Prepare World Cup warm-up

In light of their ham-fisted "distribution" of World Cup 98 tickets, the average fan doubtless feels they need another French-organised footballing event like a hole in the head. However, the Institut francais is making a brave attempt to placate London-based footy fans with a series of films, free video screenings, appearances and events in the run-up to next month's coupe du monde. The Cine Lumiere are showing an eclectic selection, including The Arsenal Stadium Mystery, a thriller based around the Gunners' 1938 championship-winning side, and Le Ballon d'or (right), a Franco-Guinean collaboration about a teenage supporter of Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup finals. Intensive courses are also available at the Institut's language centre for the band of fans who will be in France during the summer, while Premiership footballers Franck Leboeuf and Emmanuel Petit are rumoured to be putting in an appearance.

Warm up for the World Cup, Institut francais, 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 (0171-838 2144) 6-9 May