Created in 2016 by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Institut Français, the Night of Ideas (La Nuit des Idées) is an annual global event that celebrates the exchange of ideas and encourages dialogue across cultures, disciplines, and generations around a common theme.
Today, the Night of Ideas takes place in more than 100 countries, bringing together thinkers, artists, academics, activists, and members of the public for an evening of conversation and discovery.
The Alliance Française de San Diego is proud to organize the local Night of Ideas creating a space where our community can engage with timely topics and share diverse viewpoints.
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Enlightenment
Now,
this year’s Night of Ideas aligned with Alliance Française San Diego’s 2026 cultural focus on amplifying the voices of Francophone
women and their role in shaping social change. We welcomed filmmaker and author Dana Ziyasheva for a screening of her
award-winning film Defenders of Life, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A on the intersections of
tradition, human rights, development, and the power of art to drive social change. Dana was joined by Dr. Janine Young
(UC San Diego), a specialist in migrant and refugee health.
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The 2025 edition of the Night of Ideas,
we welcomed artist Manaz Raiszadeh for the vernissage of her solo exhibition, COEUR D’AFGHANE, AMOUR À LA
FRANÇAISE
(Afghan Heart, French Love).
Through a series of deeply personal and evocative works, Raiszadeh explored the intersections of identity, memory, migration, and belonging. Drawing on both her Afghan heritage and her connection to French culture, her art invited visitors to reflect on the experiences that shape us and the ties that unite us across borders.
The evening featured a presentation of the exhibition and a discussion on the role of art in fostering dialogue, empathy, and cultural
understanding. Together, participants explored how shared stories and creative expression can help build bridges between communities
and create meaningful connections in an increasingly interconnected world.
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For
the 2024 edition, Alliance Française de San Diego partnered with the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego and the French American
Chamber of Commerce for an evening dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and human creativity.
Hosted at the ICA’s Central location in Balboa Park, the event centered around Pinar Yoldas: Synaptic Sculpture, an exhibition exploring the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, imagination, and contemporary art.
The highlight of the evening was a conversation bringing together artist Pinar Yoldas, physician Sylvia
Cartwright,
and entrepreneur Suman Kanuganti, moderated by ICA Director Andrew Utt. The discussion examined how
emerging technologies are reshaping artistic expression, innovation, and our understanding of what it means to create.
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The
Alliance Française San Diego partnered with the Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club to explore environmental challenges and
solutions. The evening featured a screening of the award-winning documentary Once You Know (Une Fois Que Tu Sais),
which examines the climate crisis through the perspectives of scientists, local initiatives, and citizen engagement. The screening was
followed by a panel discussion with leaders from San Diego environmental organizations, fostering dialogue on practical actions to
support a more sustainable future. Guests also enjoyed a community gathering featuring locally sourced vegetarian and vegan
refreshments as part of the event's zero-waste approach.
Join the Alliance Française de San Diego and become part of a year-long celebration of French Cultures and Language.
