The Polychromes association is launching its 5th gay and lesbian film festival. From September 27 to October 13, screenings addressing homosexuality will take place in cinemas from Monaco to Marseille.
Polychromes, a cultural association, offers its film festival “Ze Festival.” Formerly known as the “film festival from one genre to another,” Polychromes provides the opportunity to see the best films and documentaries on homosexuality.
Numerous foreign films, from Argentina, Chile, or even Iran, will be mostly shown in cinemas in Nice. The cities of Monaco and Cannes will also program screenings on the big screen.
The purpose of the association is not only to showcase committed films. Its role is dual, reaching a wide audience, with middle schools as the primary targets.
Fighting against homophobia
The director of the association, Jean Flores, explains: “The school audience is concerned, they need to be reached; sessions will be presented at school, particularly in middle schools, targeting grades 8 and 9.”
Raising awareness among middle school students about differences, particularly homosexuality, will help to limit homophobic acts in the school environment.
The mission of the cultural association is also to combat homophobia and to promote gay, lesbian, and transgender culture.
Necessary support
Activists actively participate in the development of Polychromes. Volunteers keep the association alive; they are its strength.
Jacky Siret, vice president, clarifies: “The participation and commitment of our volunteers are the foundation of the association.”
The grants allocated to Polychromes have helped “Ze Festival” to be held annually for the past 5 years.
The Regional Council and the Nice city council allocate 12,000 euros to the gay, lesbian, bi, and trans film festival. Some organizations, such as the National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (INPES), grant nearly 5,000 euros. These aids are a considerable support; however, the festival actually costs more than 36,000 euros. The various financial supports only cover part of the expenses.
