When to make a canvas on weekends becomes "an act of resistance".
This Sunday afternoon, 116 people took their seats in the Atmosphere armchairs in Marcoussis (Essonne).
This 253-seat arthouse cinema has responded, like around twenty cinemas throughout France, to a call launched by the National Group of Research Cinemas (GNCR) and the Independent Cinema Association for its distribution (Acid ).
Objective: "Set up a symbolic action" to demand the reopening of cinemas despite the health crisis after 235 days of closure imposed by the pandemic.
"A German study has shown that we are twice as likely to be contaminated by Covid-19 going to the supermarket than to the cinema, and three times more in public transport, loose Olivier Thomas, mayor (DVG) of Marcoussis.
In the cinema, people wear a mask, do not speak, do not touch each other, there is a distance… Theater managers are responsible people, fully trained in safety.
There is no reason not to reopen the cinemas.
"
"I miss it a lot"
For the elected official, "it is time to have a standoff with the government so that it loosens up a bit".
“You have to move like artists do by occupying theaters, like at the Odeon,” he continues.
A minister confirmed to me that if the places of culture remained closed, it is not for health reasons.
It is about giving the French the feeling that the life before is no longer possible.
But by dint of depriving ourselves of art, we will no longer experience feelings of it at all.
So thank you for coming in so many.
"
The 116 spectators are mainly subscribers to cultural venues in Marcoussis.
“I received an invitation,” says Sophie, a resident in her fifties.
I was interested in the film being shown, so I came.
Before the pandemic, I went to the movies from time to time.
I wasn't necessarily diligent, but I still miss it a lot.
I have no apprehension about the health crisis, barrier gestures are scrupulously respected.
"
Each group separated by an empty armchair
To welcome the public to this exceptional screening (and free for spectators and theaters thanks to the support of distributors, in this case Pyramide distribution), the organizers applied the latest protocol put in place for cinemas.
“We even strengthened it,” said one of them.
With 116 spectators, we are almost at the maximum level.
Groups of more than six people are not accepted, each group is separated by an empty armchair and we have placed the spectators as in the theater, in order to avoid flows.
"
Marcoussis, this Sunday.
Like many cinemas in France, the Atmosphere cinema is “eager to meet again” the public.
LP / Cécile Chevallier
When the room plunges into darkness around 3.15 p.m., the audience shudders.
From the first minutes of “Indes Galantes”, a 1h48 documentary by Philippe Béziat on 37 hip-hop dancers associated from 2017 to 2019 with the opera singers of the Paris Opera, the cinephile pleasure resumes its rights: we plunge back in this bubble of images and sounds that even a large screen at home cannot offer.
“It feels great,” exclaims Sandrine.
I think the film is particularly well chosen for a resistance operation.
We follow the work of artists, we see their involvement, we live with them and we realize how much art nourishes them, nourishes us.
This documentary is magnificent, and theaters really need to reopen very quickly for spectators to enjoy it on the big screen.
"
Newsletter The essential of 91
A tour of the news of Essonne and Île-de-France
Subscribe to the newsletterAll newsletters
It is also the wish of Olivier Thomas.
"It will be shown on television, but it would be a real shame if it was not shown in cinemas," pleads the mayor.
You are also invited to this session to give your opinion on this documentary.
This is not a health test, it is an audience film test.
"
Other cinemas in Ile-de-France are rebelling
In addition to these wild screenings, an #OpenLesCinémas operation was organized by the National Federation of French Cinemas.
"We have proposed to cinemas, public and private, to mobilize to sensitize the population and local elected officials on the reopening of cinemas", indicates Marc-Olivier Sebbag, general delegate of the federation.
𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘀, 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘂 𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲́𝗺𝗮.
𝗜𝗹 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗿𝗶𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀. # OpenLesCinémas 📽 pic.twitter.com/UixdXn94RD
- Le Grand Rex (@LeGrandRex) March 14, 2021
In Ile-de-France and Oise, many cinemas have participated on social networks or with mobilizations on site: the Grand Rex, a legendary venue in Paris, proclaims that “it is time to reopen the theaters”. In Nogent-sur-Marne (Val-de-Marne), the Royal Palace invited its loyal customers this Saturday to have their picture taken in front of the cinema. Gathering also this Sunday in front of the Trianon, cinema of Romainville (Seine-Saint-Denis) or this photo published by the cinema of Senlis (Oise) of Patricia and Frédéric, whose preferred places are seats 15 and 16 of row K .
