1. PRESS RELEASE – April 6, 2012 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Nathalie Schreier
Director of Event Planning
(415) 775-7755
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN ON BUSH STREET
Friday, May 18, the Alliance Française de San Francisco (AFSF) will auction off a
unique collection of Tintin memorabilia and collectibles. This fundraising event will
give Tintin fans and toy collectors the chance to add some extremely rare treasures
to their collections. It will take place at the AFSF, which is located at 1345 Bush
Street (between Polk and Hyde Streets).
Certain items commemorating the exploits of the intrepid cartoon character have
never been offered for sale anywhere before. Proceeds from the public auction will
be used to further the efforts of the AFSF, the non-profit French-language school and
cultural center.
At 5:30 p.m., the gala will get underway with a showing of the film, “Tintin and I.”
The hour-long documentary looks at the life and work of the Belgian cartoonist,
Hergé, who created Tintin and wrote the comic books that recount the exploits of
the young journalist-detective.
After the screening, the auction will begin, showcasing some very rare Tintin
collectible items. All of the pieces for sale have been donated by Mr. Guy Orban,
president of the company, Kiss That Frog, which specializes in the sale of Tintin-
themed merchandise in the U.S.
“I have long been a supporter of the Alliance Française de San Francisco,” explained
Mr. Orban. “I thought this might be an amusing and effective way to support an
organization doing so much valuable work here. I think Tintin fans and collectors
will be excited to see some of the rarer objects, which are from my own personal
collection.”
In addition to many one-of-a-kind items, the auction will feature a plethora of
vintage and modern Tintin memorabilia, including posters, statues, figurines,
watches, and every variety of Tintin toy imaginable. In true Gallic spirit, wine and
other refreshments will be available throughout the evening.
“When Mr. Orban approached us with the idea of holding a Tintin auction as a
fundraising event, we were thrilled,” said Pascal M. Ledermann, executive director
of the AFSF. “Tintin is a big favorite throughout the Francophone world. It should be
a great evening.”

2. The Alliance Française de San Francisco (AFSF), French school, public library, and
cultural center, was founded in 1889. It is one of the oldest cultural institutions in
San Francisco and is a 501(c)(3), non-profit institution.