03/10/2008

The presence of Claude-Eric Poiroux, director general of Europa Cinemas, enabled those present to take an informed and uncompromising look at one of the fundamental problems affecting the Belgian film industry: the insufficient number of screens.

On a European level, Belgium trails behind other countries, mainly due to its abnormally low number of screens. Whereas the European average is between 8,000 and 17,000 inhabitants per screen, the ratio is one in 21,000 in Belgium.

Moreover, the country ranks third in the list of countries with the highest proportion of multiplexes (60% of screens). Belgium also has a severe lack of medium-sized theatres (4-5 screens), even though they offer the best visibility for local productions.

The assessment of the film exhibition sector didn’t end there, for the participants drew attention to the fact that not only does the sector not receive valuable support funds that make it possible to increase the number of screens, but it is also taxed consistently by councils.

Despite this alarming observation, a few positive examples emerge. The Grignoux cinema complexes in Liège have continuously hosted events that have secured the loyalty of audiences. The promotion of films at the time of their release, and the prior involvement of exhibitors, was one of the approaches recommended by participants.

Another topic for discussion was the mass effect or “Belgian brand”. There is a widespread tendency to sell Belgian films in batches, setting aside all critical judgement. It is necessary to find the integrity to recognise that Belgian films are not good simply because they are Belgian, and avoid using patriotic sentiment as a means to force Belgian audiences to watch and support domestic film.

Integrated communication during the production process is one avenue of action, reinforcing an approach whereby each film is considered on its individual merits and not in terms of its nationality. In this respect, the presence of Flemish professionals on the panel made it possible to anticipate flexible and effective communication strategies.

Finally, the subject of television was not overlooked. The step taken by the RTBF, which consists of following films from the early stages of the shoot, was encouraged. The quality of the film broadcasts was also praised, even though they are being pushed back later and later in the programme schedule.

It is clearly impossible to list all the suggestions and avenues of discussion set out. We’ll thus come back to this item in November when the first workshops are held.

(Translated from French)