Beijing French Cultural Center Cancels Film Screenings Amid Heightened Sensitivity on Gender Issues
The French Cultural Center in Beijing canceled screenings of two LGBTQ+ films ahead of Pride Month without explanation. Observers suggest the move reflects the Chinese government's increasingly conservative stance on gender issues, driven by concerns over the country's declining birth rate.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 14:17
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 14:27 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 11, 2026 at 14:28 (1 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Shuling, Beijing 11th) The French Cultural Center in Beijing recently canceled film screenings scheduled for Pride Month without providing a reason. Some moviegoers believe that due to China's very low birth rate, the authorities have adopted a more conservative attitude towards gay issues or topics that could lead to gender antagonism.
June is globally recognized as "Pride Month," a time to celebrate and commemorate the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc.) community and advocate for gender equality.
On May 29, the French Cultural Center's official Weibo account announced that three themed film screenings would be held at the Beijing French Cultural Center in June. To mark the arrival of Pride Month, it would specially present two films, "Enzo" and "Eat the Night," with tickets going on sale that day. These films explore gender identity and gender norms. The two directors of "Eat the Night" had originally planned to attend a post-screening discussion on the 6th.
However, on June 5, viewers discovered that their purchased tickets for the aforementioned films had been refunded. A reporter's test confirmed that all films in the same series had also been taken down, making online ticket purchases impossible. Netizens who inquired in viewing groups or left online comments received no response regarding the reason for the cancellation.
A movie fan told Central News Agency that in recent years, the authorities have increasingly tightened controls on women's rights and gay issues, and are very cautious about public opinion that could lead to gender antagonism. He speculated that the underlying reason is the low birth rate, prompting efforts to remove factors unfavorable to marriage and childbearing.
According to sources, last year, a small group organizing film screenings was summoned by the police for questioning. These films were considered feminist, although they had obtained screening permits. The police were concerned about whether these were "all-female" private screenings, which would lead to the event's cancellation. "All-female" viewing events are seen as a form of inciting gender antagonism.
China's population in 2025 declined for the fourth consecutive year, with the birth rate hitting a new low. The total number of births for the year was only 7.92 million, described as a "cliff-like drop" compared to 9.54 million the previous year.
In February of this year, Xinjiang female脱口秀 (stand-up comedy) performer "@小帕不歡迎指導工作" posted on Weibo, "I've been lying in bed with a fever for two days. I thought, if I had a husband and kids, I'd have to hold onto the wall to get up and cook for them." Her account was subsequently suspended. Weibo officials later stated that the account had posted information inciting gender antagonism and creating anxiety about marriage and childbearing, violating laws, regulations, and a special campaign, leading to a ban on the platform.
Another film event organizer said that while canceling the screening to boost the birth rate is a possibility, it is difficult to confirm. Regardless, the gay community in China is often in a state of suppression, and this incident is likely related to "Pride Month."
In the eyes of movie fans, the Beijing French Cultural Center has always been an alternative cinema sanctuary, offering opportunities to see films that cannot be shown in China. However, this is not the first time it has faced challenges.
In 2021, the center's "Beijing Queer Film Festival" was reported by members of the public, who claimed that the films shown at this ticketed festival had not been approved by the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television and should be stopped.
According to a report by The Paper at the time, the Chaoyang District Bureau of Culture and Tourism in Beijing responded that the film festival was organized by the French Embassy. Under an agreement signed between China and France in 2002, the French Cultural Center is qualified to hold film festivals and charge admission fees.
The French Cultural Center's website states that it is dedicated to promoting exchanges between China and France in fields such as music, film, art, books, and critical thinking, as well as the dissemination of French culture and language in China. Florent Aydalot, the Minister Counselor for Cultural, Educational, and Scientific Affairs at the French Embassy in China, also serves as the director of the French Cultural Center. (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150611
June is globally recognized as "Pride Month," a time to celebrate and commemorate the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc.) community and advocate for gender equality.
On May 29, the French Cultural Center's official Weibo account announced that three themed film screenings would be held at the Beijing French Cultural Center in June. To mark the arrival of Pride Month, it would specially present two films, "Enzo" and "Eat the Night," with tickets going on sale that day. These films explore gender identity and gender norms. The two directors of "Eat the Night" had originally planned to attend a post-screening discussion on the 6th.
However, on June 5, viewers discovered that their purchased tickets for the aforementioned films had been refunded. A reporter's test confirmed that all films in the same series had also been taken down, making online ticket purchases impossible. Netizens who inquired in viewing groups or left online comments received no response regarding the reason for the cancellation.
A movie fan told Central News Agency that in recent years, the authorities have increasingly tightened controls on women's rights and gay issues, and are very cautious about public opinion that could lead to gender antagonism. He speculated that the underlying reason is the low birth rate, prompting efforts to remove factors unfavorable to marriage and childbearing.
According to sources, last year, a small group organizing film screenings was summoned by the police for questioning. These films were considered feminist, although they had obtained screening permits. The police were concerned about whether these were "all-female" private screenings, which would lead to the event's cancellation. "All-female" viewing events are seen as a form of inciting gender antagonism.
China's population in 2025 declined for the fourth consecutive year, with the birth rate hitting a new low. The total number of births for the year was only 7.92 million, described as a "cliff-like drop" compared to 9.54 million the previous year.
In February of this year, Xinjiang female脱口秀 (stand-up comedy) performer "@小帕不歡迎指導工作" posted on Weibo, "I've been lying in bed with a fever for two days. I thought, if I had a husband and kids, I'd have to hold onto the wall to get up and cook for them." Her account was subsequently suspended. Weibo officials later stated that the account had posted information inciting gender antagonism and creating anxiety about marriage and childbearing, violating laws, regulations, and a special campaign, leading to a ban on the platform.
Another film event organizer said that while canceling the screening to boost the birth rate is a possibility, it is difficult to confirm. Regardless, the gay community in China is often in a state of suppression, and this incident is likely related to "Pride Month."
In the eyes of movie fans, the Beijing French Cultural Center has always been an alternative cinema sanctuary, offering opportunities to see films that cannot be shown in China. However, this is not the first time it has faced challenges.
In 2021, the center's "Beijing Queer Film Festival" was reported by members of the public, who claimed that the films shown at this ticketed festival had not been approved by the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television and should be stopped.
According to a report by The Paper at the time, the Chaoyang District Bureau of Culture and Tourism in Beijing responded that the film festival was organized by the French Embassy. Under an agreement signed between China and France in 2002, the French Cultural Center is qualified to hold film festivals and charge admission fees.
The French Cultural Center's website states that it is dedicated to promoting exchanges between China and France in fields such as music, film, art, books, and critical thinking, as well as the dissemination of French culture and language in China. Florent Aydalot, the Minister Counselor for Cultural, Educational, and Scientific Affairs at the French Embassy in China, also serves as the director of the French Cultural Center. (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150611
FAQ
Why did the Beijing French Cultural Center cancel the film screenings?
No official reason was given, but it is speculated to be related to China's tightening regulations on gender issues amidst its declining birth rate.
What were the titles of the canceled films?
The two films were 'Enzo' and 'Eat the Night'.
How might this affect the LGBTQ community in China?
It could further reduce public spaces for expression, making community activities more difficult.