The Smithsonian is presenting several French language films in conjunction with it’s Francophonie 2008: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in the French-Speaking World
THE WAY I SPENT THE END OF THE WORLD Tues., Mar. 25, 7 p.m.
The Way I Spent the End of the World is a testament to the power of love to transcend even the most tragic circumstances.
RETOUR À GORÉE Tues., Apr. 1, 7 p.m.
The musical road movie, Return to Gorée, tells of African singer Youssou N’Dour’s epic journey following the trail left by slaves and by the jazz music they invented.
WRESTLING GROUNDS ” THE CALL OF THE ARENA” Tues., Apr 8, 7 p.m.
Combining sporting prowess and fabulous music, this film dramatically demonstrates the cultural importance of wrestling in Senegal. Shamans and punching bags are the cornerstones of 17-year-old Nalla’s training in this colorful foray into the world of Senegalese wrestling.
SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL Tues., Apr. 15, 7 p.m.
Official selection of the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival, the Atlantic Film Festival and CINEFEST, this film adaptation of the Romeo Dallaire autobiography Shake Hands with the Devil, tells the personal journey of Dallaire through the 1994 Rwandan genocide and how Dallaire’s request for more aid went ignored by the United Nations.