Damien Bonnard, a 48-year-old actor with multiple award nominations, has been the patron of the Effervescence film festival for the fourth year in a row. The festival, which runs through October 5, focuses on themes related to "the five senses" and showcases a variety of films, from short films to heritage cinema, including world premieres and master classes. This year’s lineup includes Les Chaillées de l'enfer by Léo Boudet and Le Son des souvenirs by Oliver Hermanus, among others. Bonnard describes himself as an "accompanist," a role that connects professionals in the film industry with the festival. On his invitation, Gérard Lanvin will join Bonnard to present Rédemptions, a Quebec film directed by Luc Picard, in which both actors star. The same day, Robert Guédiguian and Ariane Ascaride will premiere Une femme aujourd’hui, a film set to release in theaters on October 21. Bonnard also chose to highlight the comedy Carla et moi (2024), directed by New York-based filmmaker Nathan Silver. The two had previously collaborated on Thirst Street in 2017, and Bonnard selected this film to showcase a work that has not been widely seen. Bonnard’s connection to the Effervescence festival is deeply personal. He grew up near Mâcon, a town in eastern France, and recalls how he was introduced to cinema through local screenings. As a child, he and his brother made deals with the local cinema, placing promotional materials on car windshields in exchange for free tickets. Although he now travels extensively for his career, Bonnard always returns to his roots, attending film screenings in the surrounding area whenever he releases a new film. He is particularly fond of the Effervescence festival for its accessibility and inclusivity, welcoming audiences ranging in age from 14 to 102. "Everyone can talk—whether it's actors, festivalgoers, or directors," Bonnard explains. The festival encourages open discussions and exchanges between the public and filmmakers, which continue even after the screening ends. For Bonnard, cinema is not just an art form, but a shared and convivial experience.