The Palestinian Presences association continues to mobilize in Avignon. This year, it is hosting a cultural event called “18 days,” a series of events until May 30. In light of the war being waged by Israel in the region, it takes on “a necessarily political resonance,” explains Lenka Bokova, a representative of the association. However, the focus is not to take sides in the conflict, except in favor of peace.
These 18 days aim to highlight the lives of Palestinians. The association sees itself as a messenger, with the goal of showcasing Palestinian culture through films, photos, drawings, storytelling, dance, and agriculture.
According to Lenka Bokova, this work is bearing fruit: “Palestine means something to them. When they see films about Palestine or Palestinians, the country becomes much more concrete, real.” Using culture as a medium helps to broaden the audience. “We also reach those who say, ‘I don’t do politics,’ because here, it’s not about politics, it’s about food you want to taste, photos you want to admire,” explains a member of the association.
Exhibitions, cinema, poetry, storytelling…
Like last year, exhibitions have been set up at the Saint-Martial temple featuring photos by photographer Fatima Hassouna, who was killed with her family by Israeli missiles in 2025. On the other side, there are drawings by Raed Issa, a Gaza artist, depicting his daily life before leaving Gaza in the spring of 2025.
Thanks to the participation of artistic and cultural venues in the city, the “18-day” program has expanded. The poetry of female poets from Gaza will be showcased at the Carmes Theater, presented by an amateur collective led by Silvia Cimino, as well as stories and portraits by storyteller Jihad Darwiche at the Renaud-Barrault media library. Various films will also be shown at the Utopia cinema or on the esplanade Bernard Blavoux this Saturday, May 16, in the evening, featuring a family-friendly animation film.
“Culture is the best way to get to know others”
“I have neighbors,” jokes Marie-Dominique, a member of the association, “with whom I had problems until I met them. As soon as you know someone, you get to know them, know how they live, who they are, everything is fine. And culture is the best way to get to know others.”
In conclusion, Lenka Bokova emphasizes, “Anything that can make Palestine closer, more human, and vibrant as it is, can only contribute to revitalizing the solidarity it needs.”
Until May 30. Complete program on the Palestinian Presences Facebook page.
