EveryMela
Chéries-Chéris
Arts and film

Chéries-Chéris

Festival du Film Lesbien, Gay, Bi, Trans & ++++ de Paris

An annual Parisian cinema event showcasing queer stories and diverse voices.

Photo: Josef Kocmid, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chéries-Chéris is an annual cinema event in Paris that highlights queer storytelling through international films. Taking place each autumn, it brings audiences together to explore diverse identities and experiences on the big screen.

Drawn for EveryMela from this festival's own symbols.
  • Showcases global queer cinema every autumn in the French capital.
  • Four creators launched the project three decades ago to highlight marginalized voices.
  • Juries award multiple trophies for features, documentaries, and short films.
  • Screenings take place at MK2 venues near Beaubourg and along the Seine.

What it is

This Parisian cinema gathering focuses on LGBTQ+ themes and diverse human experiences. It provides a dedicated space for marginalized voices to share their narratives through the medium of moving pictures. Attendees gather to watch a wide selection of global productions that explore gender, sexuality, and identity. The event fosters a welcoming environment where communities can see their lives reflected on the silver screen. By highlighting these specific stories, the gathering promotes understanding and visibility for queer individuals across different cultures. It serves as a vital cultural hub during the autumn months, connecting filmmakers with enthusiastic audiences who appreciate authentic representation.

Where it comes from

The event began its journey three decades ago under a different moniker, initially focusing specifically on gay and lesbian creators. Yann Beauvais partnered with Philip Brooks, while Élisabeth Lebovici joined forces with Nathalie Magnan to launch the initiative. Over the years, the scope expanded to include bisexual and transgender stories, reflecting a broader spectrum of the community. National and regional cultural authorities eventually stepped in to provide financial backing, helping the project grow in prestige. Early iterations featured a single short movie prize sponsored by a major television broadcaster. As the years passed, the recognition categories multiplied to honor feature lengths, documentaries, and acting achievements, cementing its status as a premier autumn showcase.

How it is celebrated

Visitors spend their days moving between MK2 venues near Beaubourg and along the Seine to watch various cinematic works. The programming includes a rich mix of narrative features, documentary pieces, and brief experimental shorts. Beyond the screenings, the atmosphere buzzes with conversations about representation and artistic expression. A major focal point is the awards ceremony, where juries hand out multiple trophies for outstanding achievements in directing, acting, and documentary filmmaking. Attendees dress in their favorite autumn attire, enjoying the vibrant social gatherings that accompany the evening showings. The closing night brings everyone together to celebrate the winners of the top honors, creating a joyous and affirming environment for all participants.

Joining in

Travelers looking to attend should plan their trip to the French capital during the autumn months. Tickets for individual screenings and full event passes can be secured through the official digital platform. The main screenings take place at accessible MK2 locations, making it easy for newcomers to navigate the schedule. Expect a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where you can meet fellow cinema enthusiasts and discover new perspectives.

Sources and attribution

This page is EveryMela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Chéries-Chéris, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

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This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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