Revival of French Cinema Sparks Surge in Movie Attendance

As movie attendance grows post-pandemic, French cinema owners celebrate the growing public enthusiasm and a sense of duty to support local art forms.

Outside a bustling cinema in Paris, Ronald Chammah recalls a dark period in 2022 when it seemed that the invigorating French love for cinema might have been diminished after years of pandemic restrictions. This sense of uncertainty has now given way to celebration, with Chammah joyously recounting a record-breaking day last November when audiences flocked to sold-out screenings showcasing lesser-known Armenian directors, hinting at a vibrant revival of interest in the cinema.

While global box offices struggled in 2024 due to various issues, including Hollywood strikes, France stands apart. At this year’s Oscars, filmmaker Sean Baker poignantly spoke of the detrimental effects of the pandemic, particularly the loss of numerous American theaters. Highlighting this contrasting atmosphere in France, a surge in cinema attendance has been sparked by cultural appreciation and a strong belief in the collective responsibility to support the arts, espoused by the Institut Lumière, a prominent film society in Lyon.

Fresh statistics herald this revival, revealing that French audiences are leading the charge back to theaters, affectionately referred to as “les salles obscures.” Cinema in France, deeply intertwined with its cultural identity, is witnessing an enthusiastic resurgence, a testament to the resilience of cinema lovers who aspire to experience films outside their homes and contribute to the preservation of artistic expression amidst the distractions of modern technology.