The French film industry demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, witnessing a year-on-year increase in box office admissions by 0.5%. The total admission count reached approximately 181 million, resulting in gross revenues nearing $1.36 billion. This achievement is noteworthy, particularly in light of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had previously brought the market to its knees. Notably, while this year’s admissions still fell short by 12.8% when compared to pre-pandemic figures, the marginal closing of this gap—down to just 2.7% over the past eight months—indicates a significant recovery. This upward trend in admissions stands juxtaposed with the performance of other major markets such as the U.S., UK, and Spain, which all struggled with declines in their box office performances.
Local Films Shine Brightly
One of the most heartening aspects of the 2024 French box office is the impressive success of domestic films, which captured a significant 44% of total admissions. This marks a considerable rise from previous years, showcasing the strength of local storytelling. In contrast, U.S. films accounted for 36.7% of admissions. This dominance of local cinema resembles trends apparent prior to 2008, when French films similarly enjoyed robust market shares due to popular hits like “Welcome to the Sticks.”
The standout performances of local titles have undoubtedly reinvigorated the French film landscape. Films such as the whimsical breakout hit and the classic adaptation of “The Count of Monte Cristo” not only garnered significant audiences but also demonstrated the diverse grasp of French cinema across various genres. Such titles reflect the creative ingenuity and the cultural milieu that characterize France’s cinematic productions.
The resurgence of local films was not limited to mainstream successes. Arthouse cinema also found its footing, particularly highlighted by the critical acclaim surrounding “Emilia Pérez,” which drew 1 million spectators, earning accolades during the awards season. The success of such films underlines the vital role of independent cinema in enriching French culture. Directors like François Ozon continue to captivate with their narratives, evidenced by the strong ticket sales for “When Fall Is Coming,” which resonated well with audiences.
Additionally, several indie films that premiered at international festivals, including “Souleymane’s Story” and “The Second Act,” each garnered around 500,000 viewers. Even low-budget projects, such as “Golo & Ritchie” and the rural narrative “Vingt-Deux,” showcased unusual appeal, attracting over 400,000 patrons each. This range of offerings, spanning from high-profile to indie films, illustrates the vibrancy of the French cinema ecosystem and underlines the attention paid to diverse narratives.
In light of these mixed but promising results, Olivier Henrard, the acting president of the National Cinema Centre (CNC), aptly posited that comparing these performances to those of other countries serves as a testament to France’s artistic and industrial excellence. This notion of “cultural exception” emphasizes a uniquely French approach to cinema that prioritizes local talent and storytelling, allowing it to flourish even during challenging global circumstances. With an increasing audience engagement in French cinema, the foundation is laid for sustained growth and vibrancy in the years to come.