Cultural activities in memory of renowned French novelist Marguerite Duras are taking place in Ho Chi Minh City from March 20 to April 1 as part of “International Francophone Month 2006” celebrations.

The Institute for French Cultural Exchange (IDECAF) is hosting many events, including an art exhibition “From what is left” by Ki-em, a photo exposition titled “Marguerite Duras in Trouville” by photographer Helene Bamberger, the screening of a documentary about “Duras making films”, the “Pacific Ocean Dam” drama, literary talks on “Marguerite Duras and Vietnam” and music shows slated for later this month.

French novelist Marguerite Duras, born in Gia Dinh of Vietnam in 1914, was chosen as a Francophone 2006 spotlight for consideration such as the diversity in the form and genre of her works, which is considered to be reflective of today's Francophone community.