The model from Blois, Jérémy Bellet received the Medal of Arts and International Culture on the day of the digital release of his short film “A last breath”. With Fiona Gélin and Pascal Soetens called “The big brother”, the film denounces all forms of discrimination.
If thanks to this medal, the film and my fight can shine even more, it’s great.
Since his high school years, Jérémy Bellet has used his notoriety to fight against discrimination and harassment. His latest production is a short film “A last breath”, with Fiona Gélin and Pascal Soetens in which the two actors confide their suffering.
Fiona Gélin recounts her feeling of shame when she was a victim of domestic violence and Pascal Soetens, known as Pascal the Big Brother, testifies to the harassment he suffered when he was younger, when he was smaller than the others .
“It is a film between reality and fiction which tells the story of a young man attacked because he was different. Before dying, he is going to tell a writer his story “, sums up Jérémy Bellet.
He says it himself: “I am not a director. I was not rewarded for the quality of my film, but to underline my fight, my commitment and the message that I wanted to convey in this film. Too many young people still suffer from discrimination and harassment at school. And the consequences are terrible. It concerns everyone. It must stop. ”
Awarded for its commitment against discrimination and harassment
It was during a press presentation that the film “One last breath“was unveiled on April 3. On this occasion, the silver medal for Arts and International Culture was awarded to Jérémy Bellet by the President of the International Committee for Arts and Culture, Jean-Eric de Saint – Luc, alongside the main actors, Fiona Gélin and Pascal Soetens.
Patricia Charpentier and Scarlett Kevhoney, two actresses with a role in this short film, were also present.
“This medal brings more weight to my words. With the media in particular, it opened more doors for me to talk about my commitment”, says the 22-year-old.
The Silver Medal for Arts and Culture: an award awarded by the International Tourism Federation
The Arts and Culture Medal is awarded each year by the International Committee of Arts and Culture, federation component of the International Tourism Federation. Created in 1985, this non-profit organization aims to make known, to help beginning artists, or and to distinguish the most confirmed among them. For this committee, the artists are the spokespersons and prescribers of their countries.
The origin of his film: years of harassment linked to his homosexuality
Jérémy Bellet is a 22-year-old model who now lives in Paris. During his schooling in Blois, at college and high school, he was the victim of school harassment.
“I have never suffered physical violence. But words can be as harsh as punches at this age. I have always assumed my homosexuality and at 14-15 it was very frowned upon. Whenever someone is out of the ordinary, they are singled out. I no longer passed through the square. I had to go through the teachers’ entrance to go to class otherwise I was insulted “, says the young man.
Theater, a cocoon against bullying at school
Jérémy Bellet almost gave up his studies, but his encounter with the artistic world saved him. “Fortunately, I integrated a theater section in high school. That’s what saved me. It was my cocoon. I could be myself. ”
In addition to theater lessons, Jérémy Bellet discovered Parisian nightlife and its cultural environment. He immediately feels at home. And it is in this environment, of fashion and the arts, that it flourishes today : “I met Pascal Soetens and Fiona Gélin. Pascal became my friend. Fiona is my godmother in the profession. This environment encouraged me and accepted me as I am.”
Jérémy Bellet’s short film, “One last breath “, was released on digital platforms on April 3. He has been seen 2,000 times.
Go to schools, colleges and high schools with his film to raise awareness of the effects of bullying
Jérémy Bellet now wishes to extend his work in schools, colleges and high schools. “I am in talks with elected officials from the region and with Marc Gricourt, the mayor of Blois, to meet students in order to make them aware of the effects of harassment. We must talk about it, even in primary school, because discrimination starts very early. “.
These meetings in schools were initially to take place in April. They have been postponed due to the new confinement. “It will happen. Marc Gricourt supports me. I am not losing hope. When it is possible, I will come with my film and Fiona Gélin.”
Report in Blois by Marine Rondonnier, Pascal Epée and Laurent Vaury a few weeks before the release of the short film:
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