An important attendance, hotly contested projects, a vibrant community spirit, strong partnerships and support: the La Rivière cinema presented a very satisfactory report on Thursday at its general meeting, with 85 of its 172 members present, as well as the mayor, Yvan Jolivel-Robert.
With a focus on quality and diversity in its programming, the cinema welcomed 22,731 viewers in 787 screenings, averaging 28.9 viewers per session (national average: 21). Art-house films accounted for 52% of the programming, while youth and heritage films each made up 6.5%. Attendance remained fairly balanced throughout the week, with a peak on Sunday afternoons.
A return to financial balance on the horizon?
This attendance, coupled with a rising average ticket price, allowed for a halving of the projected deficit; a return to balance is expected by 2026 with the help of the National Cinema Center (15,000 euros), newly granted after a pause due to renovations in 2024. Engagement with schools remains a key focus, with more activities and increased outreach.
More volunteers
The president, Olivier Gorenflot, expressed great satisfaction with the increasing number of active volunteers, reaching 96. “The cinema relies on the work of volunteers and the two employees.” The work of volunteers – around fifty of whom are mobilized every week for screenings – is estimated at six full-time equivalents, or a minimum of 262,000 euros.
In addition to ongoing projects (operas-ballets, Quai des Mondes, etc.), the Fête de la Musique will lead to an inter-association event on the theme of 90 years of paid vacation. Alongside screenings, a musical picnic will be held at the water’s edge. The idea of a cinema-book-literature weekend has also been suggested for the fourth quarter.
