For five days, from Tuesday November 5 to Saturday November 9, Sarlat (Dordogne) lived to the rhythm of its Film Festival. An event which has found its place in the Sarladais agenda. The proof is that 600 high school students visit the premises each year and more than 6,000 spectators come to see the films screened in the different categories. But has this “flow” had an impact on local commerce?
Yes, according to Jérôme Negrevergne, president of the Avenir Sarlat traders’ association and owner of the Pub, Place de la Liberté, in the heart of the protected sector. “However, two things must be distinguished,” he explains. The first is the communication that is made around the event and which gets people talking about Sarlat. And that is very positive. »
Even if, this year, the event has dropped in glamour. “There are fewer stars, that’s a reality,” agrees the president. I know people who came to Sarlat for that, to meet famous actors in the street. » That said, in terms of attendance, he does not really see a drop.
One last lap before winter
“It’s nothing, there are 600 young people who are there for a week,” presents Jérôme Negrevergne. So, yes, it is not the clientele who have the most means, by definition. But they will still consume, sit down for a drink. Plus, this year there was good weather, which is ideal. I prefer to have people on the terrace, even with a lower average basket, than just a few people. »
Without forgetting the public who take advantage of the sun to stroll around and have a drink between two daytime screenings. The merchant admits, the week of the festival puts butter in the spinach at the end of the season. “There is a sign that is unmistakable,” he continues. There are a lot of restaurants that wait until the festival is over to close. » Likewise, hotels, lodges and guest houses find here a last opportunity to rent before the opening of the Christmas market, another highlight of the Sarladian winter.
