Deconfinement in France: the world of culture between incomprehension and anger
Dancers, wearing protective masks, perform on stage during a rehearsal of the Ballet Don Quixote at the Théâtre de l'Opéra in Nice.
REUTERS - ERIC GAILLARD
Text by: RFI Follow
7 min
Museums, theaters and cinemas will remain closed and will therefore not be able to reopen on December 15.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex detailed Thursday evening the modalities of gradual deconfinement from next Tuesday.
The cultural community was anxiously awaiting the decision and the prolonged closure of theaters appears to be yet another blow to an already trying year.
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The cultural milieu sees itself as an expiatory victim, the one who allows to show, at a low cost, the firmness of the government.
Before Jean Castex announces an extension of at least three weeks of the closure of cinemas, theaters and museums, professionals of the 7th art circulated messages on social networks pleading for their reopening.
A short clip from the film distributor Le Pacte even showed, in parallel editing, images of citizens massed in public transport or in shops, when spectators appear masked, strictly respecting barrier gestures.
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To read also: France: Jean Castex announces a limited deconfinement and a curfew from 8 p.m. to December 15
It is therefore incomprehension, even anger, which dominates in the cultural sector after the declarations of Jean Castex, even if the professionals welcome the effort of the government to compensate for their losses.
They also stress the importance of entertainment to boost the morale of the French.
Emmanuel Demarcy-Mota, director of the Théâtre de la ville in Paris and of the Autumn Festival, is appalled.
This is the third cancellation he has to face in this epidemic.
It is obvious that the decision that has been announced by the government will lead to misunderstanding with a feeling of injustice because perhaps the arts and culture sector will have the feeling of being the great sacrificed during this period. holiday season.
Emmanuel Demarcy-Mota, director of the Théâtre de la ville in Paris and of the Autumn Festival
Muriel Maalouf
For cinemas, the December screenings represent 10% of exhibitors' turnover.
Blockbusters several times postponed were to be released in the coming days, such as "Wonder Woman 1984" or "
Sacred Witches"
.
The screens will remain black and it is to be feared that some will lower their curtains permanently.
The president of the National Federation of French Cinemas (FNCF), Richard Patry, who also runs cinemas, says he does not understand this decision.
We are appalled.
We are even outraged.
We cannot bring ourselves to understand the government's decision.
Richard Patry, President of the National Federation of French Cinemas
Sophie Torlotin
Éric Lagesse, film distributor, wonders how he will do after such a decision.
We have to reserve advertising space weeks before, we have to mount campaigns, we have to print posters.
So it's losses, losses endlessly, we just lose.
Éric Lagesse, film distributor
Sophie Torlotin
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