The Franco-American Centre at the University of Maine plans to host a 2022 Rassemblement (gathering) of Franco-American artists, writers and other cultural workers with events from Friday through Sunday, April 22-24, according to a news release from the university.

Participants can choose from the following virtual, in-person and hybrid events that are free and open to the public. Registration online is required (those who have registered already will need to re-register).

• Virtual film screening of “The Carrefour” (The Intersection)
A virtual screening of this short-format documentary. Set in Lewiston, the film explores the blossoming relationship between descendants of French-Canadian immigrants and more recent arrivals from francophone Africa, and discovers the unexpected ways in which their experiences intersect. Participants must register, and the link will be sent to registrants a week prior to the Rassemblement and can be watched at any time prior to the hybrid discussion Saturday, April 23.

• Friday, April 22, hybrid talk, reading and Q&A with author Tyler Leblanc, 7-9 p.m.
Leblanc, author of “Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion,” will speak in person. Growing up on the south shore of Nova Scotia, LeBlanc wasn’t fully aware of his family’s Acadian roots until a chance encounter with an Acadian historian prompted him to delve into his family history. LeBlanc’s discovery that he could trace his family all the way to the time of the Acadian Expulsion and beyond forms the basis of this account of Le Grand Dérangement. The in-person talk and discussion will take place at the Franco-American Centre, 110 Crossland Hall in Orono, and will be simultaneously broadcast over Zoom. To join this event virtually, register at maine.zoom.us.

• Saturday, April 23, in-person informal gathering, 10 a.m.-noon
Join other Rassemblement participants for an informal gathering at the Franco-American Centre. Participants who can’t attend in person can register at maine.zoom.us for this virtual Saturday morning Rassemblement, which will resemble last year’s virtual event. Virtual presentations and discussions will be facilitated by Patrick Lacroix, director of Acadian Archives at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

Hybrid afternoon discussion facilitated by Jacob Albert, project manager for the Franco American Portal, 2-3 p.m.
Join the directors of “Le Carrefour” virtually for a discussion of its making. Those in Orono will gather at the Franco-American Centre to join the Zoom-based discussion. Registration is required at maine.zoom.us.

In-person closing event, 7-9 p.m.
Bring instruments for a jam at the Franco-American Centre. Gus La Casse, Ellsworth-based fiddler, will perform.

• Sunday, April 24, in-person morning debrief and coffee hour, 10 a.m.-noon
Optional informal discussion to wrap-up the weekend, provide feedback and say good-byes in at the Franco-American Centre.
A block of rooms has been reserved at Black Bear Inn in Orono under “Franco-American Programs” for in-person attendees who would like to stay Friday and/or Saturday. For groups of participants outside of Orono, the Franco-American Centre will help organize in-person satellite Rassemblements, as well as a Zoom channel for those who wish to gather virtually.

To request a reasonable accommodation or further information, contact Lisa Michaud at lisam@maine.edu or 207-581-3789.