Hommage à Jean Zay

From February 1 to 28, 2026, the town of Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton will pay tribute to the French lawyer and politician.
Honoring a great and visionary French politician, Jean ZAY, a hero of the French Resistance during World War II, who was assassinated by the militia in 1944 and inducted into the Panthéon in 2015.
Three events are scheduled from February 1 to 28: a documentary film, a one-man play, and two exhibitions.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026 – 5:00 PM
*Film screening and discussion
Cinéma le Trianon – Rue du Canon.
HAUTE SOLITUDE, JEAN ZAY: POLITICAL PRISONER.
A documentary film by Laurent Veray.
From 1940 to 1944 in Riom, Jean Zay was imprisoned by the Vichy government before being assassinated by the militia. His cell then became a space and time for self-reflection. A portrait of a man who was imprisoned, weakened but never broken, this film offers an introspective visual exploration through his personal writings and photos from prison. Gradually, the image of an exceptional personality emerges…
This documentary serves as a warning against all forms of murderous ideologies, repressive measures, and attacks on freedom of thought, and demonstrates the capacity for personal resilience, rightly emphasizing the ethics and strength of the human bond between Jean Zay and his wife Madeleine, much like the couple Alfred and Lucie Dreyfus.
Running time: 1 hr 38 min
Audience age 12 and up
Single ticket price: 4? (at the door—no reservations accepted)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 – 8:00 PM
*Play: “Jean Zay, the Complete Man”
Louise Colet Theater – Rond-Point de la Victoire.
The account Jean Zay wrote while in prison (*Memories and Solitude*) offers valuable insight into his visionary work and the tragedy of his fate—that of a man fighting against moral desolation. A powerful lesson in how to live in the world. Xavier Béja’s performance is deeply moving. A must-see show.
Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Recommended for ages 13 and up
Price: 15 €
Reservations at https://www.verneuil-davre-et-diton.fr/actualites/744-agenda-vernolien-et-billetterie-2.html

FEBRUARY 1–27, 2026
*Exhibition: JEAN ZAY (1904–1944), MEMORY OF A MAN, MODERNITY OF A WORK.
Porte de Normandie High School—830 Rue des Poissonniers and Municipal Media Center—620 Rue de la Madeleine
A biography presented on 21 panels at the high schoolPorte de Normandie High School from February 1 to 19, then at the Municipal Media Library from February 20 to 27.
Free admission.

FEBRUARY 1–28, 2026
*Exhibition: JEAN ZAY AND THE 1939 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL.
Cinéma le Trianon—Rue du Canon.
Open every afternoon. Closed on Thursdays.
20 display panels on view at the Le Trianon cinema.
On September 1, 1939, the first Cannes International Film Festival was scheduled to open. Jean Zay, Minister of National Education and Fine Arts of the Third Republic, Jean Zay, worked to ensure that this large-scale film event would establish itself as the spearhead of film diplomacy, bringing together films from the “free nations” in opposition to the Venice Film Festival, which was under fascist rule.
With the kind cooperation of the Cercle Jean Zay in Orléans.
Free admission.