Film Screening: Glaciers, Ice in Freefall (Glaciers, enquête sur une disparition)

The Alliance Française de Chicago is honored to partner with Villa Albertine and the Consulate General of France in Chicago on a screening of Glaciers, Ice in Freefall (Glaciers, enquête sur une disparition) as part of Chicago Water Week.

In this 2025 documentary, French directors Pierre-Olivier François and Judith Rueff investigate how climate change is accelerating glacier melt around the planet. Closest to humans, entire territories are threatened by collapse. The documentarians travel across continents to sound the alarm about their indispensable preservation.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Weijia (Emma) Liu, an Eric & Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellow in the Department of Geophysical Science at the University of Chicago. Guests will then have the opportunity to continue the conversation over a complimentary glass of French wine.

Doors open at 6:00 pm. Program begins at 6:30 pm. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

About the Speaker

Weijia (Emma) Liu is an Eric & Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellow in the Department of Geophysical Science at the University of Chicago. She works with Dr. Meghana Ranganathan at the intersection of advanced artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and glacier modeling. Prior to this, she obtained her Ph.D. in the Geophysics Department at Stanford University in 2025 under the supervision of Dr. Jenny Suckale, where she studied shear localizations in glaciers using high-performance computing and ML.

About Chicago Water Week

Current’s 6th Annual Chicago Water Week returns May 3-9, 2026 with dozens of water-focused events. Participants have the chance to explore water’s impact by learning about the essential role water plays in our environment, communities, and economy; engage with water stewards by hearing from water leaders, policymakers, innovators, researchers, and advocates on how our region is addressing pressing today’s most pressing water challenges; and build connections by networking with industry, business, regulatory, and community professionals who are passionate about water innovation and advocacy.

About the Filmmakers

Born in 1971, Pierre-Olivier François worked for many years as a telivision journalist and reporter.

Since 2000, he has pursued a career as an author and documentary filmmaker. He has directed documentaries—often focusing on geopolitical and historical themes—for France télévision, ARTE, and other international broadcasters. His recent works include Alzheimer, la course contre la montre; Cyberguerre - l’arme fatale ?  Corée, la guerre de 100 ans; Pyongyang s’amuse; Le Faux Manuscrit de Galilée; Clara Haskil, le mystère de l’interprète; and Lassana Bathily, héros malgré lui.

He also serves as the director—and occasionally presenter—for the geopolitical magazine Le Dessous des cartes.

(Source: FIPADOC updated January 2025)

Judith Rueff is a journalist, a recipient of the Lagardère Foundation Award for print journalism, and the founder of the agency Ligne 4. She is the author of Côte d’Ivoire, le feu au pré carré.

Getting Here

The Alliance Franaise de Chicago is located one block from the CTA Red Line stop at Chicago Ave. The closest bus stops are the 22 on Clark St and the 66 on Chicago Ave. A Divvy station is located in front of the 54 W Chicago Ave entrance.

Parking Information

$12 for 12 hours at InterPark at 100 W Chestnut St. Validation is available at reception.

Photography Notice

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.