Bonjour India 2022 brings a plethora of art and cultural festivities to Pune!  

Pune, 28th March 2022: The Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Lenain, announced the 4th edition of the festival ‘Bonjour India’. This artistic, cultural, educational and social initiative is put together by the French Cooperation Network in India including the Embassy of France in India, its cultural department the French Institute in India, the network of Alliances Françaises in India and the Consulates of France –  in collaboration with an illustrious list of sponsors, partners, and performance spaces.

Bonjour India, in its fourth edition in 2022, celebrates 75 years of India’s Independence and 75 years of the establishment of Indo-French diplomatic relations. In addition to narrating the shared history of the two countries, the festival aims to further people-to-people exchanges between France and India, by reuniting communities and fostering social interaction after a long hiatus brought on by covid-19. The programme will be showcased in 19 cities and shall feature a programme of 120 events in domains as diverse as education, science, literature, cinema, gastronomy, street art, performing arts and photography.

On the subject of Bonjour India, Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said, “Bonjour India is a gift from France to the people of India when the country celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence. India and France have enjoyed a close cultural partnership for decades, thanks in particular to the network of 14 Alliances Françaises throughout India. During this festival, we will honour the past exchanges and create new collaborations.”

Ambassador Lenain further added, “We believe that our two nations can grow closer by appreciating cultures and co-creating art, amalgamating views from both the countries. I look forward to coming together with the most creative people from our countries, resulting in greater creativity and enrichment. I believe that the free exchange of ideas between our two countries will plant the seeds of new thoughts that will help tackle the

challenges that lie ahead.”

The events taking place in Pune as a part of Bonjour India 2022, are a result of the centuries-long interactions and friendship between India and France, crafted to delight and entertain! Bonjour India is for neophytes and enthusiasts alike, a platform where families, children, young adults, professionals, and others, can mingle, discuss, explore, and forge experiences to be remembered for a lifetime. The festival is supported and funded by the government of France, and traditionally receives the support and contribution of numerous partners, both public and private, who thereby facilitate the creation of a diverse festival line-up.

Inspired by the power of the arts of culture, and their inherent quality in strengthening Indo-French relations, enterprises and brands such as BNP Paribas, Pernod Ricard, Airbus,JSW Group, Saint Gobain, Tata Sons, Godrej, Safran, Accor, Om Books International, Chaudhry Numero, Bira91, and L’Opéra among others, have come together to support the arts at a time where creative industries are faced with a bleak future. These organizations are hence a part of the celebrations for the milestone of 75 years of Indo-French diplomatic relations, 75 years of India’s independence year, and Bonjour India 2022.

France says a hearty ‘Bonjour’ to India and lays the foundation for a convivial celebration of Indo-French cooperation!

A peak into Pune’s programme for Bonjour India 2022:

‘S. Thala: An Indian Suite’

A moment of Poetry, marrying Dance, and French Literature

A contemporary performance art piece inspired by Marguerite Duras’ “l’Amour”, this dance performance is an original production of the Annette Leday/Keli Company. It will take place at The Box, Erandwane, Pune at 7:00 pm on Thursday, 31 March. Entry upon the purchase of tickets only – Rs.300/- per ticket.

‘[In]Chorus – Plucking Ragams’

French Harp on Indian Vocals and Mridangam

French harpist Lina Bellard will be accompanied by vocalist Brinda Manickavasan and Aswini Srinivasan on the Mridangam, on the stage. ‘Plucking Ragams’ is the culmination of ‘[In]Chorus’, a programme created by Alliance Française de Delhi to facilitate collaborations between young musicians of all genres, via residency programmes, concerts, masterclasses and workshops. This programme shall be held at the Mazda Hall on Friday, 8 April at 7:00 pm. Free entry on a first-come first-serve basis.

‘Rick-Show’

Cinema on Wheels by Le Gentil Garçon

Thematic art films from the archives of the Regional Fund of Contemporary Art Occitanie Montpellier, the Contemporary Art Fund of the City of Geneva will be projected on a cinema screen fixed onto the back of a rickshaw. The origin of this project lies in the desire of the artist, Le Gentil Garçon, to showcase art films to communities that have little access to contemporary artwork. Experience this unique concept at The Max Mueller Bhavan, Boat Club Road, 6:00 pm onwards on Saturday, 16 April. Free entry on a first-come first-serve basis.

‘Sarvansathi Pune’

A public art exhibition questioning the place of gender in the public spaces of Pune

The project will unfold in 6 diverse neighbourhoods in Pune and will entail mapping communities’ relationships with their immediate surroundings. Every map will bring out patterns on how public spaces are used based on factors such as gender, age and abilities as well as economic background, class and caste.

A final exhibition will showcase the maps, alongside, public debates and curated walkthroughs in an attempt to give visibility to the following question: Who builds our cities, and for whom? The exhibition will be on view all day on Saturday, 23 April and Sunday, 24 April in front of F-Cube on ITI Road, Aundh. Free entry.

‘Let’s Dance!’

Outdoor Cinema

A selection of films from the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival (France), with the common theme of dance, will be screened as part of a celebration for International Dance Day 2022. This festival shall be hosted at the Amphitheatre of Kala Chhaya Cultural Center, on Thursday, 28 April. Free entry on a first-come first-serve basis.