A look at the French and Francophone artists in the initial WOMADelaide 2024 line-up announcement

Reading Time: 5 minutes

The eagerly awaited WOMADelaide has released its initial line-up for 2024, offering a glimpse into the musical diversity that will grace the stage. Already in this first announcement, there are quite a few artists with French and francophone connections, promising an extraordinary cultural journey. But there’s still more to come – another announcement will be at the end of the month, expanding the line-up further.

WOMADelaide 2024

Baaba Maal (Senegal) – PLAYING WOMADELAIDE 2024 ON SUNDAY

One of the standout artists on the WOMAD 2024 roster is the legendary Senegalese musician, Baaba Maal. With a career spanning several decades, Maal has carved a niche for himself in the world of Afro-pop and traditional Senegalese music. His fusion of modern electronic and traditional instruments and sounds has earned him international acclaim.

Baaba Maal WOMADelaide 2024

 

Braxe + Falcon (France) – PLAYING WOMADELAIDE 2024 ON MONDAY

Braxe and Falcon, hailing from France, are often referred to as the architects of “French touch.” This house music genre gained worldwide recognition in the late ’90s and early 2000s, and this cousin duo played a pivotal role in its development. They have created a hypnotic new sound with mesmerising loops. Their early days saw them sample microscopic moments in tracks and transform them into something completely different. You won’t be able to stay seated for this performance!

 

Maqamat – Beytna (Home) (Lebanon/France) – PLAYING WOMADELAIDE 2024 EVERY DAY

Maqamat, featuring their latest work “Beytna” (meaning Home), brings together Lebanese and French musical traditions. Four choreographers and four musicians from Lebanon, Japan, Palestine, Belgium, and Togo come together on stage to share food, artistic ideas, and dance. The performance is inspired by Lebanese family gatherings at choreographer Omar Rajeh’s grandfather’s home. The performance celebrates hospitality and artistic collaboration around a table full of food.

WOMADelaide 2024 Maqamat

 

Moonlight Benjamin (Haiti/France)

Moonlight Benjamin’s music is a unique fusion of Haitian voodoo and heavy blues rock music, and her sound is like no other. Born in Haiti and based in France, Moonlight Benjamin sings in Creole and her music brings an electrifying and otherworldly experience to the stage, merging traditional rhythms with contemporary rock elements.

WOMADELAIDE 2024 - Moonlight Benjamin

 

Tio (Vanuatu)

Tio, from the island nation of Vanuatu, represents the vibrant music of the Pacific with a blend of traditional and contemporary beats and styles. Tio is a multi-instrumentalist, easily switching between violin, ukulele, guitar, tam tam, djembe and bush bass. His performance will paint a story of his experiences living between Vanuatu and Australia.

 

Wantok Sing Sing feat. TELEK (Oceania – Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Australia)

The Wantok Sing Sing ensemble is a testament to the rich diversity of Oceania. Featuring musicians from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Australia, this collective will join with Pitjantjatjara elder Uncle Frank Yamma and Papua New Guinea music legend Sir George Telek. In sharing songs and stories from each of their cultures and language, this ensemble highlights the interconnectedness of the Pacific nations.

WOMADelaide 2024 - Wantok Sing SIng

 

The Budos Band (USA) – PLAYING WOMADELAIDE 2024 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 

Hailing from the United States, The Budos Band is a group with a distinct sound heavily influenced by Afrobeat. They have described themselves as “doom rock Afro-soul bi band with a -70s touch”. Their music is a fusion of Afrobeat, funk, and soul, creating a captivating and dance-worthy experience. This 9 piece invite you to feel their music “all at once”.

The Budos Band - WOMADelaide 2024

This first announcement for WOMADelaide 2024 offers a mere taste of what’s to come. Stay tuned for the second announcement at the end of the month, where even more global talent with be unveiled, expanding the musical tapestry for a truly unforgettable experience.

 

KEY INFO FOR WOMADelaide 2024

WHAT: WOMADelaide 2024, (World of Music and Dance festival in Adelaide)

WHERE: Adelaide’s Botanic Park

WHEN:

HOW: Purchase your tickets via this link

HOW MUCH:

Tickets are available at these discounted First Release prices until they increase on 16 January 2024:

  • 4 day tickets: $435 for adults, $390 for Concession card holders, $248 for Youth (aged 13-17)
  • 3 day tickets (choice of Friday to Sunday OR Saturday to Monday): $402 for adults, $361 for Concession card holders, $237 for Youth (aged 13-17)
  • Friday night ticket: $152 for Adults, $145 for Concession, $95 for Youth (aged 13-17)
  • Single day and night ticket for Saturday, Sunday or Monday: $205 for adults, $195 for Concession card holders, $130 for Youth (aged 13-17)

 

For events linked to France and the Francophonie happening in Australia this month, check out our What’s on in November article.

 

WOMAD content

Read our interviews with past WOMADelaide artists via the links below:

Constantinople returns to WOMADelaide but this time with Belgian-Tunisian Ghalia Benali

DJ GUTS will take you on a musical voyage at WOMADelaide next month

French Compagnie Archibald Caramantran brings its giant marionettes to WOMADelaide next month

San Salvador from San Salvadour in France will play WOMADelaide 2023

INTERVIEW: Inna Modja

MUSIC: Youssou N’Dour in Australia for concerts this week

French-Moroccan group Bab L Bluz comes to Australia for the first time

Madeleine Peyroux brings her Careless Love Forever tour to Australia

The Original Gypsies close WOMADelaide tonight!

Baloji, Congolese-Belgian rapper plays WOMADelaide this weekend

INTERVIEW: Constantinople in Australia with Ablaye Cissoko for WOMADelaide

INTERVIEW: Violons Barbares before their Australian shows at WOMADelaide

Gratte Ciel’s “La Place des Anges”, a French aerial spectacular, will transform Botanic Park for WOMADelaide

 

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7 films from France to see at Brisbane International Film Festival 2023

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Brisbane International Film Festival 2023 starts today, and this year, it’s showcasing a tantalizing array of French cinema that’s bound to captivate audiences. From heartwarming family dramas to thrilling crime mysteries and classic masterpieces, the French films at Brisbane International Film Festival 2023 promise a delightful cinematic experience. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the French gems gracing the festival’s screens.

 

Ama GloriaAma Gloria - Brisbane International Film Festival 2023

*Queensland Premiere*

Ama Gloria is a heartfelt French film that explores the unique bond between a young French girl and her Cape Verdean nanny. Cléo, a vivacious young girl, resides in Paris with her father but is primarily nurtured by her beloved nanny, Gloria. When Gloria must return to Cape Verde following her mother’s passing, the prospect of a vacation eases the initial separation.

 

This moving family drama features captivating central performances from both actresses, making it a charming and emotionally resonant French drama.

 

Anatomy of a Fall

*Queensland Premiere*

This is a film which has been incredibly popular on the festival circuit since its debut and winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes earlier in the year. It has screened at the Sydney Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Darwin International Film Festival and Adelaide Film Festivals.

 

Anatomy of a Fall tells the gripping story of a woman who discovers her husband’s lifeless body at the base of their mountain chalet. Sandra, a German writer, lives with her husband Samuel and their visually impaired son Daniel in a remote chalet in the French Alps. When Samuel’s death occurs under mysterious circumstances, an investigation ensues, and Sandra is accused of murder. This award-winning film combines elements of crime thriller and family drama, delivering exceptional central performances that delve into truth and ambition.

 

Contempt (1963)Brisbane International Film Festival 2023

*Australian Premiere*

Described as the greatest post-war European work of art by Sight & Sound, Jean-Luc Godard’s Contempt is a classic of world cinema. Remastered and screened at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, this film features the iconic Brigitte Bardot. Set against the stunning backdrop of Villa Malaparte on Capri, Contempt portrays the tragic romance between Paul and his wife, Camille.

 

The film delves into themes of obsession and jealousy, with the legendary Fritz Lang making an appearance as himself. This glorious restoration also features the unforgettable soundtrack by multi-award winning composer, Georges Delerue.

 

Mars Express - Brisbane International Film Festival 2023Mars Express

*Queensland Premiere*

Mars Express is a stylish and futuristic film noir that combines 2D and 3D animation to create an adrenaline-fueled cinematic adventure. In 2022, private detective Aline Ruby and her android partner Carlos Rivera are hired to track down a notorious hacker on Mars. Their investigation takes them deep into the planet’s capital city, uncovering a dark story of brain farms, corruption, and a missing girl with a secret that could alter the universe’s fate.

 

This animation combines elements of sci-fi classics like Robocop and Alien, offering a thrilling glimpse into an imaginary futuristic world.

 

Goodbye JuliaGoodbye Julia

*Queensland Premiere*

Goodbye Julia is a Cannes Film Festival-winning Sudanese drama that explores the deep connection between two women from different backgrounds. Mona, a retired northern Sudanese singer, takes in Julia, a southern Sudanese widow, and her son, Daniel, after covering up a murder.

 

It was the first Sudanese feature to ever screen at Cannes. Goodbye Julia delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of Sudan’s turmoil on these women’s lives, offering an emotionally rewarding and engrossing narrative.

 

Tiger Stripes - Brisbane International Film Festival 2023Tiger Stripes

Multi-country: France, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherlands, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan.

In this Cannes award-winning horror film, the tranquility of a serene Malaysian village is shattered when an carefree 11-year-old girl experiences unsettling physical transformations, turning her once-normal life upside down.

 

Filled with fear, she conceals these changes from everyone, unwittingly creating a rift between her and her dearest friends. Frustrated by her strained relationships and sudden mood swings, Zaffan embarks on a challenging journey to reintegrate herself into society, all the while grappling with the burden of concealing her ever-evolving body.

 

International Shorts From Afar: Whale’s Song

This is a short film directed by Neels Castillon, presents a moving story of a young mother who overcomes her fears to regain her freedom. The film explores the challenges faced by Rachel, who sleeps in her car with her daughter on a dike separating the sea from the industrial landscape of Dunkirk. When her husband, Paul, finds them, Rachel must confront him to secure her freedom and protect her daughter.

The Brisbane International Film Festival 2023 is set to be a celebration of diverse cinematic voices, and the French films in the lineup are no exception. Whether you’re a fan of family dramas, crime mysteries, classic masterpieces, or international shorts, BIFF offers a rich tapestry of films that will engage and entertain. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the world through the lens of these talented filmmakers.

 

KEY INFO FOR BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2023

WHAT: Brisbane International Film Festival 2023

WHEN:  October 26 – November 5, 2023

WHERE: Various cinemas in Brisbane

HOW: Purchase your tickets via the Brisbane International Film Festival website

HOW MUCH: Individual ticket prices are as follows:

  • $18 Full-price.
  • $15 Concession

BIFF TIX PACKS are also available for sharing with family and friends:

  • 6 tickets for $96 ($78 for concession)
  • 10 tickets for $150
  • 20 tickets for $280

 

For more events with links to France and the Francophonie happening this month, check out our What’s on in October

 

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