Cultural exchange key part of ‘France-Atlanta' program

As home to a resident French-language theater troupe, Theatre du Reve, and host to a yearly Francophonie Festival, Atlanta already speaks at times with a bit of a French accent. And starting this week, expect to hear and see more of the French influence.

Last week, the Consulate General of France in Atlanta and Georgia Tech, along with Mayor Kasim Reed, announced a second annual slate of events for “France-Atlanta: Together Towards Innovation” beginning Wednesday and running through Nov. 12. Several cultural events are prominent in the mix, which also includes science, economics and humanitarian presentations:

• A photography exhibition by Algeria-born, Paris-based Mohamed Bourouissa, "Le Miroir" explores questions of minority identity in mainstream society, at SCAD Atlanta's Gallery. See through Dec. 30. Bourouissa gives a talk at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Free. 1600 Peachtree St., Atlanta.

• "Asphalte," a contemporary dance performance by Toulousan choreographer Pierre Rigal, is set for 5 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Rialto Center for the Arts. The five dancers of Compagnie Derniere Minute explore the absurdity of post-modern existence in a show combining hip-hop and an artistic light show. Tickets, $35, via 404-413-9849 or www.rialtocenter.org. 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta.

• French artist Zineb Sedira will give a lecture on the role of art as an expression of cultural diversity and a reflection of society's limitations as part of the Art Papers Live series, 7 p.m. Nov. 2. Free. Spelman College Museum of Fine Art Auditorium, 350 Spelman Lane S.W., Atlanta.

• French and American politicians, architects and intellectuals will participate in a symposium, "Outer City/Inner Suburb: The Physical, Social and Cultural Fabric Beyond the Center," 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 5. Pierre Cohen, the mayor of Toulouse, France, will give introductory remarks at the free event, to be held at the Georgia Tech College of Architecture's Reinsch-Pierce Family Auditorium, 245 Fourth St. N.W., Atlanta.

• In a co-presentation with the BronzeLens Film Festival, African filmmaker Gaston Kabore will join French and American producers and filmmakers in a round-table discussion, 5 p.m. Nov. 12. Their topic will be the importance of African cinema and diversity in film production. French Minister of Culture Frederic Mitterrand recently awarded the Burkinabe filmmaker with the prestigious French Chevalier in the Order of the Legion of Honor. Free. Georgia-Pacific Theater, 133 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta.