Qu’ils Mangent de Petits Gateaux
‘Let Them Eat Cupcakes’ And Then Some
HALEY FOLLETT
THE SIGNAL
The French culture sweeps over the campus of UHCL for the fifth year in a row as the Tournées Festival kicked off Friday, Oct. 8.
To begin the cultural extravaganza, the Tournées Festival took its participants back into the history of France with “Farewell, My Queen.” The film showed a different side to the well-known story of Marie Antoinette, filled with unrequited love and fear.
Furthering the experience, the Honorable Consul Sujiro Seam and Deputy of Cultural Attaché Lauriane Blandel of the French Consulate attended the festival.
“I think it is an honor to be here, and [the film was] a great representation of French history,” Blandel said. “It is a good way to start the festival.”
All films shown as part of the festival are in French with English subtitles. Additional help is given with a quick vocabulary lesson at the beginning of each film.
Christine Paul, director of foreign language programs and non-credit programs at UHCL, watches the films prior to the showing and chooses commonly used phrases and words. Before the film, Paul assists attendees with pronunciation of the words as everyone says them aloud together. This helps participants connect further with the film by allowing them to identify certain French words during the screening.
“I usually come see the films on campus,” said Ashley Connelley, an undergraduate student majoring in anthropology and sociology who attended “Farewell, My Queen”.
“At first I wasn’t sure about the movie being in French with English subtitles. I didn’t know if I would get it, but I really enjoyed it.”
The screening of “Farewell, My Queen” featured a “Let Them Eat Cupcakes” reception with French-inspired cupcakes from Cosmo’s following the film. The rest of the festival screenings will not have a reception but will sell concessions before the film begins. Bring cash as they are not able to accept checks or credit card payments.
“Our university is committed to the global community and the global perspective,” said Andrew Reitberger, interim director of student life. “We make sure our campus and community have exposure to the world.”
The rest of the films to be shown during the Tournées Festival range from comedy to tragedy. The movies still to be shown include “Elza,” “Sister” and “Approved for Adoption.” “The Fairy,” a French comedy was shown, Oct. 9.
“I think these films are great for anyone who lives in the Clear Lake area,” Paul said.
The films are open to students as well as the public. Admission for students and faculty with a UHCL ID is free. For all other attendees, the fee for a movie is $3.75.
For more information on the Tournées Festival, contact Sonia Hernandez, film curator, at 281-283-2560.
For more information regarding the foreign language programs, contact Christine Paul at 281-283-3407.
