Lhe cinema week in Sarlat (Dordogne) ended on Saturday November 9 in the evening. A week rich in discoveries, exchanges and attendance. “I don’t yet have the official figures,” says Pierre-Henri Arnstam, president of the Film Festival. But we should be at the same level as during the last two editions, give or take a few dozen spectators. » It shows that, even in the absence of stars, the Sarladan public is responding to this event, which has been anchored in the local agenda for more than three decades.
“Of course the public and ourselves are more sensitive when there are well-known actors who come,” admits the president. And I hope to have one or two next year. But we see that it has not impacted attendance. »
In terms of the prize list, there are no big surprises. “I was not able to watch all the films,” says the manager. But I saw “Rabia” and I must say that it really touched me. »
“Rabia”, as obvious
Mareike Engelhardt’s feature film won several awards, including the audience award. “He would only have had this one, one might believe that it was because it was filmed largely in Sarlat,” smiles Pierre-Henri Arnstam. But he also won the young jury prize and Megan Northman the interpretation prize. »
Concerning the programming, the president is also satisfied. “The goal of a festival is to be able to exchange and compare ideas,” he says. Obviously, depending on one’s sensitivity, we appreciate this or that film more or less, that’s what makes an event like this so rich. »
“I hope to have one or two well-known actors next year”
On the stewardship side, again, no negative point to highlight. “I was pleasantly surprised by the politeness of the high school students,” smiles the president. After two days, they knew pretty much who I am and they came to greet me every time. » High school students whose meals were taken care of by the Pré-de-Cordy high school at lunchtime and by the Sarlat central kitchen in the evening. “I think we are going to keep this formula,” explains Pierre-Henri Arnstam. This avoids excessive working hours for those who work and allows us to save money. »
Subsidy reduction
And there’s going to be a need for it. The steering committee in fact received, this summer, a letter from the Department announcing a reduction in its subsidy for 2025. “It will only be, at most, 68% of what it is currently,” explains the manager. As for other communities [NDLR : Ville de Sarlat et Région] we don’t know yet. » Which does not prevent us from projecting ourselves. This year, three filmings of Petites Séquences, films made by high school students, took place at France Tabac, in a setting created by CAP carpentry apprentices from Pré-de-Cordy high school. “Next year, I would like there to be two,” confides the president. Provided, of course, that the school agrees and that this is part of the learning. Even if, obviously, they will continue to film in the streets of Sarlat. »
