The dim lighting, the smell of popcorn, the collective thrill in the dark room: in 2024, the cinemas of Châteauroux have returned to the fervor of before. At the CGR multiplex on Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle, as at the Apollo, temple of arthouse, the figures speak for themselves. And the smiles, many.
“Cinema remains a unique experience”
In his office cluttered with files and posters, Stéphane Castro, director of the CGR for nearly twenty years, exudes satisfaction. “We are returning to pre-Covid levels, he confides. 2023 was already a great year, but 2024 is even better. Cinema remains a unique experience, despite the influence of streaming platforms. »
A conviction that the successes of the year have largely validated: starting with A little something extraa French romantic comedy, which attracted nearly 20,000 spectators alone. “It’s unheard of here, where a large box usually reaches 10,000 entries”specifies Stéphane Castro. Other notable successes: Le Comte de Monte Cristo (10,000 entries) and Vaiana 2which thrilled families at the end of the year.
But the CGR does not just screen films. The room is multiplying initiatives to attract a varied audience: snacks for the youngest, interactive quizzes before certain screenings, or even partnerships with local businesses for thematic tastings. “The objective is to surprise, to lead spectators to discover films that they would never have considered seeing », Explains the director.
Arthouse in full light
A few blocks from the CGR, the Apollo plays a different score. A single theater, cutting-edge films, and an ever more curious audience. “We had 38,000 entries this year, compared to 35,000 in 2023. It’s an incredible figure for a structure like ours”rejoices Camille Girard, director since 2018. Among the gems of the year: The Story of Souleymane, When autumn comes or even Twenty Gods. Works without headliners or big budgets, but which have found their audience.
A place of life and exchange
“The art house is regaining color, and that’s excellent news”observes the director. But here too, we must innovate to seduce. Debates on societal themes, thematic evenings, or festive events: the Apollo does not just project. “We want to be a lively place, linked to the associations and residents of Châteauroux,” insists Camille Girard.
-Cinema Night, organized for the 30th anniversary of the Scène nationale Équinoxe, was a huge success. “We showed the emblematic films of 1994: “Forrest Gump”, “Pulp Fiction”… More than 500 spectators took turns all night. An incredible atmosphere. We offer approximately 110 events per year. The objective is to inspire, to surprise, but also to offer spaces for reflection. »
Between blockbusters and independent cinema, delicacies and debates, 2024 will have been the year of reconquest. In Châteauroux, cinema has rediscovered its magic – and its spectators. “A cinema is much more than a screen. It’s a place to live”concludes Camille Girard. And the Castelroussins, obviously, have understood this well.
The Quest for Games
> Stéphane Castro, director of the CGR, details this unique initiative that is La Quêtes des jeux, organized from January 22 to February 15: “It is a multi-site event, where each location offers a unique activity. The more participants explore the different locations, the more they increase their chances of winning prizes.”
> For this first edition, six local players got involved: the media library, Trouille de jeux, Le Bruit qui tourne, the CGR Cinema, the Apollo and the Équinoxe café.
> The concept is simple: for each event, participants receive a star. The objective? Travel through the six locations to complete their map and maximize their chances in the final draw. A fun and collaborative way to (re)discover these cultural spaces.
