Call me naive or way too hopeful (that’s OK, I’ve been called way worse things), but I really believe that if we don’t exchange our culture, if we don’t share our way of life with each other, we are, forgive my French, totally screwed. The world has always been a 2-way street, unbeknownst to more and more idiots getting more and more top spots in governments or leading entities. Every time we stopped realizing that, we stopped progressing as a society.

What’s very encouraging in what we see today is that when the leaders fail to realize that, some ordinary people take matters into their own hands.

Yes, having kids from France dancing with kids from Harlem, or French comic book authors discussing ideas with American comic book fans will not radically change the world. But in the times we live in, the little things are more important than ever. They allow the discussion, the conversation, and the exchange to keep flowing. We need that more than ever.

That’s also why I love to produce Rendez-Vous d’Amérique. In every episode, we witness acts of exchange between the French Speaking community and the American culture. In every show, we try to promote those who keep the conversation going between both cultures. It’s not always a big endeavor, but that’s OK, through small things, they do build links over the ocean.

And at a time when some people want to build up walls between countries, destroy bridges that unite people together, we must react; we must do something about it.

Who could have thought that, in 2019, exchanging culture would have became a form of resistance? It’s sad, but that’s the way it is, and we’re ready for the fight with our biggest weapon: cultural exchange!

To learn more about cultural exchange  and the way it affects the world, French authors at comic book conventions, and other happenings that define Francophone culture in America, read our blog, and tune in to our episodes of Rendez-vous d’Amérique on TV5MONDE USA. Click here for more information.

Exploring a diversity of culture entwined with the insatiable energy of New York’s theatres, the bright lights of Las Vegas Blvd, the inspirational beauty of Louisiana’s bayous, and beyond - Rendez-vous d'Amérique invites you on a journey to discover Francophone culture in America. Your host on this cultural experience is Didier Allouch - reporter, cinephile, and a familiar face at movie premieres. Click here to learn how you can subscribe to TV5MONDE USA and never miss an episode!