Meet artist and environmental activist Chantal Westby !

French-born and long-term Philadelphian Chantal Westby will be signing her newly published book: An Exceptional Destiny / Un Destin d’Exception, written with Sandra Benssoussan. Philippe Poirier, Executive Director of the Alliance, will lead a conversation with our guest for that special event.

In the preface of the book, Anne-Marie Avouac, Director of the documentary series America-America, writes : 

“I will always remember my first encounter with Chantal Westby. It was in Philadelphia, during a meeting of the “French cafés”. She was wearing a long white dress, and her red mane was barely tamed by a headband. On that day, she was already speaking passionately about her fight against pesticides and the preservation of our planet. Unbeknownst to her, she embodied that necessary and essential rebellion. I was captivated not only by her presence but also by the energy that seemed to emanate from her entire being.

The idea for a documentary quickly took shape—an exploration not only of her ecological commitment but also of the more intimate aspects of her life: a scarred childhood, her encounter with the handsome American who would become her husband. I went on to create six feature films, America-America, which marked my career as a filmmaker.

Our years of collaboration have transformed into a sincere and deep friendship, woven with countless moments of joy but also challenges. Through this book, Chantal opens the doors to her universe, inviting you to journey through an exciting life marked by moving encounters, such as those with refugees from the earthquake in Haiti, which reaffirmed her faith in humanity and the possibility of a better world.

This autobiography is more than a simple narrative; it is a testimony of a life lived intensely and a call to action for all those who dream of changing the world. I invite you to delve into Chantal’s story—a tale of struggles and victories—an account that, I hope, will touch you as much as it touched me”.

Excerpts from the book:

From a young age, I have been deeply concerned about the future of our children as well as that of our planet. My love for children is rooted in my childhood, when I took care of my sister and brothers. This experience instilled in me a maternal sense and a particular sensitivity towards the smiles and questioning looks of the children I meet.

I firmly believe that children are our future and that it is our duty to offer them a better world. Unfortunately, we adults have contributed to the degradation of our planet, endangering their future. This awareness has driven me to engage in an unprecedented struggle for the survival of humanity and our Earth. When I held my grandson Damien in my arms for the first time, I made him a promise. That I would fight until my last breath so that he and all his brothers and sisters around the world could live on a green (and blue!) planet, alive and clean.

Every day, I fight to raise awareness about the importance of changing our habits to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. My hope is to see my fellow Americans and the whole world become aware of the long-term issues and make the necessary sacrifices to ensure the well-being of humanity and a better future for our children. If, through my creations, actions, and speeches, I have been able to raise awareness in even one person, then I have succeeded because that person will do the same, and this is how humanity will educate itself and be able to change and adapt. - Chantal Wesby

Copies of the book will be available to buy but participants are also encouraged to pre-order the book available in French or in English at the following link www.chantalwestby.com

Note that this event will be held in English and French.

*** WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ***

Day: Friday, April 25th, 2025
Time: 6.30 - 8.30 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Location:  Alliance Française de Philadelphie, 1420 Walnut St, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Language: French, English
Fee : Pay what you want ! L'inscription est libre et gratuite mais nous encourageons les donations, que vous pouvez faire plus bas sur cette même page.

To register for this Book Signing Event, please fill in the registration form below the donation form