IFAS and IFAS-Research celebrate 30 years of cultural exchange, artistic innovation and research collaboration

A special event marking the 30th anniversary of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and IFAS-Research was hosted by Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, HE David Martinon, on Monday, 12 May 2025, in Pretoria.

The evening began with a screening of a documentary film, directed by Adam Heyns, which reflects on the impact of IFAS and IFAS-Research over the past three decades. The full documentary will be launched publicly soon. In the meantime, watch our short anniversary montage here.

A panel discussion titled From Cooperation to Co-Creation: 30 Years of French Cultural Partnership in Southern Africa, moderated by Michelle Constant, brought together voices from the worlds of art, animation, theatre, and broadcasting:

• Justice Albie Sachs, Former Constitutional Court judge and anti-apartheid activist, reflected on justice, memory, and transformation.
• Caryn Green, Director of the Sibikwa Arts Centre and Co-Producer of the acclaimed 2023 play 1789, shared insights on inclusive cultural access.
• Lesego Vorster, Animator and Director trained at GOBELINS Paris and Emmy Award Winner for his work on Disney Plus’s Kizazi Moto, spoke on international creative collaboration.
• Nomsa Philiso, representing MultiChoice, addressed the growing partnerships between African broadcasters and French creative industries.
• Xabiso Vili, World Slam Poetry champion and multimedia artist, explored the intersections of poetry, technology, and activism.

To close the discussion, Vili delivered a specially-created poem capturing the spirit of the conversation and the legacy of IFAS’s partnerships.

The evening concluded with renowned South African screenwriter, director, and long-time Friend of IFAS, Ramadan Suleman, receiving the insignia of Officier de l’ordre national des arts et des lettres (Officer in the National Order of Arts and Letters). The honour, one of France’s highest cultural distinctions, recognises his lifelong contributions to cinema and cultural dialogue.

Read more here.