Author: France 24

Filmmaker Kateryna Gornostai takes us to classrooms all over Ukraine in her latest documentary, as children and teenagers continue their education despite the ongoing Russian aggression. Amid the rubble and air raid sirens, “Timestamp” reveals the unwavering commitment of teachers to convey lifesaving, practical information as well as encouraging joy, beauty and laughter. Kateryna tells us about the reality of filming in an active conflict zone and why the war represents an existential attack on the very notion of Ukrainian identity. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday, as Israel intensified its attacks against northern Gaza, flattening another high-rise building and killing at least 12 Palestinians. The trip is taking place after President Donald Trump rebuked Israel over the unprecedented attack against Hamas leaders meeting in Doha on Tuesday.

There were debut goals for defenders Benjamin Pavard and Nayef Aguerd as Marseille left their middling August form behind to seal a 4-0 win over promoted side Lorient on Friday evening. 

French PM François Bayrou submitted his resignation on Tuesday after losing a confidence vote in parliament. He had gambled on a budget demanding over €40 billion in savings. The plan would have frozen welfare benefits, cut civil-service jobs and scrapped two public holidays. President Emmanuel Macron then named Sébastien Lecornu, a longtime ally, as France’s new prime minister to pick up the mantle of trying to pass a budget through a divided parliament. So where does the country’s economy stand now? Charles Pellegrin discusses this and more with Alexandra Roulet, associate professor of economics at INSEAD. 

This week, Paris des Arts takes you to La Villette, Europe’s largest urban park and the site of a world of cultural and sporting activities. We meet choreographer and director Blanca Li, who ran the institution before returning to her artistic pursuits. She talks to us about her many projects, including the “Bal de Paris”, an immersive creation combining dance, music and virtual reality. 

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 32 people across Gaza City amid Israel’s expanding offensive. While Gazans are urged to evacuate, many say they don’t know where to go as there are no safe zones in the enclave.

As Taliban restrictions leave Afghan women without medical care after a deadly earthquake, we have a report from one rare hospital in Kabul where women are still able to access treatment. Also, at least nine French families are suing the government over ignored pleas for help by victims of domestic violence. Annette Young talks to psychologist, Dr Andreea Gruev-Vintila, a specialist in coercive control, on the need for authorities to change their approach. Plus a new expedition is seeking to find out what happened to American aviator, Amelia Earhart, who vanished in 1937 while attempting to fly around the world.

Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard has made his Ligue 1 return. The Frenchman has been loaned to Marseille for one season. Meanwhile, Marseille are trying to restore order to a dressing room that has been troubled and turbulent since the start of the season. Ligue 1 also bids farewell to Steve Mandanda, who is retiring. “I couldn’t have dreamed of a better ending,” he told L’Équipe newspaper.

France’s Mistral AI has become Europe’s most valuable artificial intelligence start-up, partly thanks to investment by Dutch firm ASML. Though not a household name, ASML is a key player in global technology. It may also have a role to play in fostering “European digital sovereignty”  limiting European dependence on US tech giants. 

Harlem-based sculptor Kim Dacres brings her raw, unapologetic vision to Europe with “Crossroads Like This”, now on view at the Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery in Paris. Known for transforming discarded tyres into commanding forms, Dacres centres Black, queer and feminine identity in her work, shaping complex narratives of memory, resistance and cultural pride. From her Bronx studio to international acclaim, her voice is redefining what contemporary sculpture can say and who it represents. She spoke to us on arts24.