In the heart of Paris, cinema owner Ronald Chammah reminisces about the bleak period of 2022 when the pandemic cast shadows over France's historical love for movies. However, things have taken a radiant turn! Recently, he celebrated a sold-out screening of renowned Armenian directors at his cinemas, affirming that “it was full, all day long.”

While Hollywood has faced struggles, including the impact of recent strikes, French cinema is thriving. With rising ticket sales reported, the Institut Lumière has hailed these statistics as a victory for both French audiences and the arts, defeating the distractions of our digital age.

The secret sauce? A deep-rooted belief among the French that supporting the arts in person is a cultural duty. Citizens are returning to “les salles obscures” or “the dark rooms” of theaters, eager to revive the magic of collective moviegoing. This trend marks a significant rebound for the French cinema scene and a celebration of its cultural heritage!