Thanks to French Talent USA, you should have the opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture! Founded in early 2023 by four French women from the San Francisco Bay area, the non-profit organization French Talent USA is committed to putting all its energy into promoting French-language performances on the West Coast of the United States.
The idea for French Talent USA (FT USA) has been brewing for several years. Indeed, our four cultural musketeers – Christine Duquesne, Laure Tuchscherer, Isabelle Marcus, and Sabrina Bot – have observed that, on the one hand, there is a French and Francophone audience eager for shows in the language of Molière, and on the other hand, it is very challenging for artists to perform on the American West Coast; obtaining short-term work visas remains an obstacle course.
Together, they each bring their complementary skills and experiences to succeed in this ambitious initiative.
French Talent USA’s Offer – Creating Essential Connections
By combining Francophone creativity with the dynamic artistic scene of the US West Coast, French Talent USA aims to play a pivotal role in creating a diverse cultural mosaic. This association aims to forge connections between artists and the general public while strengthening relations between France and the United States through a varied offering, including stand-up comedy shows, exclusive film screenings, and in the future, musicians and conferences.
The first event organized by FT USA materialized with the screening in San Francisco, in partnership with Quentin Cotillard, the French American Cultural Society, and MerciSF.com, of the film “Astérix and Obélix: The Middle Kingdom.” This mainstream film immediately achieved success, filling the venue with an audience from all over the Bay area, with thanks from Guillaume Canet.
Also, with the encouragement of director Dominik Moll, last June, the screening of the film “La Nuit du 12,” which won 8 César awards, also enjoyed great success, confirming the commitment of the French Talent team to continue its mission.
The team is also working on scheduling shows with French and Francophone artists, such as comedian Sebastian Marx. This New Yorker has been performing in French to sold-out crowds in Paris for over a year and will perform in Menlo Park and San Francisco in September. “One of FT’s objectives is also to expand its offerings to the southern Bay area,” says Laure.
The fact that the Menlo Park show sold out in less than 3 days encouraged FT USA to add a date in San Francisco, which also quickly filled to capacity.
“We are delighted with these first events, the response from the public here, and the interest of artists in France. It confirms our belief in continuing this adventure,” adds Isabelle.
French Talent’s objectives are to develop a diverse range of shows for an audience hungry for popular French culture, as well as to increase the visibility of French artists in the United States, especially on the West Coast. To achieve this, the association plans to rely on a network of partners.
“It is worth noting that we would like to establish similar partnerships to the one we have established with Arnaud de Fontenay, a cinema professional and board member of the FACS,” emphasizes Sabrina. “As a co-founder of MerciSF.com, I have seen the power of the French and Francophone community in the Bay area.”
Moreover, the association quickly collaborated with the Cultural Services of the Consulate General of France in San Francisco and in partnership with the Villa Albertine for the organization of the Fête de la Musique in San Francisco, bringing DJ Marc Cerrone to close the festivities at Golden Gate Park.
Isabelle adds: “Being approached so quickly by the Consulate for the organization of this flagship French cultural event has strengthened our belief in the purpose of French Talent.”
Funding: Donations and Upcoming Events
This transcontinental artistic bridge that is being established through the efforts of this association also requires funding. “As a non-profit organization, French Talent USA operates on donations and grants, and its members do not receive any salaries,” Christine adds.
The 2023-24 program is currently in development, and to support this dynamic platform, French Talent needs your help !!
For 2024, French Talent has already announced comedian and columnist Arnaud Demanche, a French cinema festival with FACS in the fall of 2023 (November 3, 4, and 5) featuring exclusive previews and other surprises. “Making a donation and supporting us is the best way to encourage us while securing tickets to the shows,” says Laure, adding, “and there are also corporate sponsorship opportunities. As a 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible.”
The French Talent team aims to become a reference in promoting the art of French comedy and humor in the United States, thanks to its cultural program and the promotion of French artists on the West Coast of the country.
For More Information
If you want to discover the talents highlighted by French Talent USA or if you want to participate in one of their artistic experiences, visit their Instagram account here or their website: https://www.frenchtalentusa.org
View this profile on Instagram
This exciting adventure plays a crucial role in establishing cultural and artistic connections between France and the United States, providing an exceptional showcase for talents from across the Atlantic.
Thank you, French Talent!
