In 2024, French cinemas experienced a notable resurgence, with local films capturing the hearts and screens of cinemagoers across the nation. The standout film, "Un P’tit Truc en Plus" (A Little Something Extra), topped the box office with an impressive 10.3 million viewers. The year was marked by the dominance of French productions, with a feelgood comedy and a swashbuckling costume drama leading the charge. For the first time since 2011, the top three films in French cinemas were seen by over 25 million people.
The French film industry celebrated a remarkable achievement with eight local films, including the quadruple Golden Globe winner "Emilia Pérez," surpassing the million-viewer mark. Additionally, 21 French films attracted over 500,000 viewers each. This success underscores the robust recovery of French cinema from the post-COVID slump. In 2024, French cinemas sold 181.3 million tickets, an increase from the previous year. The gap between attendance in 2024 and the average from 2017-2019 was reduced to 13%, significantly outperforming other European countries such as the UK, Germany, and Spain, where the gaps were 16%, 17%, and 22% respectively.
For the first time in a decade, France's most-watched film of the year was homegrown, a testament to the country's thriving film industry. The Centre National du Cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC) attributed this success to the "diversity and uniqueness" of French film, highlighting its ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
“Today, French cinema can do it all,” said Olivier Henrard.
Henrard emphasized that French cinema offers "every kind of genre and every kind of story, for every kind of audience," showcasing its remarkable breadth and appeal. From historical dramas and musicals to social comedies and documentaries, the diversity in French film has been a key factor in its success.
The CNC noted that almost half of the cinema tickets sold in France in 2024 were for French films, underscoring the nation's strong preference for local content. France's "model of cultural exception" is proving its worth, according to the CNC. This model, which involves collecting just under 11% of every cinema ticket sold in France and redistributing it to French productions, has been crucial in supporting the industry.
“We’re a nation of cinephiles and I think film as an art form has always been respected in France,” remarked Geneviève Escande.
The state-organized subsidy system, largely managed through the CNC, plays a critical role in nurturing the industry. With more than 300 films in production each year, French cinema continues to thrive on its unique model of support and innovation.