In Mulsanne in Sarthe, an associative cinema is resisting

In the era of multiplexes and streaming platforms, local cinemas are doing well. In Mulsanne, south of Le Mans, the Cinéambul association keeps the cinema alive in this small town of 5,000 inhabitants. Closed in August, it has just reopened and the regulars are there.

After a month of summer closure, the Simone Signoret cinema in Mulsanne in Sarthe reopened on August 27. On show that evening: A little something extra, Artus’ comedy about disability, which has already passed the 10 million admissions mark. A sure bet. Unsurprisingly, the regulars are there, because here, going to the cinema is sacred.

“There is an energizing side, explains an enthusiastic film buff, being surrounded by dozens of people, laughing at the same time, sharing a film with strangers and realizing that we all like the same thing and that we’re not alone in front of our TV in fact.”

Local cinema is an important meeting place where generations mix. “Older people rarely leave their homes, says a teenager, also a regular at the place. Small cinemas bring them out. There is a very diverse audience.“. “The difference compared to a multiplex, sasks another, it is that I am tall and here I have room for my knees.”

For this cinema subsidized by the city and managed by the Cinéambul association, broadcasting the summer hit always pays off. “We already passed it in June, says Martial Le Roy, one of the four projectionists who is also assistant director at the Cinéambul association. We’ve only had full houses. We have 196 seats but every time it’s full.”

The proceeds go to maintenance, equipment improvements and projectionist salaries. The choice of films is made by a committee once a month. Residents, elected officials, everyone is welcome. “It’s always a good atmosphere, says Martial Le Roy, who also provides reception and ticketing. There are only enthusiasts who are there to bring cinema to life, they give their choices, we make a concoction and bam we do the programming.”

12 films per month for 8 to 9 screenings per week in 4k image quality and 5.1 sound, the Mulsanne art house cinema has nothing to envy multiplexes. And to face the competition from the big theaters, the fatal weapon according to the projectionist of the day is the price: 6.20 euros per seat or 5.20 euros the reduced rate. “It’s exceptional, he believes. Of course, we have films a little out of sync with other theaters, but that allows us to make the best possible programming. We listen to people and we show the films they want to watch.”

The recipe works wonderfully. Just like the smiles on the faces of the spectators after the screening. “Amazing, excellent evening”says a young woman. The Simone Signoret cinema in Mulsanne has 9,000 to 10,000 admissions each year. An exciting figure for the future.