On April the 24th, GBCS Grade 10 Core French students and Grade 9 French Immersion students hosted the 5th Francophone Film Festival at Meaford Hall. 250 Grade 8 to Grade 10 students enjoyed 2 great Francophones movies; “A Bag of Marbles”, a compelling story about one of Quebec’s most famous hockey players, Maurice “The Rocket” Richard, with the focus on the struggles of this French Canadian in the NHL during the 50s, a time dominated by the English speakers,
and “The Rocket”, a heart- warming and nerve-racking story about a Jewish boy and his older brother escaping Nazi persecution on the occupied France to the “Zone Libre” during the WW II. Both movies reveal the exposed and vulnerable position of different Francophone groups in totally different settings and eras, giving the students the opportunity to learn about important historical events, but also making them see the world and events from new perspectives.
The location at Meaford Hall, a beautiful theatre, makes this event very special to the participating students and the feedback from the students were very positive. The student organizers love running the event, making sure that everything runs smoothly, displaying and developing their leadership skills. During intermission students were also able to enjoy French treats, such as croissants and baguette at the French café, get their photo taken on the red carpet, join the French scavenger hunt, listen to some live classical music by a GBCS student music quartet. Many students dressed up in their best and most glamorous festival clothing thereby entering a chance to win one of many chances and at the same time added festival flair to the Festival. Several other GBCS departments, such art, music and wood-shop, were involved in different aspects of the Film Festival.
A big thank you to the Meaford Hall and Culture Foundation for supporting this special event, giving young people the opportunity to participate and experience Francophone movies and culture in a real theatre setting, and especially in such a beautiful space as the Meaford Hall.
Pernilla Johannesson French teacher GBCS, Meaford
