Author: France 24

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.

The UN General Assembly on Friday is set to vote on a resolution presented by France and Saudi Arabia that seeks to recognise a Palestinian state without Hamas involvement. The New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution seeks a peaceful end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

Marseille, entangled in a dressing room controversy and beaten by OL, host Lorient tonight as they attempt to get back on track. ‘In one month, we’ve experienced what other clubs experience in four or five years,’ said Roberto De Zerbi on the eve of the match.

France faces a series of credit rating tests, with political chaos raising the risk of a downgrade. US consumer prices rise at annual rate of 2.9% in August. Plus, the surge in Oracle’s share price adds fuel to the AI boom debate.

Born in Tehran and exiled in Paris, Golshifteh Farahani has become one of the faces of international cinema. At just 42, the Iranian actress has already appeared in more than 50 films in numerous languages. An outspoken artist and a strong voice for women’s rights, she’s presiding over the jury at this year’s Deauville American Film Festival in Normandy. She spoke to FRANCE 24’s Louise Dupont about her latest projects, her career choices and her perspective on Iran.