France

French Cinemas Defy Global Slump with Post-Covid Rebound

Paris, France – While cinemas worldwide continue to struggle in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, France has emerged as an exception, registering a significant recovery in 2024.

According to industry figures, the country recorded an increase of one million cinema-goers compared to the previous year, bringing revenues back to pre-pandemic levels. This resurgence sets France apart from other developed markets, which have yet to recover fully.

The head of France’s National Cinema Center (CNC), Olivier Henrard, highlighted the contrast, noting that “in 2024, all large European countries but also the United States are down compared to entries in 2023.”

The only other nations witnessing similar growth were Brazil and Bolivia, where cinema attendance also saw an upward trend.

A Market Still Healing

The pandemic dealt a severe blow to cinemas worldwide, forcing prolonged closures in 2020 and 2021. Movie production halted, and lockdowns prompted consumers to invest in streaming services such as Netflix and high-end home entertainment systems.

By the time theaters reopened, the industry faced a precarious future, with some analysts questioning whether traditional cinema-going would ever regain its former popularity.

Adding to the woes, a prolonged Hollywood writers’ strike in 2023 caused a significant bottleneck in film releases, further delaying the return of audiences.

The lack of fresh content contributed to continued downturns in most major markets, with the U.S. and European countries still reporting declines in 2024.

The French Exception

Despite these challenges, France’s cinema industry has demonstrated resilience. The nation’s robust film culture, coupled with government policies supporting the industry, played a crucial role in the recovery.

Generous subsidies for local productions, a strong independent cinema network, and audience loyalty to French-language films have all contributed to the bounce-back.

“The French audience remains one of the most loyal in the world,” said Henrard. “They have a strong attachment to cinema as an art form and a cultural experience, which has undoubtedly helped in the recovery process.”

Additionally, strategic programming and marketing efforts by French theaters have been instrumental. Cinemas have offered a mix of blockbuster releases, festival circuits, and special screenings to lure back audiences.

The popularity of local productions and European films, in particular, has helped mitigate the reliance on Hollywood releases, which have been slow to return to previous output levels.

Still Room for Growth

Despite the encouraging numbers, French cinemas have not yet reached full recovery. The number of ticket sales in 2024 remains around 13% lower than pre-pandemic levels recorded between 2017 and 2019.

Industry experts suggest that further efforts will be needed to close the gap, particularly in drawing younger audiences back to cinemas.

While France offers a hopeful case study for global cinema operators, other markets may struggle to replicate its success without similar cultural and structural advantages.

As the film industry navigates the post-pandemic landscape, France’s experience provides valuable insights into how cinemas can rebuild and thrive in the new entertainment era.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members

Gabriel Peters

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