A film education initiative

Since January 1^st 2007, "Passeurs d’images" has replaced the initiative "Un été au Ciné / Cinéville" (Summer at the Movies / Cineville), initiated in 1991 by the CNC (National Centre for Cinematography), as part of a new Town Development policy and of an interdepartmental preventive operation called "Ville, Vie, Vacances" ("City, Life, Holidays").

Aware of the role played by movies and the interest of its practises, DDAT (Delegation for Development and Community Action), DIV (Interdepartmental Delegation for the Town), DJEP (Direction of Youth and National Education), FAS (Social Action fund) have associated with the initiative by signing a memorandum of understanding in July 2001.

"Passeurs d’images" is a cultural and social initiative promoting Film & Image education, primarily implemented as part of a Town Development policy and supported by the ACSE (National Agency for Social Cohesion and Equal Opportunities). It is registered in the agreements on film and audiovisual development entered between the State and the French regions as part of a plan called "Dynamic Hope Suburb".

A new interdepartmental protocol regarding the initiative "Passeurs d’images" was signed on October 26th 2009 by :
 the Ministry of Culture and Communication (General Secretary),
 The State Secretary in charge of the Town Development Policy,
 the CNC (National Centre for Film and Animation),
 the ACSE (national Agency for Social Cohesion and Equal Opportunities)
 the High Commissioner of Youth – Direction of Youth, National Education and Community Life.

The operation extends to the whole national territory, to all metropolitan regions and overseas French territories, and leans on many partnerships concluded with local authorities, cinemas, Film and Audiovisual Associations and Social Integration Associations.

"Passeurs d’images" deals with the implementation of extracurricular projects promoting film and audiovisual cultural initiatives, aimed at audiences, primarily young people, who, due to social, geographical or cultural reasons, are remote from film and audiovisual areas, practises and offers. It combines two complementary actions : Seeing and Doing, Showing and Practise.

These projects respond to specific objectives : a better access to film practises, film education, to raise the public’s awareness to cultural diversity, to fight against discriminations and to mobilise several partners within a global strategy on a same territory and on the long run.

The projects "Passeurs d’images" are conceived and implemented by several social and cultural partners with similar objectives. The network “Passeurs d’images” is composed of different levels : national partners and regional partners.