When the doors of the Six N’Etoiles cinemas are still closed to the general public, they are far from silent. Almost every morning, entire classes come to watch movies there. From kindergarten to high school, including apprentices, students come to discover films designed as true educational tools.
These screenings are often part of national programs supported by the National Center for Cinema (CNC) in collaboration with the national education system. Their goal: to allow young people to see works in theaters while building a cinematographic culture accompanied by classroom work.
Films for understanding and self-development
In Six-Fours, this dynamic is reflected in a programming adapted to the needs of teachers, “ Schools reach out to us and we create custom sessions based on the school curriculum, ” said Noémie Dumas, the cinema director.
Students come from all over the area: Six-Fours, Sanary, La Seyne, Le Beausset, and Sainte-Anne. This morning, two classes from Léo-Lagrange school took their seats in the theater. For Mrs. Simon and Mr. Perez, both teachers, these sessions go beyond a simple outing. “ It’s also a matter of equality,” emphasizes Mrs. Simon. “ Not all children have access to the cinema. Here, we create a habit, we open a door.“
Behind each screening, a real educational work is carried out. Teachers commit to several films throughout the year, accompanied by files and analysis tools to extend reflection in the classroom.
In this month of March, marked by women’s rights, students discovered the film Capitaines. Aimed at the younger ones, it portrays two heroines facing social and cultural barriers, sensitively addressing their search for place and freedom. “ It’s also a way to show that women can dream big,” emphasizes a teacher.
Even kindergartens have their session now
Since this year, the program also extends to the youngest ones. Preschool classes are now integrated into this visual education.
To capture their attention, the formats are adapted: a short session composed of several films ranging from burlesque to animation. “We can offer Chaplin, Tex Avery, or even Eastern European animated films, for a duration of less than an hour,” details Noémie Dumas.
Shaping the gaze from a young age
Beyond artistic discovery, these sessions contribute to a broader issue: learning to decipher images. In a society where they are omnipresent, this education becomes essential for developing critical thinking.
