Involving middle school students in major social issues that concern them, such as addictions, harassment and discrimination, is what the association Gao de Nanterre wanted to do. By making four short films written, shot and edited by middle school students. Four realistic films about their daily lives and the problems they may encounter every day. They were screened at the Théâtre des Amandiers in Nanterre this summer. Camille Hurcy attended the screening.
In the lobby of the Théâtre des Amandiers, in Nanterre, in the suburbs of Paris, the 16 middle school students are getting ready. In a few minutes, the four short films they have made will be projected on the giant screen installed for the occasion. We started from the observation, as a team, that we wanted to raise awareness among young people, but also see them in action. “, explains Fretas, one of the specialist educators from the Le Gao du Petit Nanterre association which is behind these awareness spots.
The middle school students, who were mobilized for two weeks in April, ” came freely to do the project during their vacation hoursexplains Laurence Moreau, specialized educator. It’s something very positive for us, to see how the action of these young people can be positive on a community scale. neighborhood ” she rejoices.
These long hours of filming allowed the middle school students to get involved in a long-term educational project, but not only that. This also allowed us, educators, to see the potential of these young people and to ensure that they could discover the world of cinema.rejoices Laurence Moreau. Because they did a lot of things ! This film is really something that belongs to them. »
Everyone was indeed put to contribution. At one point I was filming while two actors were walking. I was in the trunk of a car filming while the car was moving. “, says Ibrahim, 15. Next to him, his friend Sofiane explains that he has always dreamed of becoming an actor, but that is not the only thing he draws from his experience around risky behavior: ” What shocked me the most was the dangers of puffs. [cigarettes électroniques à la mode chez les collégiens, ndlr]. It’s a subject that affects a lot those around me, especially my friends. I told myself that if no one was going, I had to go fishing for information and then go see them. Now, I tell them that it’s not good. ! “.
With an orange stole around her neck, Jenny Khalid speaks after the screening of the film devoted to cyberbullying, a painful subject for the mother of Alisha, a young victim of harassment, beaten and thrown into the Seine, in Argenteuil, in 2021. My daughter, I say it every time, didn’t leave for nothing. This can happen to anyone. I am here to deliver this message, I would like it to stop. “, she explains to the audience. In memory of her daughter and to prevent, Jenny Khalid has just created the association Alisha Forever. According to the Ministry of National Education, school bullying is responsible for the death of approximately two students each month.
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