Bonjour mes amies! When I was studying French way back in college, my professors would always say the best way to learn was to immerse yourself in French entertainment. That could mean books, television, movies, radio, music, anything that provided constant verbiage to grasp the many accents, dialects, and terms used through repetition. With all the streaming sources around, the options for French and many other languages are limited.
My sister and I were very fortunate to have access to TV5, which provided unlimited French programs including two of my favorites – PJ (Police Judiciare) and Le Crime. TV5 no longer an option for me now is somewhat of a bummer but TV5MONDE USA has become a great replacement stateside. Every month they offer a variety of lineups ranging from crime thrillers to fashion diaries en français. C’est Génial, non?
This month (or what remains of it), along with their regular schedule will show be showing three very entertaining French films and a weekly fashion magazine series. More information on them is posted below, but make sure to check your guide listing for TV5MONDE USA. Trust me, you’ll really dig what they present. It’s more entertaining that reading about Mireille and her daily expeditions in that French in Action workbook.
Les roseaux sauvages – (Wild Reeds)
(Drama, 1995. Film)
Monday, August 15th at 11pm ET / 8pm PT
This coming of age drama follows Francois, a shy high schooler living in a boarding school in the south of France during the Algerian War. As most students are dealing with the effects of war, Francois begins to discover his sexuality and his deeply-rooted attraction to Serge a fellow student. César nominated actor Gaël Morel stars as François Forestier.
#versionfrançaise
(Fashion, Weekly Magazine Series)
Saturday, August 20th at 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT
Hosted by fashionista and French actress Katherina Marx, this weekly magazine series pulls back the curtain, exposing viewers to the lifestyle, designs and showrooms of some of the world’s top fashion designers. This episode features an appearance by French jewelry maker Lorenz Bäumer.
L’art de séduire – (The Art of Seduction)
(Comedy, 2011. Film)
Sunday, August 21st at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
Jean-François is a psychoanalyst who has fallen in love with one of his patients. When he is finally ready to seduce her, she decides to stop her treatment. Obsessed by this woman, Jean-François makes one misstep after another including seeking advice from Julien, a patient he is treating for being a compulsive ladies’ man
L’armée des ombres – (The Army of Shadows)
(Drama, 1969. Film)
Tuesday, August 23rd at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
Starring César nominated actor Lino Ventura as Philippe Gerbier, an underground resistance fighter living in Nazi-occupied France. Betrayed by an informant, Philippe is sent to a tortuous concentration camp where he secretly plans his revenge.
Connasse Princesse des Coeurs – (Bitch, Princess of Hearts)
(Comedy, 2015. Film)
Sunday, August 28th at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
Camilla is a 30-year-old Parisian woman who realizes she doesn’t have the life she feels she rightly deserves. Convinced that only a royal title befits her, she sets off for London, determined to marry Prince Harry.