France Fights Screen Time with Major Cinema Education Push: €8 Million Investment Announced
Créteil, France – November 25, 2025 – In a bold move to address growing concerns about youth screen addiction and declining cinema attendance, the French government today unveiled an €8 million investment in cinema education. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister of National Education Edouard Geffray and Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, aims to re-engage students with the power of film and cultivate critical thinking skills often lost in the endless scroll of smartphones.
From Small Screen to Big Screen: A National Priority
“The target is to allow our students to move away from the small screen and develop their critical thinking by moving to the big one,” Minister Geffray declared during a visit to a cinema and high school in Créteil. He expressed concern over the “bombardment of content” on smartphones, lamenting “the mediocrity of which cannot be demonstrated.” This sentiment underscores a broader national conversation about the impact of constant digital stimulation on young minds.
Minister Dati echoed this urgency, stating, “We are going to bring our systems into a new era,” and confirmed that the Ministry of Culture and the National Center for Cinema and Animated Images (CNC) will jointly commit the €8 million in new resources starting in 2026. This isn’t simply about entertainment; it’s about equipping the next generation with the analytical tools to navigate a complex media landscape.
Expanding “My Class at the Cinema” and Teacher Training
At the heart of the plan is a significant expansion of the “My Class at the Cinema” program, a long-standing initiative launched in the late 1980s. Currently benefiting two million students with preferential ticket prices for at least three annual cinema trips, the program aims to reach four million students within two years. This represents a 100% increase and a substantial commitment to making cinema accessible to all.
But the government’s vision extends beyond simply getting students to the cinema. Recognizing the need for informed engagement, the plan includes the creation of an interuniversity diploma (DIU) in cinema education, accessible to teachers and other educational professionals. An accompanying online resource hub will provide educators with the tools and materials needed to effectively integrate film into their curricula. This is a crucial step – simply showing a film isn’t enough. Teachers need to be equipped to facilitate meaningful discussions and analysis.
Pilot Programs and a Return to Roots
The initiative also proposes multiplying the number of classes with flexible cinema times, allowing for reinforced artistic teaching. Currently operating on an experimental basis in nine schools, these programs offer a more immersive and integrated approach to film studies. Furthermore, the government plans to establish “pilot municipal or departmental cinema conservatories,” harking back to a time when local communities actively championed cinematic arts. This echoes a growing movement to revitalize local cultural institutions and provide accessible arts education.
A Response to Declining Cinema Attendance
This announcement arrives at a critical juncture for the French cinema industry. Recent data, highlighted by Richard Patry, president of the National Federation of French Cinemas (FNCF), reveals that cinema attendance has fallen to levels not seen since the 2000s. While streaming services offer convenience, they often lack the communal experience and curated selection of a traditional cinema. This initiative is, in part, a strategic effort to recapture that audience and remind young people of the magic of the big screen.
The report that prompted this action, delivered by Edouard Geffray in September prior to his ministerial appointment, explicitly identified cinema education as “the exact antidote” to screen addiction. It’s a compelling argument – a thoughtfully chosen film can spark debate, challenge perspectives, and foster empathy in ways that fleeting social media content rarely can. This isn’t about demonizing technology; it’s about balance and providing young people with enriching alternatives.
This ambitious plan signals a clear commitment from the French government to prioritize cultural education and combat the potential downsides of a hyper-connected world. By investing in both access to cinema and the development of critical viewing skills, France is positioning its youth to be not just consumers of media, but informed and engaged citizens of the 21st century. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and in-depth analysis of its potential impact.
