Rencontres Cinévasion

Cinévasion: Art and Essay Cinema in the Heart of the Basque Country

The association Cinévasion 64 brings together eight independent cinemas classified as Art and Essay in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, mainly in rural areas. These cinemas — Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (Le Vauban), Arudy, Cambo-les-Bains, Hasparren, Hendaye, Mauléon, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Saint-Palais — share the same passion for quality cinema and a desire to make it accessible to as many people as possible.

A Week of Cinematic Encounters

Each year in March, the Rencontres Cinévasion offer a special week of programming across the eight cinemas in the network. The festival highlights independent and creative cinema, with screenings accompanied by short films as pre-programs, allowing the public to discover the best of contemporary short films.

The originality of the festival lies in the meetings with film crews: directors, actors, and technicians come to interact with the public after the screenings, creating privileged moments of sharing between creators and spectators. Debates and discussions about the films complete this program, enriching the cinematic experience.

A Festival for All Audiences

Rencontres Cinévasion pays special attention to young audiences, with activities and screenings dedicated to children and teenagers. The festival is part of the educational approach of the Cinévasion 64 association, which works year-round for image education and awareness of quality cinema.

Le Vauban Cinema, the Festival's Beating Heart

The Le Vauban cinema in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a 300-seat venue classified as Art and Essay, is one of the festival's emblematic locations. Located in this medieval town, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France and a major stop on the Way of Saint James, Le Vauban embodies Cinévasion 64's commitment to demanding and accessible local cinema.