Co-organized by Student Affairs Office and the Alliance Française de Macao, the French Comics Festival was held on 10-18 January 2017 as part of the French Cultural Activity Series. Florence Cestac, a well-known French cartoonist, participated in the French Comics Festival and exhibited her art works. Florence Cestac is the only woman to have won the prestigious Grand Prix de la Ville d’Angoulême. One album, Le Démon de Midi, was adapted for the stage and the film, the Demon Stirs.

Florence Cestac and another well-known French cartoonist Achedé, came to MPI for the drawing workshop on 16 January, sharing their experiences in how to be a cartoonist and demonstrating their drawing techniques. Students were excited to have such a valuable exchange and interaction with the guests. After the workshop, the two famous cartoonists offered their autograph, signing their comics books for students and teachers. They encouraged students to think out of the box and create their own style of work.

Some students who participated in the workshop stated that French literature and art are renowned throughout the world. Mastering French and experiencing French culture is not only a personal accomplishment but also enhances the competitive edge of one’s professional and social skills. The organizer, Student Affairs Office commented that with the aim of nurturing multi-faceted talents and all-rounded students, the French Cultural Activity Series has been organized in order to widen students’ horizons, including French language classes, French wines workshops, French crepes DIY, French music and a travel workshop.

Students with two well-known French cartoonists during the workshop

Students were excited to have authors’ autograph signing