The story
For at least 80 years, the Le Majestic cinema has entertained the people of Montsûr. Until 1962, it was located at the Saint-Joseph school (now the restaurant of the Saint-Martin college). He was then part of the patronage. Three or four volunteers were in charge. “ The projection of film films often caused breakagestill remember former regulars of this majestic cinema. They extended the length of the sessions…” In 1962, another hall was built to replace it, but it kept the same name.
And today, the adventure still continues. Except that it is managed by a section of the association of the same name which includes six others: the theater and the art gallery (MGM).
Thanks to the spirit of volunteering
With the evolution of requests for entertainment, the public tends to abandon cinemas. The arrival of many volunteers from the Montsûrs region, motivated by the seventh art, encourages the town to improve the room. In 2006, Mayor Jean-Noël Ravé seeing the number of volunteers increase, renewed the projectors, then in 2010 modernized the room, with the same spirit: helping the growing number of volunteers
remembers Jean-Louis Jouenne, the projectionist and main animator.
Today, the Majestic has 38 volunteers, including 8 retirees (reception, screening, etc.), who ensure the smooth running of the cinema. Among these volunteers, 26 women and 12 men. The new mayor, Benoît Quintard, elected in 2020, continues to trust us and help us. Since digital projection in 2012, we have been obliged to follow technical developments, hence many expenses. The year 2023 is exceptional, more than €20,000 was needed for the replacement of parts. Thanks to some subsidies and several sponsors, and without neglecting the town hall which is responsible for maintenance, our cinema exudes quality
, rejoices Jean-Louis. Quality due to varied programming for all ages. With 154 films screened in 2023, the cinema attracted 6,134 spectators, 1,000 more than in 2022.
For this year, we are planning more sessions: one on Friday evening, 2 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday afternoon, and 2 on Tuesday and 2 on Thursday in addition during the holidays. Our entry prices have been revised, from 5 to 6 €, and the card from 20 € to 25 € for five screenings, 4 € for those under 14 years old
explains the host.
To continue operating the cinema, the association needs volunteers: volunteers are welcome!
