La langue est un des véhicules de la culture et nous souhaitons explorer toutes les facettes de l’univers artistique du Bangladesh. Les disciplines se répandent dialoguent entre ells et nous voulons immerger nos étudiants dans ce bain de culture en imaginant des projets originaux mettant en lumière les artistes du Bangladesh et toutes les possibilities de collaboration avec des artistes d’autres pays notamment les pays francophones.

Language plays a vital role in conveying culture, and we aim to explore all facets of the artistic universe of Bangladesh. Various artistic disciplines engage in dialogue with each other, and we want to immerse our students in this cultural immersion by envisioning innovative projects that highlight Bangladeshi artists and the potential for collaboration with artists from other countries, particularly Francophone nations.

Découvrir nos activités Culturelles 2022 – 2023 – 2024 / Discover our Cultural activities 2022 – 2023 – 2024

We are pleased to present an overview of our cultural events from the year 2022 to 2024. We are eager to expand the reach of our events in various locations.

CLICK HERE AND DISCOVER!

19:00:00

Oct 04, 2024 – Dec 31, 2025

Invisible Stories - By Laurie Cannac

Invisible Stories

By Laurie Cannac and a team of Bangladeshi artists

French puppeteer and director Laurie Cannac, who previously performed several times in Dhaka, has been very inspired by bangladeshi bhut stories for their weird aspects and deep meanings. Created with a wonderfull bangladeshi artistic and technical team, this shows is her tribute to the accuracy of popular wisdom of Bangladesh towards respect to nature, in an ecological tale enlightened by the liveliness, the optimism and deepness of bangladeshi people.

Two scientists, studying the impact of ghosts on everyday life in Dhaka, are well mastering their subject. Until the moment when their subject begins to master them, and throws them into a fantastic trip that will lead them to meet wilderness and wisdom of Sundarbans.

Bangladesh, a country impacted by historical events like the partition of 1947 and the war of 1971, possesses a rich thousand-year-old history that explores the connection between humans and the mystical realm. This heritage is preserved through oral traditions which reflect the present world, historical disruptions, and the fragile unity of Bengali culture.

In her immersive experience in Bangladesh, including workshops, meetings, and the Faim de loup show, Laurie Cannac encountered Bangladeshi stories and artists, deeply moved by their resilient positivity. Inspired by this, she aims to showcase their vitality, humor, and adaptability in a unique production called Invisible Stories. Drawing from the diverse oral traditions that encompass all religious communities, ghost stories, and other supernatural elements, Laurie has formed a team of three versatile actors-dancers-singers to create this multidisciplinary project.

Through a collection of traditional Bengali ghost stories, the artists will reimagine Dhaka, their city-megalopolis, by submerging it in a surreal and dreamlike world. This creative process aims to find explanations for the city’s challenges, such as its notorious traffic, by attributing them to the rural exodus of tree ghosts. The coexistence of the ancient and modern will be portrayed as walls supported by specialized ectoplasm.

Furthermore, the production will allude to historical ghosts, like ghost trains inspired by the tragic passengers of the 1947 convoys. Additionally, the exploration of personal ghosts, intertwined with Jung’s collective unconscious, will add depth to the relationships between the characters. The technical aspects of the production will emphasize the representation of the invisible through various means, including play, movement, objects, and body puppetry.

Project “Invisible Stories” 🇬🇧

Projet artistique “Histoires Invisibles” 🇫🇷

Calendar of the production and activities 2024-2025:

1️⃣ In May 20 – August 20, Actors will rehearse for ‘Invisible Story’ from May 20 to the second week of August 2024 at Al-Alliance Française Gulshan and Dhanmondi center.

2️⃣ From Last week of August 2024, the technical show will take place at Studio Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the last week of August 2024. (not open for audiences)

3️⃣ From September 16 to September 26, the second rehearsal is scheduled for the final show.

4️⃣ In October 04 and 05, to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Alliance Française de Dhaka, “Invisible Stories” will be staged on October 4th and 5th, 2024 at Alliance française de Dhaka.

Show Schedule

🎭 04 October 2024 at 7:00 pm; Venue: Alliance française de Dhaka; Open to all

🎭 05 October 2024 at 7:00 pm; Venue: Alliance française de Dhaka; Open to all

5️⃣ Tour of performance In December 2024, there will be a tour all over Bangladesh, mainly in Khulna and Satkhira, and different parts in Dhaka.

SHOW SCHEDULE at Khulna, Bangladesh:

🎭 10 December 2024 at 6:00 pm; Venue: Zilla Shilpakala Academy, Khulna; Open to all

6️⃣ In April 2025, there will be a performance in Paris during Bangladeshi Art Week. (yet to be confirmed)

7️⃣ In September 2025, there will be participation in the International Puppet Festival in Charleville-Mézières, France.

19:00:00

Oct 04, 2024 – Oct 18, 2025

65 Years of Alliance Française de Dhaka

Alliance Française de Dhaka celebrates its 65th year anniversary this year.

This milestone represents a true symbol of the enduring collaboration between France and Bangladesh, which began in 1959 and continues to thrive today and into the future. The shared love of culture between our two nations transcends all boundaries and embodies the very best of humanity.

We are preparing a variety of events to celebrate this milestone. Stay with us, enjoy the shows.

If you want to know more about any specific events from below please follow the links here-

1. Invisible Stories

2. Book Launching Ceremony: “Folk Melody of Bangladesh”

3. Orchestration in Bengali song – La chanson bengalie : l’orchestration

4. Art Film Festival by FRANÇOIS LEVY-KUENTZ

5. Bibi Tanga and Eric Kerridge: Concert with Mithun Chakra & Saad Chowdhury

6. First look: Song of Whales (Invited only)

7. Artwork exhibition of Song of Jhinuk – an animation feature film

17:30:00

Jan 10, 2025 – Jan 24, 2025

Rickshaw Artistry: A World Heritage

“Rickshaw Artistry: A World Heritage”

10th Solo Exhibition by Nobo Kumar Bhadra

Alliance Française de Dhaka is delighted to host “Rickshaw Artistry: A World Heritage,” the 10th solo exhibition by celebrated artist Nobo Kumar Bhadra. This exhibition pays homage to the vibrant and intricate art form that adorns rickshaws, a cultural emblem of Bangladesh cherished worldwide.

📅 Exhibition Dates: 10 – 24 January 2025

🕔 Opening Ceremony: 10 January 2025 at 5:30 PM

📍 Venue: Alliance Française de Dhaka, Gulshan Branch; Address: House 8, Road 7, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212

🎨 Exhibition Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Open to all

This exhibition captures the colorful imagination, stories, and rich heritage preserved through rickshaw paintings, celebrating their significance as an art form. Through his mastery, Nobo Kumar Bhadra takes us on a visual journey exploring the craftsmanship and cultural narrative embedded in this iconic art.

Join us to experience the essence of Bangladesh’s rickshaw artistry, redefined and celebrated through Nobo Kumar Bhadra’s unique lens.

We look forward to welcoming you!

DOWNLOAD FROM HERE

17:00:00

Jan 21, 2025 – Jan 27, 2025

Nalini / নলিনী

𝔸 ℝ𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕪 𝕆𝕦𝕥𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝔼𝕩𝕙𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕓𝕪 𝕁𝕦𝕝𝕚𝕒 𝕃𝕖𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕠 𝕊𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕣𝕒

Alliance Française de Dhaka, in collaboration with Villa Swagatam and Brihatta Art Foundation, invites you to নলিনী / Nalini, a compelling exhibition by Villa Swagatam laureate artist Julia Lebrao Sendra.

𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:

📅 Dates: January 21–27, 2025

📍 Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka

👉 Address: 26, Mirpur Road (Corner of Road no. 3), Dhanmondi, Dhaka

⏰ Opening Ceremony: January 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM

🕒 Visiting Hours: 3:00 PM–9:00 PM (throughout the week)

Entry: Open to all

Nalini / নলিনী is the culmination of Julia Lebrao Sendra’s 3-month residency program at Brihatta Art Foundation, where she delved into the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Bangladesh. This exhibition presents an immersive exploration of themes inspired by local art forms, crafts, and cultural narratives, merging them with her distinctive creative perspective.

About Villa Swagatam:

Villa Swagatam is an innovative network of residencies fostering vibrant cultural exchanges between France, India, and the South Asia region. It emphasizes long-term, meaningful collaborations in diverse artistic disciplines, with a focus on literature and arts and crafts. The program bridges French and South Asian creators, fostering shared artistic traditions and cross-cultural dialogue.

Join us to celebrate this remarkable fusion of artistry and cultural exchange that transcends borders and traditions.

Let নলিনী / Nalini inspire and enrich your appreciation of global art and creativity.

17:00:00

Jan 31, 2025 – Feb 07, 2025

The Metaphorical Representation of the Intricate Nature of Human Life and Celestial Bodies

A Solo Print Exhibition by Kamruzzaman Sagar

Alliance Française de Dhaka is proud to host “The Metaphorical Representation of the Intricate Nature of Human and Celestial Bodies”, a captivating solo print exhibition by acclaimed artist Kamruzzaman Sagar. This exhibition delves into the profound connections between humanity and the cosmos, exploring the intricate interplay of forms, energies, and emotions through thought-provoking visual narratives.

Exhibition Details:

📅 Dates: January 31, 2025, to February 07, 2025

📍 Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka

📍 Address: 26, Mirpur Road (Corner of Road no. 3), Dhanmondi, Dhaka

⏰ Opening Ceremony: January 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM

🔖 Entry: Open to all

Kamruzzaman Sagar’s prints reveal a metaphorical exploration of the parallels between human existence and celestial phenomena, combining intricate techniques with profound philosophical undertones. This exhibition invites viewers to ponder the complex relationships that bind us to the universe and each other.

Join us for the opening ceremony and experience an inspiring artistic journey through the lens of one of Bangladesh’s most innovative printmakers.

We look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary exhibition!

17:30:00

Apr 18, 2025 – Apr 30, 2025

INTO MY LUNGS

A Research-Based Interactive Artistic Project on the Textile & Spinning Industry of Bangladesh

Producer & Curator: Fouzia Mahin Choudhury

Date: April 18–30, 2025

Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka

Address: 26, Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Opening Ceremony: April 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM

Exhibition Overview:

“If something is cheap, somebody else is paying.”

Bangladesh’s textile and spinning industry is integral to the global fast fashion supply chain but often ignored compared to the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The exhibition “Into My Lungs” sheds light on the unseen struggles of textile workers who face life-threatening health hazards, including byssinosis, caused by prolonged exposure to cotton dust.

This initiative, led by artists Ayman Alazraq and Emanuel Svedin, with Dhaka-based producer Fouzia Mahin Choudhury, documents the untold stories of these workers through an immersive artistic and journalistic exploration. Combining film, installations, and interactive sessions, the exhibition emphasizes the need for collective awareness and advocacy to improve the lives of textile workers locally and globally.

Key Exhibition Elements:

1. The Film

A long-form documentary that captures the realities of the textile industry in Bangladesh through workers’ voices, medical insights, and activist perspectives.
Screening for invited guests during the opening, followed by scheduled public showings.

2. Interactive Session

A live interview with the producer and artists, followed by a discussion/Q&A session to engage the audience.

3. The Book

“Into My Lungs,” a compilation of interviews, research findings, and reflections on the project’s journey.

4. The Installation

Artistic installations featuring photographs, video clips, and sculptures created from research materials and cotton waste (lint).

5. Audio-Visual Interview

A recorded presentation of the artists’ and producer’s insights into the project’s vision and development.

Why This Exhibition Matters

“Into My Lungs” is the first research-based artistic project focusing on the textile and spinning sector in Bangladesh. The exhibition aims to:

Highlight the occupational hazards faced by textile workers.

Bridge the gap between global fast fashion consumers and the workers behind the industry.

Spark local and global conversations to advocate for safer working conditions and fair compensation.

Join Us This interactive exhibition invites everyone to experience the untold stories of textile workers and engage in meaningful dialogue to envision a fairer future for the industry. Let us explore, learn, and act together.