Month of Francophonie Bratislava

Francophonie Days are organized annually around March 20, which is officially declared International Francophonie Day, and their organizers have prepared various cultural and linguistic events dedicated to the French language and the culture of Francophone countries.

The word Francophonie refers to the community of countries and people who use the French language. This includes more than 300 million people around the world – for example, in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, but also in many African countries.

During these days, various events are held in many countries around the world, including Slovakia, such as:

screenings of French films

tastings of French or Francophone cuisine

lectures on the culture and history of French-speaking countries

French language competitions for students

concerts, exhibitions, or literary evenings

Schools, universities, cultural centers, and French institutes often participate in the program.

To mark the opening of Francophonie Month 2026, Francophone ambassadors based in Slovakia joined forces in a joint project – a video celebrating the richness and diversity of the Francophone community in Slovakia. The video features French-speaking people, showcases the rich Francophone culture and the diverse events that bring it to life, and can be viewed on the French Institute’s website.

Among many other events, you will be able to discover the third edition of Choix Goncourt Slovakia, a Francophone evening dedicated to testing your knowledge of Francophonie through quizzes and games, as well as, as every year, the Francophone song contest Spievam po francúzsky (I Sing in French).

Francophone Evening

Francophone Evening, which will take place at the French Institute in Slovakia on March 23, 2026, between 4:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. This evening will be an opportunity to meet in a pleasant atmosphere, play games, chat in French, and take part in a big quiz to test your knowledge of Francophone culture! We are delighted to welcome the French Language Exchange Meeting (FLEM) association, which organizes meetings for Francophone enthusiasts in Bratislava.

Francophone Film Night

Francophone Film Night will take place at the Kino Lumière cinema on March 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. on the occasion of International Francophonie Day. This evening will be an opportunity to discover several Francophone films related to the theme of this year’s Francophonie Month, “Women in Francophonie.”

Film Silent Rebel

Switzerland, end of World War II. Fifteen-year-old Emma lives in a closed rural Protestant community and her future seems predetermined. When she becomes pregnant after being raped, she suddenly faces a rigid and patriarchal system that is ruthless to women like her. But Emma decides to resist the pressure of her surroundings and moral hypocrisy and turn her trauma into a path to personal liberation.

The film is a tribute to all women who have had to fight many invisible battles to regain their autonomy.

Directed by Marie-Elsa Sgualdo, 2025, Switzerland, Belgium, France, drama, 96 min, original version with Slovak and English subtitles

Cast: Lila Gueneau, Grégoire Colin, Thomas Doret, Aurélia Petit, Sandrine Blancke, Sasha Gravat Harsch, Tamara Semelet, Cyril Metzger, Lievke Bartel, Aurelien Patouillard, Etienne Fague

Screenings:

Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., Kino Lumière, K1, Bratislava

Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., French Institute Gallery, Sedlárska 7, Bratislava

Femmes debout / Standing Tall

In this short documentary, three Francophone women from Senegal, Mexico, and Belgium talk about their experiences immigrating to Vancouver, where they are raising their children on their own. With courage and perseverance, these women have decided to start a new life and offer their children “another option” while trying to find their place in Canadian society.

Directed by Marie Ka, 2015, Canada, documentary, 23 min, in the original language with Slovak and English subtitles.

Screening: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., Kino Lumière, K1, Bratislava

Une colonie / The Colony

In a region of Quebec, Mylia, a shy and wild 12-year-old girl, is about to leave her native village and go to a big school. She seeks support in an environment that seems hostile to her and discovers herself through her encounter with Jimmy, a young Native American from a neighboring reservation. Mylia will try her best, sometimes clumsily, to cope with the absurdity of adolescence, her unpleasant feelings, and small victories.

Directed by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, 2018, Quebec, Canada, drama, 102 min, in the original language with Slovak and English subtitles.

Screening: Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., French Institute Gallery, Sedlárska 7, Bratislava, free admission (screenings primarily for school audiences, there are still seats available for the additional screening at 12:00 p.m.)

Partner: Embassy of Canada

Maria, le cœur de la Roumanie / Maria Inima Romaniei / Maria, Heart of Romania

A documentary film about the life and important political role of Romanian Queen Maria (1875-1938) during historical moments significant for Romania – World War I and the Paris Peace Conference (1919), as well as the turbulent events of the interwar period.

Directed by Trevor Poots, 2018, 72 min, Romania, documentary, in the original language with French subtitles.

Screening: Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., French Institute Gallery, Sedlárska 7, Bratislava, free admission

Partner: Embassy of Romania

Choix Goncourt Slovakia

On March 12, dozens of French-speaking high school and university students from all over Slovakia will gather at the University Library in Bratislava for the third annual Choix Goncourt Slovakia event to discuss the selection of finalists for the 2025 Goncourt Prize and choose their own winner. This meeting dedicated to literature will be moderated by Prof. Katarína Bednárová from the Faculty of Philosophy at Comenius University and will be attended by Philippe Claudel, French writer and president of the Goncourt Academy.

Venue: Lecture Hall of the University Library in Bratislava, Ventúrska 11, Bratislava, Free admission (the event will be held in French without interpretation)

Date and time: Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Location: Bratislava
Date: from 20.03.2026 – 23.03.2026
Admission: free

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