As March 20 is regarded as the International Day of the French (Journee internationale de la Francophonie), the related celebration this year has mirthfully begun on due time. Along with a series of events co-held by Association of French Professors, Taiwan (Association des Professeurs de francais de Taiwan, APFT) and French Institute in Taipei, the flavor of French pervades in the atmosphere.

Lee Pei-wha, Associate Professor of Dept. of French, TKU, and the President of APFT, indicates that the evening party was given successfully at Family Theater of Taipei City Government last Friday (March 24), in which the 4th French Songs Contest was held. Apart from the fabulous French songs contest, the sponsor also invited the well known “Carmen & David Trio” from Canada to perform romantic French music. Many ambassadors to Taiwan including representatives of the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of Haiti joined this cultural party, too. Numerous students and teachers from Dept. of French, TKU, also attended this party. In addition, the 2nd French Film Festival (2eme Festival du Film Francophone) is also afoot fervently. More than 40 well-chosen French movies from French-speaking countries including Le Papillo,, Les Choristes, Le temps retrouve are shown from March 24 to April 6 at ShowTime Cinemas and National Palace Museum.

These series of activities are designed to improve cultural communication among people of different nationality and to open a clear window to French culture. For the information of International Day of the French, please visit the following website: [http://www.20mars.francophonie.org]. (~ Shu-chun Yen )