Movie Theaters Become Classrooms for Young Students

While the Six N’Étoiles theaters are still closed to the general public, they are far from silent. Almost every morning, entire classes come in. 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 Cinema Center (CNC) in collaboration with the national education system. Their goal is to allow young people to see works in theaters while building a film culture accompanied by classroom work.

Films for Understanding and Self-Development

In Six-Fours, this dynamic is reflected in a program tailored to the needs of teachers, “Establishments request us, and we develop customized sessions based on school curricula,” says Noémie Dumas, the cinema director.

Students come from all over the area: Six-Fours, Sanary, La Seyne, Le Beausset, or 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,” she adds.

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 the discussion in the classroom.

In this month of March, focused on 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’s also a way to show that women can dream big,” highlights a teacher.

Even Kindergartens Have Their Screening

Since this year, the program has expanded to include younger students. Kindergarten classes are now part of this visual education.

To capture their attention, formats are adapted: a short session, made up of several films ranging from burlesque to animation. “We can offer Chaplin, Tex Avery, or even Eastern European animated films, for a duration of under an hour,” details Noémie Dumas.

Shaping Perspective from a Young Age

Beyond artistic discovery, these sessions contribute to a broader goal: learning to decode images. In a society where they are ubiquitous, this education becomes essential for developing critical thinking.