The festival's arrival in France is the first time an infringement has appeared on European shores.

Bordeaux , France will be celebrating its first-ever infringement festival from October 11th – 14th. According to Bordeaux organizer Cynthia Brésolin "we think it's becoming more necessary to revisit the question of activism here in France. The recent political changes have made us more activist, and that is why the idea of a « Canadian infringement » is interesting. In addition to a new way of doing things, it offers a real fresh and dynamic approach to questions that won't go away."

The infringement festival was born in Montréal in 2004 as a grassroots alternative to the corporatized "Fringe" Festival, and as an artistic movement to protest the commodification of culture. The festival has since spread to Ottawa, Toronto, Regina, Buffalo, and New York City.

The festival's arrival in France is the first time an infringement has appeared on European shores. This is significant according to festival founder Donovan King "because Québec and France have a very special relationship. Our nations have strong cultural ties, and artistic cross-pollination is an important part of our association. Now on the 400 th anniversary of Québec, it is our pleasure to give France the gift of the infringement festival".

Now, with plans already underway for the 5th anniversary of the infringement Festival in Montreal (June 2008) all eyes turn to the artist and activists in Bordeaux as they join the infringement and reclaim their culture.

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For more information :
www.infringementfestival.com/bordeaux
www.infringementfestival.com

Media contacts for infringement Bordeaux :
Cynthia Brésolin: 06.73.97.49.76. cynthibrez[AT]hotmail.com
Isabelle Olaerts: 06.81.14.50.39. poupili[AT]yahoo.fr

Media contact for infringement International and infringement Montreal:
Jason C. McLean : 514-699-3378 jc[AT]infringementfestival.com

* The Montreal infringement Festival is currently seeking organizers and volunteers for our 2008 edition. Please contact 514-699-3378 or montreal[AT]infringementfestival.com to get involved.