The French Institute in India in collaboration with 12 bookstores across India brings French literature in translation to your bookshelf through the programme Pardon My French!
For the national launch of the initiative, the French Institute in India in collaboration with the Alliance française de Delhi turns the Gallery Romain Rolland into a reading space where you will be able to browse through some of the best French literature from the 21st century. Make yourself comfortable, take a book and enjoy reading!
The programme will feature a week-long series of events celebrating French literature all day, in every way.
Download the complete schedule: Click Here
Opening Night : The Prophet
A Musical journey with Zeina Abirached
September 20 | 6 – 7:30 PM
French graphic novelist Zeina Abirached will join us for a unique and captivating reading from her book The Prophet in collaboration with musician Dhruv Sangari (Naadvistaar Foundation) and poet Rachit Sharma (Dillipoetry). They will perform a mesmerizing musical reading that brings the story to life in an entirely new way. Don’t miss this extraordinary blend of literature and music!
Electronaps “After Baudelaire”
A poetic and musical performance by Jeet Thayil & Hollis Coats
September 21 & 22 | 4 PM
Take a nap tuning in to Baudelaire’s poetry in the Romain Rolland Gallery. This event takes inspiration from the acoustic naps organized since 2010 at the Maison de la Poésie in Paris. Renowned poet Jeet Thayil and musician Hollis Coats offer their new, personal interpretation of the concept.
Workshop: Making poems with ‘The Little Prince’
Organized in collaboration with @Dillipoetry
September 22 | 9 AM – 11 AM
“What makes the desert beautiful,’ said the little prince, ‘is that somewhere it hides a well…” this Sunday morning we come together to find poems in the shape of deep wells resting, waiting achingly within us.
Dillipoetry along with The French Institute in India & Alliance Française de Delhi invite you to a two-hour-long immersive poetry writing workshop using the story of The Little Prince as a portal to ‘find what’s essential and yet invisible to the eye’.
Screening of “Sur Les Chemins Noirs”
September 26 | 6:30 PM
Sur les chemins noirs (2023), adapted from the eponymous novel by Sylvain Tesson, is directed by Denis Imbert and starring Jean Dujardin and Joséphine Japy, follows the journey of Pierre, a famous writer who, after a near-fatal fall, defies the odds and embarks on a walk across France. Traveling only along hidden paths, known as “chemins noirs,” he reflects on his turbulent past and searches for deeper meaning in life. A powerful story of redemption and self-discovery.
Cafe des poètes (Poetry Open mic)
September 28 | 6 PM
We’re excited to invite poets of all levels to our upcoming Poetry Open Mic event! This is a unique opportunity to share your work, connect with fellow poets, and immerse yourself in an evening of spoken word at the Third Space.
Interested in performing? Submit your poetry by September 21. We welcome all styles, themes, and languages—including Indian and French, existing or original works. Whether you have a single piece or a collection, we can’t wait to hear what you’ve created.