The Alliance Franaise de Sydney is an independent, not-for-profit language and cultural organisation promoting Franco-Australian exchange since 1895. With an ambitious mission to spread the French language and culture well beyond the borders of France, it is one of the 1040 Alliances Franaises existing in 136 countries all over the world. Situated in the heart of Sydney in an attractive building designed by the famous architect Harry Seidler, the centre offers French courses (adults, teenagers and children for all levels), holds cultural events (Alliance Franaise French Film Festival, Bastille Day,...) and includes a media centre and a French caf_, ‚ le Grand Caf_ é. In August 2012, the Alliance Franaise has also opened a new branch in Chatswood, offering the same courses as the CBD branch for North Sydneysiders. Since 1989, the Alliance Franaise de Sydney has organised the annual Alliance Franaise French Film Festival. This prestigious festival has become a very important event in Australia with an exponential increase in attendees every year. In 2013, attendees across Australia totalled 135,000.