14/05/2010

Delegates at the traditional Europa Cinemas Network Meeting in Cannes tomorrow will hear encouraging news with European cinema consolidating its position across the Network.

In 2009, the 710 cinemas of Europa Cinemas Network dedicated 59% of their screenings to European films (an increase of 4% from 2008), with 36% of the total comprising non-national European films - that is films from other countries in Europe (up 3%). By contrast, American films and those from the rest of the world dropped by 2% and 1.5% respectively. Europa Cinemas have also had great success in their goal to attract younger audiences with specific programming initiatives across the Network.

An overall total of 59 million European viewers (an increase from 55 million in 2008) went to cinemas belonging to the Europa Cinemas / MEDIA Network, which is set to top the 2,000-screen mark in Europe in 2010 (1813 in 2009). Founded in 1992, the Europa Cinemas Network now consists of a remarkable 2109 screens in 817cinemas in 476 cities in 42 countries. Europa Cinemas' aim is to support the programming and visibility of European films outside their country of origin, and to foster initiatives aimed at encouraging younger audiences to develop their interest in European films and cultural diversity.

Further supporting its ongoing campaign to promote European films, Europa Cinemas will return once again to this year's Cannes Film Festival, awarding its Label to the best European film in the Directors' Fortnight section.