The Best Historic Art House Cinemas in Paris

Since the first ever public film screening in 1895, Parisians have been big cinéphiles, or film buffs. The city’s phenomenal film culture is definitely a top reason to study film in Paris. One of the best ways of experiencing this is by attending screenings at one of the Paris’s historic cinemas. The following movie theatres have both excellent screening agendas and fascinating histories.

Le Champo. Photo LPLT / CC

Le Champo

Opened in 1938, this is one of the leading movie theatres in the Latin Quarter, where many of the art house cinemas in Paris are located. Down the street from the Sorbonne, it’s popular with students of the University of Paris and was an important cinema for La Nouvelle Vague. In fact, François Truffaut deemed it his “headquarters” and by Claude Chabrol considered it as his “second university”. In the early 2000s, with worries that the cinema might close down, a group of cinema professionals, including Cédric Klapisch and Isabelle Huppert, succeeded in saving the cinema and getting it classified as a national monument.

Cinéma du Panthéon

Established in 1907, this is the oldest movie theatre in the city. In 1929 it was bought by Pierre Braunberger, the producer who is credited for discovering La Nouvelle Vague greats such as Jean-Luc Godard, Alain Resnais and Jean-Pierre Melville. As such, the cinema became a showcase for the French New Wave and was one of the first French cinemas to screen foreign films in their original language. In 2006 the theatre saw a modern touch with the addition of a stylish “salon” co-designed by actress Catherine Deneuve.

Studio 28. Photo: Tatvam / CC

Le Studio 28

Considered by Jean Cocteau as “the cinema of masterpieces, the masterpiece of cinemas”, this eclectic art house cinema is tucked away on a small street in Montmartre. It was inaugurated in 1928 with a screening of Abel Gance’s Napoléon and quickly became popular with the avant-garde artists and filmmakers of the time. It’s lobby even once included artwork by Dali, Joan Miro, Max Ernst, Man Ray, and Pierre Tanguy. In November 1930, Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali’s film L’Age d’Or premiered at the theatre. The film, which aimed to question the Roman Catholic Church’s strict policies on sexuality, caused such an uproar that the film was banned within a week and the cinema was ransacked by right-wing rioters. The movie theatre managed to persist through those turbulent times and has carried on with its innovative programming. Even if you haven’t been to the cinema yet, you might have already since it as it was featured in Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 film Amélie.

Le Louxor

This beautiful Art Deco cinema has had many lives since opening in 1921. As you might guess by its name, it features an Egyptian inspired façade, with gilded mosaics, and it had a Pharaonic-sized screening at 1,195 seats, making it one of the largest in Paris at the time (it has since been reduced). Despite its façade and roof being classified as national monuments in the early 1970s, cinema-going was then beginning to wane in Paris. This led to the building being transformed into the biggest gay nightclub in the city before being abandoned for a decade. It was fortunately bought by the city of Paris in 2003, leading to its restoration and reopening in 2013. Before or after your film, grab a drink at its bar which has a terrace with lovely views of Montmartre.

Lucernaire

Although this multifunction theatre and cinema isn’t as old as some of the others on the list, it still holds its place in the Parisian art house scene. Opened in 1969, the Montparnasse venue is comprised of three theatres, three screening rooms, a bookshop, art gallery, restaurant and bar. Whether it’s the art on display or the films being screened, the establishment aims to foster new talents, creativity and interconnectivity between art forms. What’s more, it’s conveniently located down the street from our Paris School.

Studio Galande. Photo: LPLT / CC

Studio Galande

Another Latin Quarter film institution, this small theatre has occupied a cellar near Notre Dame since 1973. Although it has a diverse programme of art house films from all around the globe, it is best known for its twice-weekly screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Held every Friday and Saturday night at 10 pm, the Studio Galande is the only European movie theatre to still have regular screenings of Jim Sharman’s cult musical comedy. The lively screenings are accompanied by local costumed performers who lead the audience in sing-alongs and dancing.

Reflet Médicis

Originally a theatre for dramatic productions, since 1964 this Latin Quarter cinema has become one of Paris leading and most active independent film venues. In addition to an varied agenda of art house films of both past and present, the cinema hosts regular retrospectives, debates and conferences. Today it is now part of the Dulac Cinémas, a small group of art house cinemas striving to keep this tradition alive.

Interesting in immersing yourself in Film in Paris? Consider pursuing your knowledge during the one-year Film Master’s degree programme offer by our Paris School of Arts and Culture.

France to Reopen Museums, Cinemas and Theatres on 19 May 2021

After a six month closure, we are extremely pleased that cultural venues will be reopening in France as of 19 May 2021. All museums, art galleries, theatres and cinemas may reopen, under certain conditions. Here is a summary of the new protocols and how it relates to visitors.

Déconfinement Phase 2: 19 May Reopening Conditions

As of 19 May the nation-wide curfew in France will be pushed back to 9pm. Therefore, you will have more time to be able to visit cultural sites and take in movie screenings in person.

All sites can only reopen with a reinforced sanitary protocol. As a general rule, the reopening of sites does not depend on the size of the facility, however, it is capped at 800 people at one time inside and a 1,000 outside (for example, the interior of the Chateau de Versailles and the gardens). However, it also stipulates that there should 8 m2 per visitor until 9 June when the curfew goes up to 11 pm and the space will be 4 m2. Therefore, sites must factor this in when calculating the exact number of people inside the site at one time.

Other conditions include a one one circulation system (similar to what was enforced after last year’s lockdown), hand sanitiser available at the entrance and a preference to booking e-tickets in advance (as is already the case at the Louvre).

Gradual Reopening of Museums & Cultural Sites

Just because sites are allowed to reopen on 19 May, it doesn’t mean that all museums and monuments will be reopening on that exact date. For example, the doors of the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay the Centre Pompidou, the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Chateau de Versailles will be reopening on the 19th, but some sites are waiting until the weekend.

The Palais de Tokyo, Europe’s largest contemporary art centre, will be reopening on Saturday 22 May with an exhibit by performance artist Anne Imhof entitled Natures Mortes (Still Lives). Since the building is quite large, they will be respecting the maximum of 800 visitors at a time.

The highly anticipated opening of the Pinault Collection at the Bourse to Commerce will also take place on 22 May. After several years of extensive renovations, the former grain hall of the Paris central food market has been converted into a new venue of collection of contemporary art. For other venues, it’s advised to check their websites beforehand so you do not arrive to find the site closed.

Free Access for Students

Holders of a student card can obtain free entrance to most museums in Paris. For smaller museums you merely need to present your ID (student and national ID) upon entering or but for larger museums, like the Louvre, you need to book in advance a free student ticket in advance.

At time of publication, the Louvre ticket booking system was not yet activated, however, this is the link (select your date, then the ticket options will come up, you will need to proceed to the check out, but will not be charged for your ticket). The Orsay reservation system is working via this link. Select free of charge reservation, then select “add to cart”, then “I book”, skip the audioguide page by clicking then “I book”, then you’ll have the date and time option. For the Centre Pompidou, follow this link and select a free ticket for a youth or an art/conservatoire student.

Reflet Médicis / Facebook

Movie Theatres

The date of this new déconfinement stage falls on a Wednesday, the traditional day of the week when new films are released. As there has been a backlog of films to be released, there have have been some issues over which ones will come out first. However, film fans should have an exciting few weeks of releases. To help you decide which cinemas to go to in the city, check out our article on the Best Historic Art House Cinemas in Paris.

Enjoy this return to culture and stay safe!

Napoleon’s Paris, Eight Sites Linked to the Emperor

This year France will celebrate the bicentennial of the Emperor’s death, in exile on the Island of Saint Helena on 5 May 1821, with a range of exhibits and events. Although he is a controversial figure for more reasons than one, it is undeniable that Napoléon Bonaparte altered the course of French history and the country as a whole. Napoléon might have spent much of his 15 years in power trying to conquer Europe, however, he did leave his mark on the capital. This was often in the form of grand monuments to himself and his military victories, nevertheless, the city does owe a number of its greatest sites to the Emperor. Here is selection of initiatives and other sites connected to Napoléon in Paris.

L’Ecole Militaire. Photo: Jebulon / CC

L’Ecole Militaire

After initial studies at the military academy of Brienne, Bonaparte came to Paris in October 1784, at the age of 15, to continue his training at the Ecole Militaire. After a year, he left the academy as a second lieutenant in the La Fère artillery regiment. His military career continued to advance through the early years of the Revolution. His surpression of a royalist insurrection in 1795 shot Bonaparte to sudden fame and had him promoted to Commander of the Interior and of the Army of Italy. With his new position, he made the Ecole Militaire his headquarters.

L’Arc de Triomphe

The most famous site connected to Napoléon, and one of the most visited sites in Paris, is certainly this mammoth triumphal arch. After his victory at Austerlitz in 1806, the Emperor commissioned a number of commemorative projects to celebrate his military campaigns. A number of propositions were put forth for the largest of these monuments and, for a time, there were plans to construct a massive elephant fountain in the centre of Place de l’Etoile and at the end of the Champs Elysées. In the end, Napoleon’s love of the antiquities, especially Roman monuments and symbolism, won out. The 50-metre high archway, which was originally designed to commemorate those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, features sculptures by leading artists of the era. Only partially completed when the Emperor was ousted from power in 1814, the archway was finally completed in 1836, during the reign of King Louis-Philippe, just in time for Napoléon’s remains to pass beneath it when they were returned to France on 1840.

L’Arc du Carroussel

Despite its very central location, between the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, this second archway built by Napoléon often gets overshadowed by its more famous bigger sister. Constructed between 1806 and 1808, it too commemorates the battle of Austerlitz and other Napoleonic military victories. It is adorned with pink marble columns, statues and commemorative friezes, although it’s the sculpture on the top that’s the most interesting. During Napoleon’s conquest of Italy, the Horses of Saint Mark’s Basilica, already spoils from the Venetian Republic’s attacks on Constantinople, were pillaged and placed atop the arch. After the fall of Napoleon, the French were forced to return the original and this copy was added in its place.

Colonne Vendôme

Another Roman-style monument, this gigantic column is modelled after Trajan’s column in Rome. Also commemorating the victory at Austerlitz, and placed in the prestigious Place Vendôme, the bronze column was made from the melted down canons captured from the Russians and Austrians defeated in the legendary battle. The base of the 44 metre-high structure are Napoleonic eagles, whereas traveling up it is the story of the battle, atop which is Napoléon, holding a miniature Victory in his hand. This is, however, a replacement of the original column which was toppled by Communards during the 1871 Commune de Paris revolt (more on this event in this article on the Commune).

Fontaine du Palmier

The largest of 15 fountains commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, it was designed to provide fresh drinking water to the city. However, in true Napoleonic style, it also honours his military victories. At the base of the fountain are four sphinxes, eluding to the Emperor’s Egyptian campaign, from where the water spurts into a round basin. Above these are laurel-laden eagles and an Egyptian style column rising in palms, which gives the fountain its name. It too is crowned by Victory, holding out more laurels and the names of various battles are listed around it. This fountain’s location is also significant, built on the former site of Le Grand Châtelet, a formidable fortress and symbol of L’Ancien Régime, destroyed just like La Bastille.

Église de la Madeleine. Photo: Jose Losada / Flickr

L’Eglise de La Madeleine

Although this is a Catholic church today, this Greek Temple-esque structure dominating Place de la Madeleine has had various inceptions. Prior to the French Revolution the building of a church dedicated to Mary Magdalene had begun on this site, a project abandoned during the turmoil and anti-religious times. The foundations and finished portico stood for over a decade before Napoléon decided in 1806 to convert the designs into a Temple to the Glory of the Great Army. Incomplete at the fall of the Emperor, the restitution of the Monarchy steered the building’s course back in the direction of a church. Nevertheless, in 1837 there was talk of turning the building into Paris first railway station, but Mary Magdalene prevailed in the end and the church was consecrated in her honour in 1842.

Place de la Bourse, Photo: mksfca / Flickr

Palais de la Bourse

Although it was decided to move the previous Stock Echanges prior to Napoléon’s reign, he gets the credit for bringing all of Paris’s stock trading under one roof. It’s known as the Palais Brongniart, in honour of its architect, Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart, who was tasked by Bonaparte to design a structure worthy of representing France’s commercial power. Similar in appearance to La Madeleine, the rectangular neoclassical building is also surrounded a colonnade. With the shift of trading online, the building is now rented out for congresses and other events.

Musée-de-l'Armée-Tombeau-de-Napoléon-Eglise-du-Dôme-_-630x405-_-©-OTCP-DR

Tomb of Napoléon, Musée de l’Armée Photo: OTCP/DR

Les Invalides

When Napoléon’s remains returned to France in 1840, it was decided that his final resting place should be the Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Military church of the Les Invalides complex. Built under Louis XIV and designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart from 1677, at 107 metres, the cathedral’s dome is the highest in France and considered by many to be its most beautiful. Gilded in gold on the outside, it is deep in its crypt where the Emperor’s tomb is found, made of red quartzite and sitting on a green granite base. A visit to the tomb is included on entrance tickets to the Musée de l’Armée at the Invalides.

You can further learn about Napoléon in the exhibit dedicated to him taking place at La Villette from 19 May to 19 September, 2021, or by visiting the castles of Malmaison and Fontainebleau, two popular residences of the Emperor.

Alternatively, delve deeper into the history of the city’s art, architecture and film by pursuing one of our Paris Master’s Programmes.

The Best Outdoor Contemporary Sculptures in Paris

Paris is one of the best cities in the world for strolling, the city is an open-air museum for more reasons than the obvious. Its buildings tell the city’s 2000 years of history (including new cutting edge buildings like in this article), but you can also admire some great art, mostly in the form of sculptures, on display in various places around the city. From beautifying the tramway to accentuating parks, here are the some of the best contemporary sculptures displayed around the city.

Bouquet of Tulips, Jeff Koons (above photo)

One of the most recent additions to Paris’s collection of outdoor art is this controversial work by International art superstar Jeff Koons. Inaugurated in October 2019, the oversized bouquet of flowers was gifted by the artist to the city of Paris and its citizens as a gesture of solidarity and hope following the November 2015 terrorist attacks. Nestled within the Champs-Élysées gardens, between the Petit Palais and Place de la Concorde, the ballooning bouquet rises to a height of 12 metres and consists of 11 flowers, instead of the typical dozen, the missing flower symbolising the void caused by the attacks. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s growing on Parisians!

Le Bel costumé, Jean Dubuffet. Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Flickr

Le Bel Costumé, Jean Dubuffet

One usually thinks of classical sculptures when imagining the Tuileries Gardens, however, these formal royal gardens are actually home to a number of contemporary and modern sculptures, this being the one that stands out the most. In signature Dubuffet style the four-metre high sculpture, The Beautiful Costume in English, is an outlined figure in white and black with sections of primary colours. Originally designed in 1973 for the entrance to a wing of the National Gallery of Art of Washington, the current piece was created in 1998 and installed in this location in 2000.

Tree of Vowels, Giuseppe Penone. Photo: L R / Flickr

Tree of Vowels, Giuseppe Penone

Also in the Jardin des Tuileries, but contrary to the Dubuffet, this work by Italian artist Giuseppe Penone almost goes unnoticed. Blending perfectly into its natural environment is what appears to be a fallen tree. Penone’s art often relates to nature, and the tree is a common subject matter of his. The work was commissioned by the French State in 1999, the year in which torrential storms felled thousands of trees in and around the capital. Cast in bronze the 30 metre-long sculpture was inaugurated the next year in 2000. Once you find its discreet location (in a side section on the south side of the garden), you can contemplate the work in tranquility on a nearby bench.

Les Enfants du Monde, Rachid Khimoune. Photo: Rachid Khimoune

The Children of the World, Rachid Khimoune

Installed on a grassy lawn in the east end Parc de Bercy, near the Simone-de-Beauvoir bridge, are these whimsical sculptures by French artist Rachid Khimoune. Commissioned for year 2000, the artist chose to represent the 21st century with 21 bronze statues depicting children from 21 countries. The artist himself has Algerian roots, and on his travels around the globe, he collected urban items, such as cobblestones, sewer plates and broken bitumen, which he used to create the works.

La danse de la fontaine émergente, Chen Zhen and Xu Min. Photo: Une Autre Asie

La Danse de la Fontaine Emergente, Chen Zhen and Xu Min

Emerging from the ground of the Place Augusta-Holmes in the 13th arrondissement is this sculpture by Chen Zhen and Xu Min, The Dance of the Emerging Fountain. The work was a commissioned by the City of Paris in 1999 to French-Chinese artist, Chen Zhen, however, the artist passed away the following year before finishing the work. Fortunately, it was decided that another artist with Chinese roots, Xu Min, would complete the sculpture. The stylised dragon, made of transparent tubes and metal, appears to snake in and out for the paving-stoned ground of the square. The 13th district’s is home to Paris’s largest Chinatown and the dragon is of course an important symbol for the Chinese. A modern “fountain”, the work, which comes out of an underground water storage facility, has water flowing through it and is lit up at night.

Monochrome for Paris, Nancy Rubins. Photo: Fred Romero / Flickr

Monochrome for Paris, Nancy Rubins

Also found in the 13th district, in the Esplanade Vidal-Naquet, this sculpture by American artist Nancy Rubins was inaugurated in 2013. The monumental work, rising to 10 metres and consists of a grouping of 50 stainless steel canoes and 10 boats, is aptly found near the Seine River. The work falls within the artist’s “Monochrome” series, with similar works in other cities, like Las Vegas and Chicago. It was commissioned, along with 14 works by other artists, by the city of Paris to add a cultural touch to the T3 tramway line. You can hop on and off the tram to see all the works, including 1SQMH (One Square Meter House) by French artist and architect Didier Fiuza Faustino (Porte d’Ivry station), Tchaïkovski by the French artist Claude Lévêque (Montsouris), From Boullée to Eternity by American artist Dan Graham (Porte de Versailles) and “Murmurs,” a sound installation by French artist Christian Boltanski (Cité Universitaire).

The Centaur, César. Photo: Oeil de Verre / Flickr

The Centaur, César

Although this work is a little older, its central location in Place Michel Degré in the 6th arrondissement means that you’ll likely walk by it at some point during your time in Paris. Made by prominent French artist César Baldaccini, the original model of the sculpture, the half-man half horse figure from Greek Mythology, was created by the artist in 1976 as a tribute to great Pablo Picasso. If you look closely you can find a small statue of Liberty hiding in the breastplate of the centaur. The sculpture was among 100 works commissioned by the Minister of Culture Jack Lang in 1983. You can see another momental work by César, The Thumb (1994), at La Défense, the business district located to the west of Paris which is home to a number of other modern and contemporary sculptures.

Sculpture lovers may also want to take a stroll through the Jardin Tino Rossi, a park located along the Seine in the 5th district which contains the Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air, an open-air sculpture museum with thirty sculptures, including another work by César as well as works by Brancusi and Zadkine.

If you’re interested in exploring more urban art in Paris, have a look at our article on the top street artists in Paris.

Top Photo: Bouquet of Tulips, Jeff Koons – Sortir a Paris

Save the Date for our Annual Paris Postgraduate Festival!

Our Paris School’s Five-day Cultural Festival – 1-5 June 2021

The COVID-19 global pandemic has shattered life as we knew it. Through this destruction, the importance of our artistic values has been made clear. Art allows us to escape the repetition of the everyday. Art allows us to inhabit the spaces and bodies that reach beyond our wildest dreams. Art is a tool we can use to construct a new reality.

Therefore, this year’s Postgraduate Festival organised by the students of the Paris School of Arts and Culture will focus on the theme of Escapism. Our theme is now more relevant than ever; don’t we all want to escape from the daily reality that we are faced with during this pandemic?

Given current health and safety measures, the festival will take place virtually, however, this also allows us to go beyond geographic boundaries. It is time for us to join together as a community and rebuild our world—one that is no longer confined to the physical realm. By dedicating a week to artistic endeavours revolving around Escapism, we welcome you to consider the role art plays in your conception of the world.

We are hoping to provide you with an escape from our current reality through a programme of thought-provoking virtual events, including talks by drag performers, authors and artists, as well as a film screening and paint and sip event, all with the participation of creatives from around the globe.

We are warmly inviting you to our online escape. Stay tuned for the full programme soon available on the festival website or follow our social media accounts (Facebook / Instagram) for the latest news and guest announcements.

Stay safe,
University of Kent Paris Festival Team

Graduate Profile: PhD Candidate Lydia Hiraide

In the latest in our alumni series, we caught up with Lydia Hiraide, who recently graduated from our previously offered MA in Postcolonial Studies at our Paris School. Lydia is now studying for a PhD in Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London, after receiving CHASE funding following a glowing reference from the School of English.

What are you doing now?
I am studying for my PhD in Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London.

What attracted you to your course, and to Kent? Where did you study prior?
Prior to studying at Kent, I completed my undergraduate degree at SOAS, University of London with a year abroad at Sciences Po Paris. One of the reasons I wanted to study at Kent was to return to France and take up the opportunity to study at the Paris School of Arts and Culture. I was excited about taking my research and ideas across borders, particularly as my MA was to be in Postcolonial Studies. The chance to think about themes of diaspora and exile whilst actually exploring different geographical spaces was a definite pull.

Which aspects of your degree did you enjoy the most, and why?
Of course, one of the aspects I enjoyed the most of my degree were my classes. With the seminars being so small, we had a real chance to fully discuss and explore the key themes and ideas each week. Teachers encouraged us to be critically open-minded, giving us the opportunity to learn as deeply as possible. One of my modules was delivered in partnership with the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London which was great because it allowed me to engage with practitioner as well as academic perspectives. It also meant that I could pop into the exhibitions and bookshop after class which was terrific! I also really enjoyed taking up all the extracurricular activities that Kent had to offer both in Canterbury and in Paris. Whilst I was based at Canterbury, I undertook short Study Plus courses on things like art history and languages – a fantastic way to broaden my thinking and step out of my disciplinary box a couple of times a week. As a student in the School of English, I regularly attended creative writing evenings where faculty shared their work in a wonderful, open, and dynamic atmosphere. At Reid Hall in Paris, there were often exciting evening talks and events where I got to think about my interests from different perspectives and meet new people too. There was always something extra to do or see!

How has your time at Kent helped you in your career so far?
Whilst I was at Kent, I received the Ian Gregor Scholarship and I most definitely would not have been able to complete my MA without it. My MA has been indispensable to my doctoral research because it gave me the ability to self-direct and carry out research independently. The ideas and themes I explored in my classes have also greatly informed the content of my research today. I was encouraged to think deeply and critically about each issue and discovered a range of new thinkers. During my time at Kent, I also massively improved my language skills as I was able to take advantage of the Language Centre to brush up on my French – a language which I now use in my doctoral research.

Were you actively involved in any research centres or projects?
I co-edited the sixth volume of Litterae Mentis, the School of English’s postgraduate literary journal, which was recently released. It was challenging to get it together during a pandemic but it was so fantastic to work with other students, get to know the peer review system, and finally see the project fully realised.

What impressed you most about our academic staff?
I was in the middle of my MA at Kent just as the Covid pandemic first broke out and we had the first lockdown in France. Our teachers worked extremely hard to keep our classes going and make sure we still got the most out of our studies whilst remaining deeply compassionate, warm, and empathetic. I have also been very touched by the way that the support of the staff at Kent has stretched beyond the end of my course. I am still in touch with some of my teachers and they have also supported me to secure my place on a PhD program as well as a funded studentship for it.

Are you still in touch with any of your friends from University?
I am in touch with one or two.

Did you undertake any work experience whilst at Kent? What did you do? Did you find it was helpful in your studies and has it benefited your career to date?
I didn’t undertake work experience as such but was due to assist on a university project collaborating with a local secondary school where the students were supposed to come to Paris for a few days. Unfortunately, the project did not go ahead, but I got some good French practice in helping to sort out museum tickets and planning a picturesque tour route!

Could you describe a typical day in your current role?
Each day varies quite largely for me as a PhD student. My schedule is almost entirely self-designed so I have to put quite a bit of time into planning my week in accordance with my monthly, termly, and yearly goals. I meet with my supervisor every two weeks, so I normally spend the time in between these meetings doing some reading and writing. I’m generally an early riser so I spend the mornings handling any admin tasks, sorting and sending emails, managing my bibliographies/reading lists, and getting a bit of exercise in. Then, usually I spend the rest of the day reading, watching documentaries, and making notes before finding some time to do some writing. Some evenings I take language courses online but if not, I will always find some time to relax, watch a silly film, or spend time with my family.

What are your future plans/aspirations?
After completing my PhD at Goldsmiths, I hope to secure a lectureship teaching in a university.

Are you currently working, or have you recently worked on any interesting projects that you would like to tell us a bit more about?
I am currently working on my PhD which looks at intersectionality and the environmental movement in Europe. I am exploring the ways that activists organise in the UK and in France in order to think about what it means to move towards a Black feminist theory of ecology. The project works with mixed methods and thus includes archival research, interviews, and theoretical work. Alongside my PhD, I have also been working on other research projects – one being based at Utrecht University which looks at inequalities in work-life balance, and the other based at the British Library on thinking about the role of the library in environmental policy.

What is your favourite memory of Kent?
It is difficult to choose just one but perhaps seeing rabbits ambling along the grass on campus! Being from London, this was quite rare and exciting for me. Being on campus in general was a wonderful and refreshing change from the greyness of the capital.

What advice would you give to somebody thinking of coming to Kent?
I would say to have a look at everything the university has to offer. Of course, you come to Kent to study your degree course but there is so much more available than that! From short Study Plus courses to SU events and activities to student organised research initiatives, there is so much to do both on and off campus. It’s worth finding out what is available as there is definitely something for everyone! (Also – that there is a free shuttle bus running between Medway and Canterbury. This was crucial to me as I was commuting!)

How would you describe your time at Kent in three words?
Challenging, exciting, eye-opening.

Top Street Artists to Spot Around Paris

Although Paris comes across as a more classic city when it comes to art, it actually has an exciting street art scene. This is thanks to innovative street artists who have forged a path for newcomers and added colour to the beige palette of the cityscape. Here are some of the pioneering figures and most active ones today as well as some tips on where you can seek out their works.

Blek Le Rat. Photo: Eric Lin / Flickr

Blek Le Rat

One of the earliest French street artist and one of the very first to use stencils, since the early 1980s this artist has been stencilling rats, and other images, across the city. According to the artist, the rat “the only free animal in the city”, and one which “spreads the plague everywhere, just like street art”. In 1991 he was arrested while stenciling on the Champs Elysées, therefore, since then he’s been creating his works on paper and pasting them instead of painting them directly onto buildings. His work has become more political over the years, addressing topics such as the environment and homelessness. Learn more about his work in this short documentary in English by Arte.

Miss.tic rue de Veron / L.Heise

Miss.Tic

One of France’s first street artists, Miss.Tic’s black and white stencil art is usually paired with a short poem or pun. A feminist, her provocative work, often featuring a dark hair woman, challenges female stereotypes and the representation of the female body. You can spot a number of her works around Montmartre (like some new ones on rue de Veron), where she spent her early childhood years.

Jef Aerosol, place Igor Stravinsky. Photo: Ferdinand Feys / Flickr

Jef Aerosol

Another artist who’s been added colour to the capital since the early 1980s, Jef Aérosol’s (Jean-François Perroy) works span the globe and he currently lives in the northern French city of Lille. His mostly stencil-based murals are usually in the form of oversized portraits. These always have a red arrow somewhere on them, a symbol to help you know that it his work. In fact, you have probably already seen his most famous work in Paris, the gigantic mural entitled Chuuuttt!!! (Hush!), painted in 2011 on a building wall in place Igor Stravinsky next to the Centre Pompidou.

Invader. Photo: Delete / Flickr

Invader

With just shy of 4,000 works in almost 80 cities around the world, Invader (Franck Slama) is France’s best known and most widespread street artist. A graduate of the Fine Arts Academy of Rouen, since 1996 he has been creating his signature space invaders and other pixelated mosaic works, mostly inspired by 1970s and 80s video games. These often have a slight creative twist, like the above image, or with a subtle twist connected to the work’s location. There are over 1,000 in Paris, often in the most unlikely places, there’s even one on the Eiffel Tower! You can have fun logging (and verifying the authenticity) of the ones you find via the app, Flash Invader, which tallies up your points, just like a video game.

Les temps d’une vie, C215. Photo: Jeanne Menjoulet / Flickr

C215

Born in the Parisian suburb of Bondy, C215 (Christian Guémy) now lives and works in Ivry-sur-Seine. He’s put this southern suburb on the “street art map”, but his work can be found around the capital and in a number of cities around the world. Active since 2006, C215 is known for his vivid and beautifully done stencilled portraits with spray-painted colour added. Instead of building walls, these can usually be found on post boxes or other utility objects. His work often explores social issues and feature the portraits of the homeless or refugees. He’s also been commissioned to do various projects for the different Parisian districts, including the portraits of important historical figures of the Marais and the 5^th arrondissement, some of which are still visible in these neighborhoods.

Le Diamantaire. Photo: Nefasth / Flickr

Le Diamantaire

Another street artist who doesn’t use a spray can, Le Diamantaire (the “Diamond Maker”) is known for his diamond-shaped creations. Born in 1987 in the Normand city of Caen, he trained in various metal-working techniques. He started using these skills to make street art in 2008. His diamonds tend to be made of pieces of mirror he finds and are often painted different colours. The artist sees these as jewels for the city and can often be found next to the street signs, which are posted onto buildings in Paris.

If you’d like a little more guidance on discovering street art in Paris, refer to this handy interactive map which is also updated regularly.

If you would like to study the history of art in Paris in more depth, considering pursuing our Master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Art.

A Possible Return to Travel between the US and France as of May

In a live interview with CBS News on Sunday, 18 April 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron gave encouraging prospects for a return to travel between France and the US as early as the beginning of May.

In the English-language interview on the show “Face the Nation”, Macron stated that restrictions will be gradually lifted from the beginning of May for Americans who have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine or can show proof a negative PCR test. He said that this was already in discussion between Paris and Washington, whose officials are finalising the details of what would be a sort of digital health travel pass. He outlined that this is possible due to France’s increased level of vaccination.

The interview, which you can view above, also touched on joint efforts between the US and Europe to help the vaccination effort in developing countries, meeting the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement, the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine and racism and social inequality in France and the US.

Further details about the travel pass and a timeline will hopefully be announced shortly. Since the outbreak of the pandemic travel for holders of a student visa has been maintained. Therefore, students who pursue one of our Master’s Programmes in Paris have been allowed to travel to France and stay for the validity of their visa.

In the first months of the pandemic, the French government automatically extended long-stay student visas by six months to ensure that students were not stranded without a valid residence permit. This proactive measure would likely be repeated if a similar situation were to arise in the future, a move which should help prospective students feel more confident about making plans to study in Paris. Further information about how we’ve adapted in regards to Covid safety and regulations at our Paris School has been outlined in this Spring term teaching update.

Despite the facility of student visas, the opening of the borders is still welcome news for those wishing to have fluid travel to and from the US (and other countries to be announced) as well as those hoping to visit their family members or friends studying in Paris, safely and within the official Covid regulations.

Graduate Profile: Novelist & Writer Jessica Andrews

In this edition of our Paris School of Arts and Culture (PSAC) Alumni Spotlight series we connect with writer and novelist Jessica Andrews, a graduate of our Creative Writing Master’s Programme. Her debut novel, Saltwater, won the Portico Prize 2020 and has been translated in five languages. Her writing has been published in The Guardian, Stylist, Radio 4, The Independent, ELLE, among others. Discover how Jessica’s time at PSAC helped advance her career and hone her craft in our interview with her below.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris?

I grew up in Sunderland and moved to London to study for a BA in English Literature at King’s College London. I spent a year in London after graduation and then decided to apply for an MA in Creative Writing. I really liked the MA course offered by Kent and Paris seemed like an exciting place to live, study and work.

What attracted you most about studying at PSAC?

I wanted to study a Creative Writing course that combined both poetry and fiction. The MA in Paris seemed like an immersive way to learn about another culture. Paris has a lot of literary history and so felt like a good place to study writing.

What were some of the highlights of your experience?

The workshops were small and intimate and I learned a lot from my tutors and peers. I was particularly inspired by visiting lecturers such as Lauren Elkin and Adam Biles. I loved attending literary events at Shakespeare and Company bookshop and the occasional literature and music event at Reid Hall. At the end of the week, my course used to go to La Rotonde bar together to talk about books and ideas and it was exciting to be in a place with so much literary history. Learning French also gave me a new perspective on language which helped improve my writing. The MA gave me permission to take my writing seriously and space to experiment and develop my voice. I spent the summer living in Paris after my course, where I learned a lot about forging my own way in the world.

What are you currently doing and how did that opportunity come about?

My debut novel, Saltwater, was published in 2019. I began writing a novel at Kent and knew it was something I wanted to continue after graduation. I was working lots of jobs and struggling to find time to write, so when my grandfather in Ireland died and left a small house in the mountains of Donegal, I decided to go and live there for a few months and write. While I was at Kent, I had a short story published in the Kent Anthology. An agent read my story in the anthology and contacted me while I was writing my novel. When it was finished, I sent it to him and he helped me to find a publisher. I was offered a two-book deal so I am currently working on my second novel, which will hopefully be published in 2022.

I also co-edit The Grapevine, a literary and arts magazine, with Catherine Madden, whom I met on my MA and who also studies at Kent. I recently set up a literary podcast, Tender Buttons, with my partner, in collaboration with Storysmith Books in Bristol.

Do you think that your studies at PSAC helped with your career prospects?

Definitely. Prior to my MA, I had never really met a professional writer before. The brilliant tutors and writers at Kent were generous with their knowledge and were always very invested in my work, which helped build my confidence. They made me feel like writing a novel was something I might be able to do one day. The workshop setting gave me space to experiment and develop my voice. I kept in touch with my tutors and they continue to give me advice about the publishing world. I also made close friends on the course and set up The Grapevine with them.

Would you recommend PSAC to potential students and if so what would you tell them?

Yes – studying, living and working in Paris gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural history. It gives you access to the vibrant literary scene in Paris and the brilliant events run by Shakespeare and Company bookshop. The tutors are very knowledgeable and insightful and it gives you the time and space to build your confidence as a writer or academic and to develop your skills and voice.

Merci beaucoup Jessica!

Connect with Jessica:

Website: www.jessica-andrews.com

Instagram: @itbeginswiththebody

Twitter: @jessicacandrews

A New Wave of French Filmmakers

France has played an vital role in evolution of film, from its early days with the likes of the Lumière brothers and Georges Méliès and via the Nouvelle Vague period and beyond. However, after studying the history of this art form, whether your taking our Master’s in Film in Paris or are simply a film fan, it is then worthwhile to discover what French filmmakers are doing today. In fact, over the last decade, the industry has been regenerated thanks to a wave of new filmmakers, representing the diversity of the country and examining the real France of the 21st century. Here are some noteworthy up and coming French directors to watch.

Ladj Ly. Photo: Léa Desjours / LaCourneuve.fr

Ladj Ly

Born to Malian parents and raised in the Parisian suburbs, this director’s work generally revolves around social issues and the conditions of the marginalised residents of the Parisian suburbs. He first got involved in film by making documentaries and collaborated on various projects with Romain Gavras (the son of Costa-Gavras), street artist JR and hip hop artist Oxmo Puccino. He made international headways in 2019 with his first feature film, Les Misérables, a modern-day take on Victor Hugo classic novel of the same name. It won a Jury Prize at Cannes, the Best Film at the Césars (the French Film Awards) and was nominated in the Best Foreign Film category at the Academy Awards.

Céline Sciamma. Photo: George Biard / CC

Céline Sciamma

A graduated of the prestigious La Fémis, the French National Film School, this screenwriter and director’s films often explores gender fluidity and sexual identity. She is also a founding member of the French branch of the Colléctif 50/50, a movement advocating for gender equality and diversity in the film industry. Her debut film, Naissance des Pieuvres (Water Lilies, 2007), made at the age of 28, was selected for Cannes’s Un certain regard section and was nominated for three César Awards. Written in only a few months and shot in less than three weeks, her 2011 film Tomboy was an official selection at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival. Her work continued to garner more and more international recognition, with her 2014 film Bande de Filles (Girlhood) screened in the Directors’ Fortnight section of Cannes and at Sundance and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Her next feature film, Portrait de la jeune fille en feu (Portrait of a Lady on Fire), won the Queer Palm and Best Screenplay at Cannes in 2019. Her latest film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2021 and is likely to receive its own share of accolades.

Houda Benyamina. Photo: Georges Biard / CC

Houda Benyamina

Also from the Parisian suburbs, this director and screenwriter of Moroccan origins began a career as an actress before shifting to behind the camera. She started off by making a series of short films, social satires on life in the suburbs, which were screened on major French TV channels. Her first feature film, Divines (2016), which she also co-wrote, was a powerful look at life in the suburbs and the prospects for its youth. It was selected for Quinzaine des réalisateurs at Cannes, for which she won a Caméra d’Or. It was also awarded the César for Best Film and was screened at TIFF. She is also involved in social activism and is the founder of 1000 Visages, an association which aims to make the film industry more accessible for suburban youth.

Xavier Legrand. Photo: Vandamna / CC

Xavier Legrand

Another actor-turned-director, after a successful start on stage and in front of the camera, in 2013 Xavier Legrand made his first short film, Avant que de tout perdre (Just Before Losing Everything). It received a number of accolades including the 2014 César for a Short Film and a nomination in the same category at the Academy Awards. His first feature film, Jusqu’à la garde (Custody), released in 2017, was equally praised. It received two prizes at the Venice film festival, the Lion of the Future for Best Debut film and the Silver Lion for Best Director as well as five Césars including Best Film.

Alice Diop. Photo: Chris93 / CC

Alice Diop

Another creative from the Parisian suburbs, this writer and director of Senegalese parents is establishing herself on France’s documentary scene. Diop’s youth spent in the infamous 3000 housing project led her to make her first film, La Tour du monde (The Tower of the World), in 2005. After producing several other documentaries and a short film, her 2015 documentary Vers la tendresse (Towards Tenderness) won the César for Best Short Film. Her latest film, Nous (Us) won the Best Film in the Encounters section of the Berlin International Film Festival 2021, but is yet to have a commercial release. She is also active in the Colléctif 50/50.

Justine Triet. Photo: George Biard / CC

Justine Triet

After originally studying fine art, Justine Triet shifted to filmmaking and screenwriting. Well-crafted screenplays, her films revolve around modern relationships. The spotlight was cast on Triet in 2013 with the release of her first feature film, La Bataille de Solférino (Age of Panic). It was screened at Cannes in the Sélection ACID (Association of the distribution of independent film) and she was featured in the influential Cahiers du cinéma magazine as an up-and-coming talent to watch. Her second, Victoria (In Bed With Victoria), was the opening film in the Semaine de la critiques section at Cannes in 2016 and was nominated for five Césars. Her third film, Sibyl, was selected for the official competition at Cannes in 2019. She too is a member of the collectif 50/50.