An entertainment phenomenon is taking France by storm. Bref. is a hilarious and racy TV series, each episode of which lasts about 1.5 to 2 minutes (as the name implies). The format is a high-speed montage of experiences in the life of the endearingly pathetic protagonist played by Kyan Khojandi.
Bref. depicts the modern daily life of single, late 20- and early 30-somethings in Paris and is full of great slang. A hip and creative professor could come up with some fun activities around this series for advanced — university/adult — language learners.
The show airs weeknights in France during Le Grand Journal (prime time variety show), and if you’re not in France, you can watch them all here. But be warned, most of these videos are probably NSFW. You can follow the show on Twitter too: @BrefSerie.
Be looking for spinoffs in your own country (though I doubt they’ll be nearly as spicy). It’s only a matter of time!
Video, radio and advertising archives are available to stream or download from the INA site (at least partly translated into English). Plus a nice boutique where you can get cool stuff like the Brigitte Bardot calendar in the image above.
Meet Charlotte Lebon, québecoise supermodel turned weather girl/comedian on Le Grand Journal, a news/variety show that is a staple of the French TV diet. Charlotte, the new Miss Météo, gives a weather report that’s actually a mini comedy act, and we think she’s the best Miss Météo yet. Louise Bourgoin, a former LGJ Miss Météo, went on to act in feature films.
“You sayin’ New Orleans is not a great city? A city that lives in the imagination of the world?”
Absolutely do not miss Treme, the new HBO series on the city and its inhabitants doing their best to bounce back three months after Katrina. Fabulous music and characters that bring to life the unique culture of the city, product of so many diverse cultural influences.
The international news network’s application for the iPad is now available free from the App Store. iPad users can enjoy live broadcast from France 24’s three language channels, or watch the latest newscast, weather forecast and sports flash on demand.
We admit we watch La Nouvelle Star, and this year we are ébahis by the big voice and personality of 19-year-old Luce from Perpignan. She’s also captured the heart of judge Lio: “Quel petit bout de bonne femme, quel petit personnage…” You’ll definitely be seeing more of Luce. Join her Facebook fan club.
Jim Carrey flirts with glamorous French TV news anchor Claire Chazal, blows kisses to Paris, says he’s descended from a French pirate. We believe him. Link
You too can master the complexities of French culture with the help of the animated educational series Karambolage! It artfully compares little-known historical and cultural aspects of French and German culture.
Teachers, take note! You can buy the books and DVDs and watch Karambolage on arte.tv.
