TV5Monde5 USA, the French-language entertainment network, is launching a new streaming service that will provide current subscribers with additional programming.

TV5MondePlus will launch June 10. It will initially be available for free in Louisiana through distribution partners including Cox and LUS Fiber.

The network plans to announce launch partners in additional states in the coming weeks. 

TV5MondePlus will be the first platform offering the channel’s first-run and library content, including entire seasons of drama and comedy series, documentaries, children’s shows and movies.

“By offering the option to watch full seasons of current and past seasons of our popular series, the launch of TV5MondePlus will provide additional value to  our viewers as well as to our distribution partners who are looking to keep existing subscribers while also attracting new ones.”

Programs on the service include Mirador, A la di Stasio, Quartier des banques and Ennemi public.

TV5MondePlus has been developed with the support of TV5Monde’'s partners including SRC (Société Radio Canada), Télé Quebec, TV5 Québec Canada, RTS (Radio Télévision Suisse), RTBF (Radio Télévision Belge Francophone), France Télévisions and TV5MondeSA.

TV5Monde USA will air the world television premiere of 17 Year Locust on March 18.

The short film was the winner of #CreateLouisiana’s 2020 French Culture Film Grant’s $25,000 cash award, which is sponsored by TV5Monde USA.

17 Year Locust follows a Haitian immigrant who moves to a French-speaking city in Louisiana with his pregnant wife. He becomes a caretaker for an elderly French-speaking woman in a hospice. He plans to assimilate to become an American, but she tells him the cost she paid giving up her own culture and customs.

The short film was co-written by Trevor Navarre, co-written and directed by Logan LeBlanc, and produced by Allison Bohl DeHart.  

“TV5Monde USA, as the charter lead sponsor of the #CreateLouisiana’s French Culture Film Grant, is proud to air the world television premiere of 17 Year Locust this month,” said Patrice Courtaban, COO of TV5Monde USA. “This compelling film about a French-speaking immigrant looking to assimilate into an American way of life perfectly reflects our mission to celebrate francophone culture and we hope it serves as a conversation starter among our viewers regarding this very timely topic.” 

17 Year Locust will be having a theatrical run as part of the 2021 New Orleans Film Festival on March 27 at The Broadside and virtually through the Eventive platform.

The premiere coincided with the annual International Francophonie Month in March.