Languages, even the ones we don’t speak, appeal to us for their aural quality. This writer often listens to French compositions and dialogues to experience their elegance. But a language swells up in its communicative power when supplemented by cultural context. And Francophonie, a global organisation of countries and groups that speak French, was founded on that idea. With March 20 being observed as International Francophonie Day, and the month rejoiced for diverse Francophone cultures, Mumbai will witness a film festival that celebrates the unique sound and visual qualities of French cinema. Presented by Alliance Française de Bombay, the five-day festival looks to uphold the beauty of diversity.

A few moments from the films L’employee du mois