Voilah! 2016 returns with its showcase of the very best of French creativity and innovation this April with over 40 bespoke programmes, ranging from visual and performing arts, gastronomy experiences, cinema retrospective and science.
HE Mr Benjamin Dubertret, Ambassador of France to Singapore, said, “The multi-faceted and organic relationship between Singapore and France for over 50 years has facilitated collaborations and exchanges which allowed us to develop an appreciation towards the different aspects of our communities. Singapore is also an important gateway to showcase French culture and innovation to the rest of Asia. In this spirit, Voilah!, in bringing the best of French culture to Singapore, will provide the platform for French and Singaporean communities to meet, exchange ideas and contribute to the cultural vibrancy in both countries.”
Organised by the Institut Français Singapour and the French Embassy in Singapore, in collaboration with the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and the Alliance française, Voilah! also partners the community to provide a diverse and immersive festival experience with something for everyone.
The annual festival will open with the enchanting Luminéoles Ballet where giant dream-like changing colour LED light birds dance in a spectacular aerial ballet around Marina Bay with our city skyline as backdrop. Other highlights include the Asian premiere of Transboundary Rivers, an exhibition by French photographer Franck Vogel at Gardens by the Bay to increase awareness of global water issues; the Gourmet Picnic at the Singapore Botanic Gardens with French classical music; the Asian premiere of Gaumont: 120 Years of Cinema exhibition which offers the best of French cinema through posters and exclusive screenings of emblematic masterpieces from the French studio; Superstars of Ballet, a spectacular show of breath-taking classical ballet featuring 12 principal dancers from world renowned companies including the Paris Opera Ballet; Musical Meet-ups with the Baudoin Bros who will enliven the community through their music at public spaces; and the French Animation Film Festival at the Alliance française. More than 50 restaurants, bars, hotels and retailers will also be offering promotions and organising special events as part of Voilah! Food Festival.
There is also a focus on the Aquitaine Limousin Poitou-Charentes region in France through the showcase of some of their food products and talents including the world premiere of Le Clown des Marais that presents French arts practitioner Jean Lambert-wild and students from Lasalle College of The Arts. Post COP21, Voilah! 2016 will also continue its efforts in raising awareness of sustainable development through open air film screenings and conferences.
A multi-institutional effort
The vibrant, multi-faceted festival also gathers the community to actively participate in the seven-week-long French savoir-faire. This year’s edition rallied more than 120 local and French partners, including Asian Civilisations Museum, Indochine, Centre Pompidou, Airbus, Musée du Louvre, Iggy’s and Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle.
Festival director Bertrand Pous said: “The community is instrumental to the success of Voilah! The response to last year’s Voilah! had been very encouraging, and we are excited to present this year’s line-up together with our many local and French partners who have come on board to share and learn about the French culture. We hope to continue engaging the festival goers meaningfully and establishing Voilah! as a must-attend perennial festival for everyone in Singapore.”
Voilah! 2016 will take place from 15 April to 31 May 2016 across Singapore. For more information on the festival, please visit www.voilah.sg.
