A French cinema, Le Rio, has revealed pressures it attributes to the Ministry of Culture, including funding cuts, café closure threats, exclusion from events, and repeated inspections. Following these revelations, numerous civil society organizations have released a joint statement condemning the pressures faced by independent cultural spaces. The groups express solidarity with Le Rio, suggesting this is not an isolated incident. They highlight a broader pattern of interference impacting independent arts venues across France. The statement serves as a warning about growing concerns regarding artistic freedom. The article underscores a perceived threat to the diversity and independence of France’s cultural landscape.