When the theaters of Six N’Étoiles are still closed to the general public, they are far from being silent. Almost every morning, entire classes come in. From kindergarten to high school, including apprentices, students come to discover films designed as genuine educational tools.
These screenings are often part of national programs led by the National Cinema Center (CNC) in collaboration with the national education system. Their goal: to allow young people to see works in theaters while building a film culture accompanied by classroom work.
At Six-Fours, this dynamic is reflected in a program tailored to teachers’ needs, “« Schools contact us and we create customized sessions based on the school curriculum,” explains 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 are in the theater. For Mrs. Simon and Mr. Perez, both teachers, these sessions go beyond a simple outing. “« It is also a matter of equality,” emphasizes Mrs. Simon. “Not all children have access to cinema. Here, we create a habit, we open a door.”
Behind each screening, a true pedagogical work is underway. Teachers commit to several films throughout the year, accompanied by documents and analysis tools to extend the reflection in class.
In this month of March, marked by women’s rights, students discovered the film Capitaines. Aimed at younger audiences, it portrays two heroines facing social and cultural barriers, sensitively depicting their quest for place and freedom. “It is also a way to show that women can dream big,” emphasizes a teacher.
Since this year, the program has been extended to include younger children. Kindergarten classes are now part of this visual education.
To capture their attention, the formats are adapted: a short session comprised of several films ranging from burlesque to animation. “We can offer Chaplin, Tex Avery, or animated films from Eastern Europe, all within an hour,” details Noémie Dumas.
Beyond artistic discovery, these sessions contribute to a broader issue: learning to decipher images. In a society where images are ubiquitous, this education becomes essential for developing critical thinking.
