University of Richmond French and Film Studies Professor Awarded International Honor for Contributions to the Arts

June 6, 2022

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Françoise Ravaux-Kirkpatrick, University of Richmond professor of French and film studies, has been awarded the rank of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters, one of the main distinctions among the four ministerial orders of France. This distinction, awarded by the Minister of Culture, rewards those who have distinguished themselves by their creations in the artistic or literary field.

Ravaux-Kirkpatrick, who has taught at UR since 1973, studies and teaches contemporary French literature and culture, French film, and semiotics, the study of signs and symbols. Ravaux-Kirkpatrick is co-director of the acclaimed French Film Festival, which just celebrated its 28th year. The festival, held in Richmond, Virginia, has welcomed more than 900 directors, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers, music composers, and artists-technicians and introduced more than 800 French and francophone films to American audiences.

This honor is the latest for Ravaux-Kirkpatrick, who previously:

  • Was elected in 2017 as a voting member of the Académie des Techniques et des Arts du Cinéma, the French equivalent of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
  • Was awarded The Médaille Beaumarchais, the highest award bestowed by theFrench Writers Guild, in June 2011  
  • Received the rank of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Ministry of Cultural Affairs in December 2003 with a medal awarded by the French Ambassador to the U.S. in 2004.
  • Received the rank of Knight of the Order of Academic Palms from the French Government with a medal awarded by the French Ministry of National Education in July 1994 in France. 

“This recognition is a testament to the fact that Françoise’s contributions not only positively impact the international mission of the University of Richmond but also make a difference in the community and around the world,” said Dan Palazzolo, interim dean of the School of Arts & Sciences.

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