Survey reveals attendance decline

The Association des cinémas du Centre received a survey showing a decrease in cinema attendance in recent years, less severe than the national average in France, but with significant variation among different cinemas in the region.

Diverse range of cinemas

The association, established in 1995 by independent cinemas in the Centre-Val de Loire region, includes 52 affiliated cinemas, ranging from single-screen venues to larger complexes, with most classified as Art and Essay cinemas.

Support and research

The association is supported by several organizations, including the CNC and the DRAC Centre-Val de Loire, and commissioned sociologists from Plurihabitus Tours Sociologie to survey 73 cinemas in the region, with over 60% responding.

Cinema staffing and funding

Most of the cinemas surveyed are single-screen with around 200 seats, often in rural areas. Staffing includes both employees and volunteers, with a median of four employees per cinema, and 80% of these cinemas receive public funding for various operations.

Attendance drop and disparities

Attendance in the Centre region dropped by 10% in 2025, less than the national average of 14%. Larger cinema complexes have been hit the hardest, highlighting a significant disparity across the sector.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite these challenges, the association remains active, engaging younger audiences and hosting events such as film premieres and director meetings. Initiatives like the Justiciné festival in Orléans on November 26 further demonstrate the sector's dynamism.