France in focus

By FRANCE 24 English

France in focus episodes

January 03, 2023 Health sects and conspiracy theories in France: How Covid led to a misinformation surge
The inter-ministerial watchdog set up to monitor and fight against sects in France has released its latest findings on everything from online coaches to conspiracists, neo-Shamans and would-be healers. The alarming report from MIVILUDES states that since 2020 – and especially since the coronavirus pandemic – such movements are on the rise and are spreading worrying quantities of misinformation when it comes to healthcare.
13 min
December 06, 2022 A forgotten French icon: The life and art of animal painter Rosa Bonheur
We explore the life and artwork of French artist Rosa Bonheur, who was a pioneer – both as a painter and as a woman – in 19th century society. Two centuries years after her birth, major exhibitions are being held in France to celebrate her extraordinary legacy. In Paris, the Musée d'Orsay is hosting a special exhibition for this anniversary. Co-curator Leïla Jarbouai tells us more about Bonheur's body of work.
12 min
November 29, 2022 French GPs go on strike over deteriorating working conditions
In a rare move, general practitioners in France will go on strike on December 1 and 2, demanding greater investment from the government in local doctors' surgeries. They say that if their working conditions don't improve, the state can kiss goodbye to traditional local surgeries, since recruiting the next generation of doctors will be almost impossible. These GPs are complaining of increasingly long days and endless paperwork. To better understand the situation, we spent a day with a doctor in a small town south of Paris. We also met a GP who was recently signed off work after suffering from burnout.
12 min
November 15, 2022 'Eco-anxiety' in France: How climate change can impact mental health
As concern grows over the climate crisis, so does its toll on our mental well-being. Public health officials have coined the term "eco-anxiety" to describe the fear of environmental doom. They warn that the phenomenon could have damaging long-term effects and amplify health and social inequalities for the most vulnerable. One recent international survey found that large numbers of 16 to 25 year olds worldwide had suffered psychological effects owing to the climate crisis. We take a closer look at the situation in France.
12 min
November 01, 2022 Shortage of mosques in France: The everyday consequences for French Muslims
The Great Mosque of Paris or Paris Central Mosque is the most visited mosque in France. Its construction began in 1922, with the aim of thanking Muslim soldiers who fought for France in World War I. Back then, the state financed the building of the edifice. But a century later, the context is quite different. Financing the construction of a mosque in France today can prove a challenge. We take a closer look.
13 min
October 27, 2022 French film industry in crisis: Cinemas see 30% drop in ticket sales
From the Lumière Brothers to the New Wave, cinema in France has long been a source of national pride and a favourite pastime. But the French film industry is in a multifaceted crisis. Movie theatres simply aren't drawing the crowds they used to. This is having an effect on the entire sector, since ticket sales partly finance film budgets, especially independent ones. Film professionals gathered earlier this month to ring the alarm bells. We take a closer look at the causes of the crisis, from the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to competition from streaming platforms. We also hear from acclaimed film producer Philippe Carcassonne.
13 min
October 18, 2022 French porn industry in turmoil following shocking revelations of abuse
The French porn industry is facing its moment of reckoning. A two-year police investigation has blown the lid off widespread abuse of vulnerable women. A Senate report is now aiming to improve conditions by bringing about stricter controls. In this show, we meet three women who are trying to change the way the adult film industry in France operates.
13 min
October 11, 2022 France in for a tough winter as energy savings loom
With energy prices in Europe and around the world rising, there are concerns that this winter in France will be tough. Consumption will need to be reduced, and in a worst-case scenario, cuts will be unavoidable. This is just one of the consequences of the ongoing war in Ukraine. But electricity in France is predominantly generated from nuclear energy, accounting for almost 70 percent of the country’s needs. So as we head into winter, why are there concerns?
15 min
September 26, 2022 Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Frichti: French riders' working conditions under scrutiny
Those who work for platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo were hailed as heroes during the Covid-19 pandemic, risking their own health to make deliveries to those of us under lockdown. Today, delivery people still work for little pay and under harsh conditions. It's estimated that at least half the riders in France are undocumented. For that reason, many of them are having their profiles deactivated and losing their jobs. Critics accuse the delivery platforms of taking advantage of these riders.
12 min
September 16, 2022 Calais migrants: A never-ending crisis?
Six years ago, Calais's infamous Jungle migrant camp was demolished by French police. Today, the camp itself has gone, but the migrants and the smugglers who profit from them remain. In fact, they are more numerous than ever before, with a record number of people attempting to cross the Channel in August 2022. The situation is putting a strain on relations between France and the United Kingdom.
13 min