the Saint-Joseph cinema invests in a new projector

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Gone are the days when films were still projected with 35mm film. The Saint-Joseph cinema in Pornic abandoned this technology at the end of 2011, for the benefit of digital.

At the time, the association had replaced its projection system, but also its sound installation, for several tens of thousands of euros. Thirteen years later, she has to reach into her wallet again.

Our server (which allows films to be projected in digital version, Editor’s note) may have weaknesses and spare parts are no longer available.

And it is impossible to replace just the server, because the new models may not be not compatible with the current projector. “We therefore decided to invest in a new laser projector, which consumes less energy and offers better image quality. »

A €80,000 project

This investment does not come down to a simple technical constraint. By equipping itself with the latest generation equipment, the associative cinema wants to maintain a high level of quality for its audience. “We don’t want to be left behind, with a cinema that is falling into disuse,” says the president.

Total amount of the operation: almost €80,000also including a new screen, to replace the old one yellowed by time.

We will finance the installation with our own funds, up to 59%, but also with the help of the National Cinema Center (CNC). We have a cash flow with them, funded by a tax levied on our entries.

A slight erosion of the entrances

If associative cinema can afford such an investment, it is thanks to “thrifty” management of their expenses and above all to a model based on volunteering.

“We don’t have no employees »underlines Stéphane Juille, the secretary of the association. Once the rent and energy are paid, “all our revenue is invested in the cinema”.

However, the financial situation of the cinema remains fragile. “We are not a municipal cinema, so we must bear all the burdenslike any company,” underlines the secretary.

Our vocation is to create events

Since the Covid pandemic, the world of cinema has been going through a complex period: French cinemas struggling to filldespite some temporary improvements.

We felt the decline less than at the national level. But we still noticed a slight erosion.

While it is difficult to pinpoint the causes with certainty, Stéphane Juille sees two explanations. On the one hand, people have gotten used to staying at home with Covid, on the other, “film productions are not necessarily of quality”.

So to stand out and attract spectators, the association chain of events.

Like this week, with the 19^e edition of the Bobines en fête festival, aimed at young audiences. “We are trying to take advantage of the reunification of families in Pornic during the school holidays,” explains the secretary. Generally speaking, our vocation is to create events with local associations, based on their themes. »

In November, three special dates are on the program (see article below) including, in particular, an opera live from New York.

This proposal could not have taken place without another significant investment from cinema: a parable to receive the video stream. “We don’t stay in our little hooves. At Saint-Joseph, we are always looking to innovate,” says Daniel Gouraud.

Spectators will be able to enjoy the new projection system early Decemberafter a phase of work from Monday December 2 to 4, during which the cinema will be closed.

Quentin DUVAL

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