PHILO BISTRO

Mission Impossible... with Jack Beaumont

Wed 5 February

At 6pm

In French (B1.4+)

Venue

257 Clarence Street,
CBD, Sydney

$15 non members - $10 for members
A glass of wine included

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Join us as we launch the 4th season of Philo Bistro at the Alliance Française of Sydney! This evening will explore the exciting world of spy cinema, featuring Jack Beaumont, a former spy turned bestselling author of The Frenchman (2021) and Dark Arena (2024).

During the evening, we will explore Jack Beaumont’s books, including his 3rd novel which will come out in July 2025, all of which are directly inspired by his experiences as a French intelligence officer. Through these gripping stories, we’ll discover how the realism of his accounts resonates with readers and why espionage tales continue to captivate audiences.

We will also explore Jack Beaumont’s favorite spy films, chosen for their realism, from classics like The Spy Who Came in from the Cold to more modern works like Skyfall. Jack will reflect on how these films capture the complexity and shadows of the espionage world. He will share his insights on how cinema enhances these intricate narratives and why it continues to be such a powerful reflection of our society.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the intersection of intrigue, where fiction meets reality, and cinema and literature come together to celebrate the art of spy storytelling. It’s the perfect way to kick off the final stretch toward our own Alliance Française French Film Festival!

Join us for a special soirée of discussion, reflection and meaningful exchange.

Discover our series of philosophy meet-ups - à la française!

During these themed sessions moderated by published author, Olivier Vojetta, explore ideas of social and cultural importance, unpack contemporary issues and re-examine how you understand the world. Each meet-up is an opportunity to engage in friendly debate and discussion over a glass of wine, whilst practising your French speaking, listening and comprehension skills. 

We recommend French level B2+ to participate. No additional preparation is necessary. 

About our moderator:

Olivier Vojetta was born in Nancy, France and lived in London for more than 10 years before moving Down Under with his Australian wife. He is a fiction writer who has published several novels in French. 

Full program:

Please note that a separate booking is required to attend each session. 



Previously...


Tuesday 10 December 2024, 6:30pm

AI, Philosophy & The Meaning of Life
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Join us for the final Philo Bistro of the year at the Alliance Française Sydney, where we’ll dive into the intriguing intersection of AI, philosophy, and what it truly means to be human.
This special evening will bring together three renowned experts to explore the ethical, philosophical, and cognitive dimensions of AI:

  • Sarah Vallée – An international expert in AI governance and ethics from the ANU School of Cybernetics, offering insights into the global discourse on AI systems.
  • Raphaël Millière – A philosophy lecturer at Macquarie University, guiding us through the complexities of artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and the mind.
  • Paul Egré – A senior researcher at CNRS, affiliated with the French Australian IRL Crossing specialized in human-machine teaming, sharing expertise on natural language processing and the philosophical implications of vagueness in AI.



Wednesday 20 November 2024, 6:30pm

Let's talk about food... with Barbara Santich



Wednesday 09 October 2024, 6:30pm
Simon Fieschi: Life after Charlie Hebdo
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE



Wednesday 11 September 2024, 6:30pm
Marcel Pagnol par Nicolas Pagnol
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE



Wednesday 28 August 2024, 6:30pm
4 Women Shaking Up The Australian Art Scene
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE



Wednesday 12 June 2024, 6:00pm
On the red carpet with rising star Nathalie Morris
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE



Thursday 9 May 2024, 6:30pm,
A Tale of Two Authors: An Evening with Catherine Rey and Olivier Vojetta
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE



Wednesday 10 April 2024, 6:30pm
The Marvelous Miss Augustine Soubeiran
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE



Thursday 15 February 2024, 6:30pm,

In conversation with Julia Zemiro
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE



Wednesday 13 December 2023, 6:30pm,
Words and Wonders
WATCH THE VIDEO
 HERE



Wednesday 8 November 2023, 6:30pm,
The Paris Cooking School
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
 HERE



Wednesday 11 October 2023, 6:30pm,
The Journey of Roses



Wednesday 13 September 20236:30pm,
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Love Letters from Paris



Wednesday 16 August 20236:30pm,
One night with a spy 



Wednesday 5 July 20236:30pm,
Behind the scenes of the film industry



Wednesday 7 June 20236:30pm,
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

So, you want to be a writer? 



Wednesday 10 May 20236:30pm,
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Culture, Work and “Class Defectors”



Tuesday 21 March 2023, 6:30pm,
WATCH THE VIDEO
HERE
Lie with me - Philippe Besson



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