France: cinemas organize “alternative” screenings in the face of their prolonged closure
Spectators take their seats in the Le Luxy cinema, respecting social distancing, during a screening in Ivry-sur-Seine, in the Paris region, on March 14, 2021. AFP - MARTIN BUREAU
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2 min
French cinemas have been closed since October 29.
With no reopening date announced, angry industry professionals organized private screenings with audiences this weekend.
Made legal by a government decree, the initiative was taken by the Association of Independent Cinema for its distribution and by the National Group of Research Cinemas.
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With our special correspondent in Ivry-sur-Seine
,
Matthieu Bonhoure
About ten people wait in front of the entrance to the Le Luxy cinema.
The guests introduce themselves, cardboard in hand.
“
I rushed, because I am in need of cinema.
For me it's important, because I focus on the film, something I do less at home
: it's not the same,
”explains a spectator before giving her name to the reception and entering the hall.
Spectators take their seats to watch a documentary on feminism.
At the exit of the room, we guess the smiles behind the masks: "
I felt really very moved and it is true that we very quickly forget this sharing of laughter, reactions, emotions
", sums up another spectator. .
Hélène Milano, co-president of the Association of independent cinema for its diffusion (ACID), one of the two associations behind this initiative, explains the approach: “
It is extremely unfair
: the whole sector has been extremely responsible, Health protocols were put in place right away and were followed all the time.
So there
is a major misunderstanding in the face of this
lasting
closure
.
"
With hydro-alcoholic gel at the entrance, reduced public and one in two seats condemned, professionals in the sector say they are
ready to reopen
, with a new health protocol if necessary.
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