Created in 1936 by Henri Langlois, the Cinémathèque française has become a pillar of the 7th art. This institution aims to conserve, restore and disseminate works of the world's cinematographic heritage. Its budget amounts to 25 million euros (80% of which is financed by the State). Among its most loyal visitors were the precursors of the New Wave: François Truffaut, Eric Rohmer, Jean-Luc Godard, Jacques Rivette and Suzanne Schiffman. A look back at the launch party of the new season.
In a packed auditorium, Frédéric Bonnaud (General Manager) and Jean-François Rauger (Director of Programming) met with privileged subscribers to the Cinémathèque. This is a first for the institution, which has a large community of loyal visitors. The opportunity to present the programming of the new season. And this year, more than 1,500 films will be screened in the three auditoriums. And always screenings led by a personality of the cinema or even the director of the film. Numerous retrospectives will allow you to rediscover the greatest filmmakers (Milos Forman, Roman Polanski, Claire Denis, Max Ophuls, Chantal Akerman, Luchino Visconti, Jacques Tourneur, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, or George A. Romero). The Cinémathèque is once again renewing its project to distribute world works with segments on Lithuanian, Colombian and Hong Kong cinema. The focus will also be on previews with five screenings for subscribers between now and November.
In its desire for universal discovery of the 7th art, exhibitions will take place for the youngest. From October to March, young audiences will be able to discover René Goscinny 's intimate relationship with cinema (Asterix & Obelix, Lucky Luke…). We expect a rich treatment of archives as the cinematheque knows how to do. The exhibition on George Meliès last year was a great success.
This round table was also an opportunity for an exchange between management and subscribers. The latter, most of whom have been faithful for decades, were able to submit their questions and recommendations. A great opportunity for the institution to meet its demanding audience and cinephile. A desire to establish a constructive dialogue in order to improve the functioning of the institution, which changed management in January 2016.
"Subscribers, you are our second biggest concern after film preservation"
Frédéric Bonnaud, Director General of the Cinémathèque française
The evening continued with the premiere of Mathieu Amalric's latest film. The actor/director, very reserved, was accompanied by actresses Jeanne Balibar and Aurore Clément. We know that Amalric knows (and loves) all the professions of cinema and he has put his money where his mouth is for our greatest pleasure. A dozen collaborators were present including Phillipe Di Folco (co-writer), Christophe Beaucarne (cinematographer), Olivier Mauvezin (sound engineer) and François Gédigier the editor.
Costa-Gavras (President of the Cinémathèque), Françoise Nyssen (Minister of Culture), Frédérique Bredin (President of the CNC and patron of the institution) and Sidonie Dumas (Managing Director of Gaumont, producer of the film) were also in the room.
The kick-off was given at the Cinémathèque française on September 4th. A season rich in nuggets, meetings and exhibitions that runs until August 2018. The opportunity for Just Focus to share with you this dive into the house that defends the richness and beauty of the 7th art.
