The international landscape for French cinema has seen a notable contraction in 2024, with an 11% decrease in box office admissions reported by Unifrance. This decline translates into approximately €222.8 million in gross revenue from 33.4 million admissions in the first 50 weeks. While Unifrance predicts a total of around 38 million admissions for the entire year, the marked drop compared to 2023 raises questions about the resilience and adaptability of French cinema in an evolving global market.
Amid this overall downturn, certain films have emerged as significant contributors to French cinema’s international appeal. The Count of Monte Cristo has stood out, attracting 3.3 million viewers and grossing €20.7 million. Its achievement is particularly notable given the competitive climate, as it leads a pack of films that began their international journeys the previous year. Other successful entries include Anatomy of a Fall and Autumn and the Black Jaguar, among others, illustrating that while the numbers may be declining, there remains a core audience that supports French film.
Surprisingly, newer entrants like A Little Something Else, which captures close to one million international spectators, indicate that there are still films that can break through despite market challenges. Comedies and animated features, in particular, seem to resonate well with audiences, indicating genre preferences that could be crucial for filmmakers and producers to understand in future productions.
As stated by Unifrance’s Director of Cinema, Gilles Renouard, the declining performance must be evaluated within a broader context of a global box office that has also suffered in 2024, with a 9% average drop across international markets. A pivotal factor has been the limited availability of major U.S. releases, notably during the early months following the Hollywood strikes. Despite common assumptions, this absence didn’t necessarily benefit smaller films; instead, it disrupted audience habits, leading to a decline in the overall cinema attendance which is concerning for French productions that rely on a diverse marketplace.
In terms of audience engagement, there’s a significant trend toward on-demand viewing, with more spectators opting to consume French films through streaming platforms rather than in theatres. A pertinent example is the animated feature Miraculous The Movie, which chose a direct-to-Netflix strategy, reflecting a growing inclination towards home viewing. This shift in consumer behaviour indicates that French producers will need to adapt their distribution strategies in response to changing tastes and preferences.
Germany emerged as the leading territory for French box office receipts, accounting for 4.1 million admissions, while other notable markets included Russia and Mexico. However, the complexity increases as various regions present varying levels of responsiveness to French cinema. The recent growth of interest in Germany suggests a renewed dynamism that hadn’t been seen in recent years when selling French films proved challenging. In contrast, obtaining traction in markets like Asia has turned more complicated, particularly for arthouse films which struggle amid competition from local productions and established franchises.
Market specialists, such as sales heads from prominent film companies, have indicated a hopeful outlook. There are signs of revitalization in certain markets, which could pave the way for stronger international collaborations and a potential resurgence of French cinema on the global stage. Nevertheless, the need for tailored marketing strategies that resonate with local audiences remains paramount.
In addition to box office performance, Unifrance’s analysis highlighted the dominance of France in international film festivals, with an impressive 253 films representing 22.8% of selections in the major events. This suggests that while commercial aspects might be under pressure, the artistic and cultural footprint of French cinema remains strong on prestigious platforms.
Furthermore, the analysis of French film availability on international streaming platforms reveals a growing presence, a crucial aspect that points to the potential for reaching wider audiences. With platforms increasingly dominating film consumption, understanding how to leverage this space may provide some favorable outcomes for French productions aiming for global exposure.
Despite the evident hurdles faced by French cinema in the global market in 2024, the resilience of certain genres and dedicated audiences offers a glimmer of hope. The interrelationship between theatrical and digital strategies will be integral as industry stakeholders aim to adapt to the changing cinematic landscape. By focusing on both traditional and innovative distribution methods, French cinema has the potential to not only recover its standing but flourish in a future that continues to evolve rapidly. The dialogue on these trends, as fostered by events such as Unifrance’s Export Day, is key to formulating actionable strategies that will enhance the international appeal of French filmmaking in years to come.