In Elne, a small town in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of southern France, the newly elected mayor, Steve Fortel, has sparked controversy by deciding to remove the name of René Vautier from a local cinema. Vautier was a filmmaker known for his work on themes of colonialism and Algerian independence, and his films include Le Désert and La Bataille d'Alger. The decision has upset members of the opposition and Vautier’s family, who view it as an attempt to erase his legacy. Fortel, who was elected in March 2026, explained during a municipal council meeting on September 22 that he wants to keep culture free from political influence. He acknowledged Vautier’s cinematic achievements but noted his association with the National Liberation Front (FLN), a group that led Algeria’s fight for independence from France. Moïra Chappedelaine-Vautier, Vautier’s daughter, was not informed of the decision until three days before the council meeting. She wrote a two-page letter to the town’s officials, arguing that removing her father’s name would erase the memory of a filmmaker who fought for artistic freedom. Despite her concerns, Fortel confirmed that the name would be removed. The cinema will be renamed La Bobine illibérienne, a name referencing the local residents of Elne, as part of an effort to make the town’s public spaces more neutral. The cinema will also no longer be managed by the association Cinémaginaire, which had been responsible for its operations and programming. The partnership, which cost between 20,000 and 25,000 euros annually, will end, and the city will take full control of the cinema. This includes managing its staff, finances, and cultural programming, ensuring that the city has direct oversight over all aspects of the venue. Opposition official Roland Castanier, from the French Communist Party (PCF), criticized the move, arguing that the mayor is imposing his own political views. He pointed out that the Algerian war for independence ended decades ago and that the town should focus on unity rather than divisive issues. Castanier also noted that Fortel had previously removed a rainbow pedestrian crossing from the city, citing similar reasoning. While Fortel has stated he wants to avoid ideological influences in the future, Castanier insists the decision reflects a clear ideological stance. Fortel did not directly respond to the criticism but smiled when asked about it.