Major funding boost for French film restoration unveiled at Lumiere Festival
An exciting announcement in Lyon
During her visit to the annual Lumiere Festival in Lyon, the French Culture Minister delighted cinema enthusiasts with remarkable news: a substantial budget increase dedicated to the restoration and digitization of French cinema classics. The initiative aims to breathe new life into France’s rich cinematic heritage while also supporting the country’s beloved cinematheques.
Celebrating cinematic heritage
The Lumiere Festival, famously devoted to classic cinema, is meticulously organized by the director of Cannes, who also oversees the historic Institut Lumière. This festival is known for spotlighting heritage movies, making it the perfect backdrop for such a monumental announcement.
Enhancing support for cinemas
Highlighting the comeback of French films, the minister emphasized the need for equitable access to cinema across different regions. She announced a new annual allocation of €3 million ($3.3 million) starting in 2025. This critical funding will aim to rectify regional disparities in cinema support, ensuring a more balanced distribution across the country. Such measures are expected to further invigorate cinema-going culture, attracting diverse audiences and fostering a nationwide appreciation for French films.
Bolstering film centers and digitization efforts
Increased funding for cinematheques
Another central aspect of this funding boost is aimed at France’s many cherished cinematheques. These hubs of cultural preservation and film education will see a significant increase in financial support. The minister revealed that annual operating support for these institutions will rise from €900,000 ($990,000) to €1.5 million ($1.65 million), marking a substantial 67% increase.
Furthermore, a one-off grant of €1.4 million ($1.54 million) in 2025 will specifically target investment projects that enhance the infrastructure and capabilities of these centers. These investments will ensure that cinematheques can continue their vital work in local communities, from hosting educational programs to organizing engaging public screenings.
Focus on digitization
In her address, the minister underscored the importance of digitizing France’s classic films. To date, €75 million ($82.5 million) has been allocated for this mission, successfully digitizing nearly 1,400 films. Such efforts enable both preservation and broader access, especially for future generations and international audiences.
The minister highlighted renowned works like Costa Gavras’ famous ‘Z’ and Abel Gance’s ‘Napoleon’—films that showcase the ingenuity of French storytelling and cinematic excellence. Both films have been recently digitized and are attracting significant audiences, reaffirming the public’s appetite for classic French cinema.
From 2025, the budget dedicated to this project will increase by 40%, from €2.6 million ($2.9 million) to €3.6 million ($4 million) annually. This bold move ensures that more French films will undergo high-quality restoration, preserving their legacies for years to come.
Strategic investments in cinematic infrastructure
Flagship projects in Toulouse and Marseille
As part of her broader commitment to French cinema, the minister outlined two flagship projects. The Cinémathèque de Toulouse will benefit from a €2 million ($2.2 million) investment in collaboration with local authorities. This funding will significantly enhance their archive facilities and expand their programming possibilities.
In Marseille, the Cinémathèque Française will become a key component of a new campus dedicated to digital learning and cultural dissemination. This ambitious project, currently under construction in the 15th arrondissement, positions Marseille as a future hub for media innovation and education.
Enhancing film education
To cap off her festival visit, the minister inaugurated the new facilities at CinéFabrique, a free film and television school. Supported by local authorities and part of France’s Grande Fabrique de l’Image initiative, CinéFabrique exemplifies the country’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and industry professionals. This school provides specialized training, fostering the creativity that underpins the future of French cinema.
A bright future for French cinema
The announcements made at the Lumiere Festival underscore the French government’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cinematic heritage. With substantial investments in restoration, digitization, and the support of cinema infrastructure, French films are set to reach new heights. This proactive approach not only preserves the past but ensures a dynamic future for French cinema.
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