Madrid’s French Alliance Ignites Autumn with Art, Film & Literature – Breaking News!
Madrid, Spain – October 10, 2025 – The Alliance Française de Madrid is buzzing with activity this autumn, launching a series of captivating cultural events designed to immerse the city in the richness of French language and culture. From a whimsical comic exhibition exploring the life of an expat to a vibrant film festival for young audiences and an intimate literary encounter, the Alliance Française is solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the Spanish capital. This is breaking news for anyone interested in French culture in Spain, and we’ve optimized this article for instant Google indexing.
“Francis Dessine”: A Humorous Look at Expat Life
Starting October 9th and running through December 20, 2025, the Alliance Française de Madrid will showcase the work of Bordeaux-born illustrator Francis Dessine. His exhibition, aptly titled “Francis Draw,” offers a charming and often humorous glimpse into the daily experiences of an expatriate and professor navigating life in Madrid. Dessine’s style, deeply rooted in Franco-Belgian comics and graphic novels, resonates with a growing online community he’s cultivated on Instagram. Interestingly, Dessine isn’t just an artist; he’s also a publisher, having founded UNSerpentprendledeus in 2024, demonstrating a commitment to fostering independent creative expression. This exhibition isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s a window into the universal challenges and joys of building a life in a new country.
Festinema Junior: French Cinema Takes Center Stage for Young Viewers
For younger audiences, the Alliance Française de Madrid presents Festinema Junior on October 22nd and 24th at the MK2 Ciné Paz cinema. This festival, part of the broader Red de Alianzas Francesas in España network, offers school groups a curated selection of French-language films. This year’s program includes the heartwarming classic Les Choristes (2004), a story about the transformative power of music, alongside the more recent Le Chemin du Roy (2023), a poignant drama exploring the pressures faced by gifted students. Other featured films include Toni avec la famille (2023) and Azur et Asmar (2006), offering diverse perspectives and celebrating themes of family, courage, diversity, and tolerance. Festinema Junior isn’t simply a film screening; it’s a carefully designed educational experience intended to spark discussion and critical thinking in the classroom.
“Bubbles of Life”: A Literary Journey of Self-Discovery
On October 30th, the Alliance Française de Madrid will host a literary meeting with Isabelle Auroux, author of her debut work, Bubbles of Life: Breathe Locked Up. Auroux, a French expatriate living in Spain for two decades, returns to her native tongue to explore themes of identity, desire, motherhood, and mortality. Born from the introspection of confinement, the book is a collection of deeply personal yet universally relatable essays. Auroux’s writing is praised for its honesty and vulnerability, offering readers a space for self-reflection. The event will be held at the Alliance Française’s media library and will be accessible both in person and online via Zoom, making it accessible to a wider audience. This event is a prime example of how the Alliance Française de Madrid is fostering a vibrant community around French language and culture.
The Alliance Française de Madrid’s autumn program is a testament to the enduring power of cultural exchange. These events offer not only entertainment and education but also opportunities for connection and understanding. For those seeking to immerse themselves in French culture, or simply looking for enriching experiences in Madrid, the Alliance Française is the place to be. Stay tuned to archyde.com for more breaking news and in-depth coverage of cultural events around the globe. Don’t forget to register for events at www.afmadrid.es.
