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Janinna Sesa worked alongside Pope Leo XIV in Chiclayo, Peru from 2015 until 2023. She spoke with NPR about his leadership in times of crisis.

San Diego French Film Festival 2025: A Celebration of Love, Diversity, and Cultural Connections The San Diego French Film Festival (SDFFF), presented by the Alliance Française San Diego, proudly returns for its fifth edition from May 4-7, 2025, at THE LOT La Jolla. This year’s theme, “Love in All Its Forms,” highlights the many facets of human connection—friendship, passion, solidarity, and resilience—through a compelling selection of French and francophone films. Festival Highlights Opening Night Gala – May 4 The festival launches with a glamorous red-carpet event and gala reception, featuring the screening of *En Fanfare* (*The Marching Band*, 2024). Directed by Emmanuel Courcol, this critically acclaimed drama tells the moving story of two estranged brothers brought together by music and an unexpected family discovery. The film, which received seven César Award nominations, stars Benjamin Lavernhe and Pierre Lottin. Following the screening, guests will enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres, champagne, live entertainment, and a dance party with DJ GreGTraXx. Gala attendees will also have the chance to win a luxury getaway at Club Med, courtesy of TravelBootik. Night with the Stars – May 5 A special highlight of this year’s festival is the screening of Neuilly-Poissy (2024, France), an engaging and humorous take on religious tolerance, social integration, and diversity. The film follows a wealthy businessman who is forced to rebuild his life in unexpected circumstances, using his wit to navigate a world far removed from his privileged past. Following the screening, attendees will have the unique opportunity to join a panel discussion with renowned French actor Max Boublil and director Gregory Boutboul, offering insights into the film’s themes and creative process. May 6 Screenings – Powerful Stories from Around the World Festivalgoers will have the choice between two compelling films: - Moto Taxi (*Bendskins*, 2021, Cameroon), directed by Narcisse Wandji, provides a raw and immersive look at urban life through the perspectives of three motorcycle taxi drivers in Cameroon. - Quelques Jours Pas Plus (*Just a Couple of Days*, 2024, France), directed by Julie Navarro, is a sharp and touching comedy-drama starring Camille Cottin and Benjamin Biolay. The film explores unexpected connections and personal transformation through the story of a journalist who reluctantly takes in a young Afghan refugee. Closing Night – May 7 The festival concludes with RU (2023, Canada), a poignant adaptation of Kim Thuy’s acclaimed novel. Directed by Charles-Olivier Michaud, the film follows a young Vietnamese girl and her family as they flee war-torn Vietnam and rebuild their lives in Quebec. With multiple award nominations, "RU" is a deeply moving story of exile, adaptation, and resilience. Beyond Film: Art, Community, and Education In addition to film screenings, SDFFF will feature two art exhibitions: - “Coeur D’Afghane, Amour À La Française” by Manaz Raiszadeh, a Franco-Afghan artist exploring themes of migration and love. - A showcase of student artworks from the Alliance Française of San Diego. The festival also includes a special educational screening on March 21, featuring *L’Océan Vu Du Coeur* (2023, Canada), a documentary about ocean conservation, presented to San Diego school students with a Q&A session. Visit: https://www.afsandiego.org/san-diego-french-film-festival-2025 Alliance Francais San Diego on Instagram and Facebook

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) will host the Eleventh Annual Women’s Symposium on Friday, March 21. Modeled after the speaker panels at leading universities, OLP’s Women’s Symposium brings together top women leaders to share their insight and pathways to success with students, the Southern California region and beyond. The Women’s Symposium will feature a series of workshops and highly curated panels with prominent leaders in their industries. Beginning over 10 years ago as a reimagining of Career Day for students, the Women’s Symposium has blossomed into a professional half-day conference open to all community members in and around the San Diego/Baja corridor, from students to seasoned business professionals. Hosted annually during Women’s History Month, OLP’s Women’s Symposium celebrates the success of powerful women and their allies. The event will leave attendees with tangible advice, pathways forward, and the inspiration of empowerment and shared connection. Through dialogue and modeling, these female leaders empower young women to stand up and confidently pursue their dreams. This year’s Keynote Panel will feature women in the craft food and beverage industry, hosted by Maya Madsen, Founder and CEO of Maya’s Cookies. Her company is America’s #1 Black-Owned Gourmet Vegan Cookie Company. The honorary chair is Dr. Irma Peñuñuri, CEO and Founder of BurgerRock Media PR Agency and OLP Alumna, Class of 2004. This is a free event for all San Diego community members and friends of OLP. In lieu of registration cost, OLP highly encourages donations to its annual fund which supports our students' greatest areas of need. Please click here if you are looking to donate to OLP. Interested in a VIP experience or bringing a group? Please reach out to the event coordinators at advancement@aolp.org. Academy of Our Lady of Peace on Facebook / Instagram

On December 5th, our campus will be decorated for the holidays, with stations highlighting our main campus activities as well as stations to showcase our men and women 1st Phase facilities, sober living, Power of a Shower, and community services (Clean & Safe crew and vegetation management). We’d love for you to bring your friends and family to join in the celebration! It’s going to be a wonderful time for our community to come together. We’re also looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with decorating, setting up, and tidying the campus before and after the event. This is an opportunity to show how we work together to transform lives and strengthen communities. We hope you’ll join us! Visit: https://eastcountychamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/12-5-business-after-hours-holiday-mixer-ectlc-18084 East County Traditional Living Center on Instagram and Facebook

Last year, California cities gained more power to ban homeless encampments. CalMatters dug into what that looks like in three cities.

In 2025, fandom is complicated. Music is at nearly everyone's fingertips. Concert ticket prices are through the roof. Some fans take devotion to new extremes. What do we owe to the artists we love?

In Zuckerberg's second day of testifying in the federal antitrust trial, he defended Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The U.S. government wants Meta to bust up the two companies.

Black smoke streamed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday morning in Rome, signaling that the 133 cardinal electors have not come to a two-thirds agreement about who the next pontiff should be.

More than a thousand people who worked to keep American agriculture free of pests and disease have left the federal workforce in President Trump's massive government downsizing.

The company helped launch the software industry and bring a computer to every desktop. Hit products like Windows and the Xbox became household names – but does anyone remember the Zune?