Francophiles and movie fans, rejoice: Richmond’s French Film Festival returns to the historic Byrd Theatre March 27–30 with more than 30 feature and short films.

This event has been cancelled. What is the place of poetry in the world – both within and outside of the academy? Priscilla Gilman, author, Wordsworth scholar and former English literature professor, will discuss the topic April 2, 4:30 p.m. at the University of Richmond.

The University of Richmond will receive a 2014 Catalyst Award from ROSMY at the organization’s annual fundraiser May 3.

Fred Rosen, professor emeritus of the history of political thought and honorary senior research fellow at the Bentham Project, University College London, will discuss “John Stuart Mill’s Journey to Socialism,” March 21, 4:30 p.m., at University of Richmond’s Jepson Hall, Room 120.

Mary Miley Theobald, mystery writer, researcher and author of fiction and nonfiction books, will deliver the 2014 Peple Lecture March 30, 3 p.m., at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center, Robins Pavilion.

Gary L. Flowers, a leader in civil rights issues and public policy formation, will serve as leader-in-residence at University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies during spring 2014.

Award-winning author Lesléa Newman will discuss “He Continues to Make a Difference: The Story of Matthew Shepard,” on March 20, 4:30 p.m., at the University of Richmond’s Keller Hall Reception Room.

Duke University professor John D. French will give two lectures on Latin American politics as part of University of Richmond’s 2014 Douglas Southall Freeman Lectures. He will discuss “Towards a Biographical Pivot: A New Approach in Theory and Practice” March 20, 7:30 p.m., and “Lula’s Politics of Cunning: From Trade Unionism to the Brazilian Presidency” March 27, 7:30 p.m.

Edward L. Ayers has announced his intention to step down as president of the University of Richmond on June 30, 2015.

Bernard McGinn, a leading scholar of mysticism and spirituality in the Western Christian tradition and best-selling author, will discuss “How Many Uses Does Water Have? Medieval Mystics and the Bible” at University of Richmond March 3, 4:30 p.m., in Weinstein Hall, Brown-Alley Room.