For several years now, France-based association Cinécyclo has been offering alternative cinema screenings, in the middle of nature, where the public is invited to pedal a bicycle to generate energy for the projection.

As its name indicates, Cinécyclo combines cinema with cycling, which allows it to bring culture to isolated places through open-air screenings.

All the materials necessary for the projection fit into two bags attached to a bicycle. On one side are the items to generate power for the whole endeavour, while the other side holds the video projector and the sound system.

Cinécyclo recreates the magic of a traditional cinema session, though one not bound by a venue but in unique, bucolic and often isolated locations.

While the cycling is done by the association’s volunteers, spectators who wish to contribute are encouraged to take turns on the bike throughout the projection. A pace of about 10 to 15 km/h is more than enough.

The movies shown are in line with the values of the association, and are mostly short films related to the environment, as well as documentaries.

Cinécyclo tours through villages in France but also holds screenings in Senegal and Ecuador. The association also offers an educational kit for primary school students on the environment, energy and solidarity, which can be downloaded from the Cinécyclo website.