FROM MARCH 1-31, IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE LES RENDEZ-VOUS DE LA FRANCOPHONIE!

From March1 to 31, it’s time to celebrate Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie!     Ottawa, February 28, 2025 – The Dialogue Foundation and its partners are proud to launch the 27th edition of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (RVF). This year’s theme : “Cultivate your roots!” Throughout the month of March, Garihanna Jean-Louis and Guyaume Boulianne, co-spokespersons for the 2025 RVF, will embark on a cross-country comedy and music tour. At the same time, many other activities celebrating Francophone culture will be taking place across the country.

	Well-rooted communities  With its visual image of intertwined roots highlighting the strong bonds that unite Canada’s Francophone communities, the RVF will resonate with millions of people ready to celebrate in their communities!   Some 30 Canadian organizations have received an RVF microgrant to help them celebrate Francophone culture. Hundreds of institutions, schools and libraries have reserved free screenings from the National Film Board. The RVF spokespersons will give dozens of comedy shows and musical performances. Many other special activities will take place across the country throughout March!   Check the RVF events calendar to discover the many available “rendezvous,” and find an activity in your community that interests you!   Fun contests  Once again, the RVF is offering its popular Canada-wide contests! There’s something for everyone, with exciting prizes up for grabs!   Check out these 2025 contests: Comme on dit par chez nous, presented by Air Canada and the Language Portal of Canada (an initiative of Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Translation Bureau), gives a humorous introduction to Canadian Francophone expressions. Il était un poème, presented by NAV CANADA, VIA Rail Canada, the FrancoCanadian publishers group REFC and Parks Canada, will introduce you to some very talented amateur poets. It’s up to you to vote for your favourite video!  Mots en couleurs, for primary or elementary school students, and Neurones francophones, for secondary school students, are two contests presented by the Language Portal of Canada, the Les Libraires network, the Franco-Canadian publishers group REFC and La Cité. The contests involve classroom learning activities that are both fun and educational.   A vibrant Canada-wide programme  Starting on March 1, you can view the entire program for this lively edition rooted in Francophone culture! The RVF.ca site gives you access to community and teacher resources, Francophone music and audio theatre performances, and activities and contests for students. For its 20th year of participation in the RVF, the National Film Board is offering you six programs of films, including the documentary Trécarré: À la source du son de la Baie Sainte-Marie (Trécarré: Exploring the Saint Mary’s Bay Sound), in addition to free films on its website.     Quotes  “In Canada, our Francophonie grows stronger with each new generation. I’m proud that our government continues to support and promote Francophone talent across the country. I hope you’ll take advantage of the many activities happening throughout the month of March to learn wonderful, new things!” [Translation] – Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety   “The Translation Bureau, a proud partner of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (RVF), invites you to immerse yourself in Francophone culture! Through the work of the Language Portal of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Translation Bureau is delighted to contribute to the RVF, a not-to-be-missed event for Francophones and Francophiles of all ages. The Bureau encourages you to take part in the exciting festivities promoting Francophone culture.” – Jean-François Lymburner, Chief Executive Officer, Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada   “Did you know that the NFB has been participating in Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie for 20 years – 20 years of celebrating our rich Francophone heritage, 20 years of celebrating our talented filmmakers. For us, the Francophonie is even more than a commitment – it’s a part of our family album!” – Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada   “As the organizer for the RVF, the Dialogue Network always takes great pride in offering a variety of activities and contests highlighting the richness of our Francophone culture and the vitality of its communities. It’s thanks to our many partners that the RVF can offer so much content during the month of March, and we want to express our gratitude to them!” – Ajà Besler, Executive Director of the Dialogue Network