INCLUSIVITY
INCLUSIVITY
For its 9th edition, inspired by the theme HOPE—which celebrates stories that restore our faith in humanity—Les Rencontres 7e Art Lausanne (Think Cinema) champions inclusivity. From its film selection to long-term partnerships and initiatives, the festival works to ensure that everyone can fully experience and participate in the magic of cinema.
FLASH MOB
On March 4, the festival’s signature annual flash mob will once again kick off our grand opening. This year’s performance—a special collaboration with the collège de Riant-Pré, Moi aussi Association and Autisme Vaud—offers a vibrant, musical celebration of inclusivity and the richness of our differences. Join us at 5:30 PM on the Esplanade du Flon for this joyful tribute to togetherness through dance.
DIFFERENCE ON SCREEN
On Wednesday 11 March, the documentary Invincible été will be screened at Le Capitole, preceded by a conversation with Olivier Goy (@oliviergoy). Living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a neurodegenerative disease that progressively affects motor function, Goy has become an ambassador for the Paris Brain Institute and now devotes his energy to supporting research into the condition.
RELAXED SCREENINGS
This year, the festival is proud to partner with the Vaud-based non-profit Sorties Relax to offer two specially adapted screenings designed for comfort and accessibility. These Relaxed Screenings provide a flexible environment where traditional cinema etiquette is relaxed to accommodate diverse needs. Before the event, audience members can communicate any specific requirements and access detailed information about the film’s content and structure. During the screening, the environment is carefully adjusted: soft ambient lighting remains on, and sound levels are monitored to avoid sudden or excessive volume. In this judgment-free space, guests are encouraged to express their emotions freely, move around, or step out temporarily if needed. Front-of-house teams receive specialised training and are reinforced for these sessions to provide dedicated assistance. By removing barriers typical of a traditional cinema experience—such as total darkness, high volume, or the expectation of absolute silence—these screenings create a welcoming and calm atmosphere for everyone, including people with disabilities or neurodivergence.
Through a partnership with Autisme Vaud, Rencontres 7e Art Lausanne (Think Cinema) is proud to present Différente by Lola Doillon. This film explores the profound topic of late-diagnosis autism in women and will be screened on Saturday, 14 March, in the presence of actor Thibaud Evrard.
Sunday, March 15 at 2:30 pm No Dogs or Italians Allowed (Interdit aux Chiens et aux Italiens) Directed by Alain Ughetto: This screening features Audio Description (AD) and Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH), available via the Greta app. These accessibility features are provided by the Regards Neufs association, which works to make cinema inclusive for audiences with vision or hearing loss. The film will be introduced by actor Ariane Ascaride.
FESTIVAL TEAMS
Les Rencontres 7e Art Lausanne (Think Cinema) champions diversity not only among our audience but also within our teams. We are committed to an inclusive volunteer programme, inviting individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent needs to experience the festival from the inside. With the support of experienced partners, our volunteers enjoy a supportive environment and access to the full range of festival benefits.
THE “RENCONTRE EN +”
In addition, a unique collaboration with the Fondation de l’Espérance in Etoy is giving ten young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) the opportunity to train as journalists. Modeled on the acclaimed French show Le Papotin, these “Rencontres en Plus” sessions will be filmed in front of a live audience on Saturday, March 7.
The festival’s commitment to inclusivity is supported by the Canton de Vaud, the Ernst Göhner Foundation, and the VMR Foundation.