*UPDATE* - Help save the cinema in Chamonix
Last night the Friends of Chamonix Cinema hosted a meeting to discuss the threat of closure currently hanging over the head of the Cinema Vox. There was a good turn out to the meeting, despite the heavy snow that had been falling all day!
Over the past few years the decline in visitors to the cinema has been significant: from 100 000 numbers have fallen to 60 000. The problems that have led to this situation seem to boil down to the following points:
- To a certain extent the Multiplex in Sallanches does rival the Cinema VOX even though there's no reason why they can't coexist.
- The recession is a contributing factor, which has hit a lot of small cinemas. There is no longer a cinema in Cluses, Les Contamines, La Roche sur Foron and in Megeve there is just one projection room which only runs during the season.
- In 2010/11 the cinema will be obliged to switch to digital projections for an estimated cost of 200,000 Euros. The town hall gave the cinema financial support last April, without which the VOX would already have closed.
The cinema is not run by a chain, but by a local couple who run the establishment single handed. Although this is one of the features that lends the cinema its charm and atmosphere, it does mean that they simply do not have the time or the energy to actively market the establishment as effectively as is needed. This is hopefully how the Friends of Chamonix Cinema association will be able to help!
Chamonix is one of the few cinemas to show a selection of films in English (VO – version originale). One possibility that was discussed was the development of this, perhaps by dedicating one room solely to English language films on a permanent basis. As well as serving the local English-speaking community it would also appeal to the large number of English speaking tourists that the resort attracts.
If any members of the English speaking community would like to offer their support on a professional or a personal basis, the Friends of Chamonix Cinema would be most pleased to hear from you. 50% of the tourist trade in Chamonix consists of non-French speakers, so local businesses are encouraged to think of ways in which they could reach out to their clients and boost support for the cinema.
For those who couldn't attend the meeting last night, there will be a follow-up meeting on 12th January 2010. Anyone who has an interest in supporting this local cinema is very welcome to attend and voice any suggestions.
In the meantime, you can support your local flicks by turning up to see one of the festive movies that are scheduled for the next few weeks and by buying as much popcorn and ice cream as possible – all in a good cause! You can see here for film schedules, or visit the website by clicking on the link below.
If you would like to become involved and join the Friends of Chamonix Cinema, please contact culture.cm@chamonix.fr for further details.
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Back in April we reported that the commune of Chamonix had given a one-off grant to Chamonix's cinema which was languishing in 40,000 euros of debt. Since then, things don't seem to have improved and now the situation is getting so critical that a new association has been set up by concerned people in the valley who don't want to see the Cine Vox close.
The 'Amis du Cine Vox' came into being in September and tonight is the first reunion. Anyone who is concerned about the fate of the cinema is welcome to attend and the Association will debate what can be done to make the cinema more popular and the idea of diversifying into other areas such as conferences, theatre and shows. The Association has worked out that the cinema needs to increase the number of entries by 20,000 a year to break even.
All are invited to the meeting tonight, Monday, at Cine Vox starting at 20:00. If you can't make the meeting but would still like to show your support, you can email claire.burnet@chamonix.com who will gladly email out a membership form and details. To be a member, the Association asks for a donation.
If you've never been to the cinema in Chamonix you really should go. It was completely renovated a few years ago and now offers three screens with comfy seats and a programme of current film releases, which includes films in English (VO - version originale).
When it's raining or snowing and you're looking for something to do with friends of family, going to see a film at the Cine Vox is a reasonably-priced way to spend an afternoon or evening and it would be a real loss to the community both during holiday season and out of season, if the cinema closed its doors for good. We support you Cine Vox!
