The 13th "Le French May 2005" -- French cultural festival -- is to be held in Hong Kong from May 1 to June 4.

With a total of 37 cultural activities, the coming festival, hosted by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and the Alliance France, will be the largest of its kind since the festival was first held in Hong Kong in 1993, as part of activities of the Year of France in China.

Consul General of France in Hong Kong Serge Mostura said at a press conference Thursday that since the French cultural festival was held in Hong Kong in 1993, over 300 international level activities were held. He hoped the activities will promote cultural exchanges between France and Hong Kong.

He said many styles of shows and artists will be featured this year in addition to some newcomers: the modern flying trapeze company "les Arts Sauts" is expected to amaze everybody in an atmosphere of surreal and poetic elegance, making "Ola Kala" a thrilling and entertaining show.

The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra will perform a world premiere of famous French scores adapted for Chinese instruments and compositions inspired by Parisian life. The National Ballet of Lyon will create a magical universe in "Tricodex."

In another style, the French hip-hop dance company Melting Spotwill offer an original marriage of urban dance and Chinese Dance Opera an amazing performance called "Soul Dragon."

The coming festival will also offer an impressive range of 12 paintings and photography exhibitions. French movie lovers will bedelighted with a retrospective of the famous French actor Alain Delon.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2005)