Workshop with Jean-Luc Fromental
Unlock your imagination in a one-of-a-kind creative writing workshop with the celebrated author Jean-Luc Fromental, featuring his charming character, Miss Cat! Dive deep into the whimsical adventures of Miss Cat as Jean-Luc reveals the art of crafting captivating stories and unforgettable characters.
This workshop is not just about writing; it’s about experiencing the joy of storytelling. Play together or in small groups to invent a few pitches or storylines for a Miss Cat that doesn’t exist yet, applying the principles and techniques Jean-Luc uses in his own process.
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Preview: Flow
France/Latvia/Belgium | 2024 | 84 mins | Dir: Gints Zilbalodis | Silent | Cert: U | Preview
Enjoy a preview of this year’s winner of the Jury Award at the Annecy International Animation Festival, Flow. This film is a must-see on the big screen, due to its visual beauty, that will surely amaze the whole family. The world seems to be coming to an end, teeming with the vestiges of a human presence. Cat is a solitary animal, but as his home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.
Meet the Author: Timothée de Fombelle
Learn how stories are born in this workshop with the acclaimed author of Tobie Lolness, Timothée de Fombelle! Get privileged insight into the creative process behind his captivating stories and discover how books are brought to life. Timothée will share pieces of his ongoing work and documents, providing a behind-the-scenes look at his creative journey. You will be encouraged to ask questions about his books and the storytelling process, making this an interactive and personalised experience designed to inspire and inform.
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Meet the Author: Marie-Aude Murail
Dive into the creative world of one of France’s most beloved writers as she shares insights into her work and writing process. Marie-Aude Murail will discuss her journey as a writer, from her early inspirations to her latest works. Her most acclaimed book, Oh, Boy!, has even been adapted for television by Thierry Binisti. Her books have received numerous awards in France and internationally, with translations in about fifteen languages. She will reveal her unique approach to character development, plot construction, and the themes she explores in her stories. Any questions on writing? Just ask her! The workshop will also feature an engaging Q&A session, where you can have your questions answered and gain personal insights and advice from Marie-Aude herself.
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Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures + Q&A
UK | 2023 | 90 mins | Dir: Massimo Fenati, Gerrit Bekers | in English | Created for children aged 6+, but is suitable for all ages
Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures is an exciting series of animated specials based on the books of the famous children’s author and illustrator. After the screening of two episodes, Zagazoo and Snuff, director and producer Massimo Fenati and executive producer Tess Cuming will answer your questions about all the magic behind these animated adaptations of Quentin Blake and his box of treasures.
Programme:
Zagazoo – Bella and George are a happy couple who one day receive a strange parcel containing a lovely human baby named Zagazoo. George and Bella are delighted but Zagazoo doesn’t remain human for long.
Snuff – Sir Thomas Magpie despairs of his clumsy page Snuff who can’t duel or ride a horse. But when thieves threaten a local bootmaker, Snuff has a clever idea to save the day.
Screening supported by the BBC (BBC logo TBC)
Virtual Reality Journeys
Discover fascinating stories in an innovative way! Immerse yourself in 360° VR short films on wind, history, and art (depending on your age and your interest). Let the wind carry you, travel in search of the sound of the Arctic or walk through the history of Notre-Dame in an interactive, playful, and sensorial experience for children 8 and over.
No booking necessary, but first come first served.
Workshop with Amandine Piu
Put on your listening caps, warm up your imagination, and find a flashlight to attend a live reading of Tout noir by Amandine Piu … in the dark! Kids will then be able to create together one big accordion book with their own cut-outs and silhouettes to bring the Leporello to life.
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Become a Mini Architect with Joséphine Seblon and Robert-Hae Seng
Have you ever been caught in a labyrinth, like the mythical Theseus? Join author Joséphine Seblon and illustrator Robert Hae-Seng to learn how and why labyrinths are made, how to navigate them, and create your own marble run!
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Workshop with Patrice Lawrence
Let your creativity run wild with children’s author Patrice Lawrence. After an insightful discussion on her motivations and inspirations to becoming a writer, join Lawrence in creating a recipe for fantasy beasts inspired by her action-packed best seller, The Elemental Detectives.
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Impro!
Voted best event of the South Ken Kids Festival for years, Impro! gathers guest illustrators Axel Scheffler, Joëlle Jolivet, Posy Simmonds, Bridget Marzo, Amandine Piu, Beatrice Rodriguez, Chloe Savage and awesome jazz musicians John Edwards (double bass) and Caroline Kraabel (saxophone) on stage for a wild and joyful evening of live creation. Enjoy this fabulous drawing jam.
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Drawing Duo: Axel Scheffler and Joëlle Jolivet
Father of the Gruffalo and Pip and Posy, Axel Scheffler will cross paintbrushes with French illustrator Joëlle Jolivet whose Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary was just published in the UK. Both friends of the festival, they will mix their universes and characters on stage for a unique and fabulous drawing duo projected on the cinema screen.
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Young Adult Literature with the Jury of the Entente Littéraire Prize
The stellar jury of the first-ever edition of the Entente littéraire Prize will present this year’s shortlist, debate the challenges of judging a literary prize, and share their hopes for upcoming cross-Channel literature partnerships. Led by president Joanne Harris, Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho will converse with Patrice Lawrence, Timothée de Fombelle and Marie-Aude Murail. A fitting way to conclude a year of celebrating 120 years of the Entente Cordiale!
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The Children’s Bookshow with Anna Woltz
The Institut français teams up with The Children’s Bookshow to put the spotlight on Dutch author and master storyteller, Anna Woltz. She will share special insight on her work, such as where the ideas for her stories come from and how she goes about researching and creating her characters.
This event is a brilliant way to inspire Year 5 and 6 children and encourage them to explore their own creative writing.
Contact schools@institut-francais.org.uk for booking.
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Stop Motion Animation Workshop
Step into the enchanting realm of animation and craft your very own mesmerizing film! Children will work in teams of two, under the direction of Alix Guichard, to write a scenario based on a scene of The Colour Monster by Ana Llenas. Each team’s scenes will then be assembled to create a final film, bringing the book to life in stop motion form.
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