks on the Top of the World» series, among others. «The ambassador›s passion and vision has played a significant role in shaping our programming,» Loison acknowledged.
Loison concluded by emphasizing the inclusive nature of Francophonie, highlighting its presence in diverse cultures. «The Mela›s success underscored the unifying power of the French language, bringing together people