The year 2024 saw a notable decline in the international box office revenues for French cinema, with a reported decrease of 11%, according to Unifrance. The export agency highlighted that the raw figures—33.4 million admissions and approximately €222.8 million ($227.09 million) in gross revenues—tell only part of the story. The predictions for the full year estimate total admissions at around 38 million, with revenues projected to reach €250 million ($254 million). This decline not only reflects the performance of French films abroad but also resonates with broader trends seen across the global cinematic landscape.
The French film industry is experiencing both challenges and opportunities as it navigates this fluctuating environment. The most successful title from France in international markets was “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which attracted 3.3 million viewers, accumulating €20.7 million ($21.2 million) in revenue. Several films released in 2023 continued to perform well in 2024, bringing attention to the potential longevity of certain titles without the requisite new releases.
A major aspect influencing the decline includes the erratic nature of the global box office. Gilles Renouard, Director of Cinema at Unifrance, elaborated that the drop in French cinema specifically mirrors an 11% decline in international film markets overall. This phenomenon has been significantly tied to the absence of major releases from Hollywood, stemming from the prolonged strike season that kept audiences rooted away from theaters early in the year. Renouard noted, “Without the big American films, people fell out of the habit of going to the movies.”
Moreover, French productions face additional headwinds amid changing audience preferences, with an increasing number of viewers gravitating towards streaming platforms for content consumption. The rise of direct-to-streaming releases presents a double-edged sword; while it expands accessibility, it diminishes the theatrical experience, thereby impacting box office performance. For instance, “Miraculous The Movie,” which saw remarkable international success, was launched on Netflix soon after its limited theater run, raising questions about the sustainability of the traditional cinema model.
Germany emerged as the leading market for French cinema in 2024, accounting for approximately 4.1 million total admissions. Following close behind were Russia, Mexico, Belgium, and Poland, echoing a stable demand for French films particularly in European territories. Renouard’s report underscored the importance of these markets: approximately 12.3% of total admissions for French films came from Germany alone, reflecting a dynamic and receptive audience there.
Interestingly, the domestic market in France continues to thrive, defying global trends with an increase of one million spectators year on year. Industry insiders like Ramy Nahas and Agathe Mauruc view this robust domestic audience as a potential lifeline for future international market growth. With successful titles like “Vingt Dieux” and “Souleymane’s Story” grossing $4.4 million and $3.7 million respectively, there appears to be a promise for French cinema to leverage this domestic success into global sales.
Despite the current downturn in international admissions, there remains cautious optimism among French cinema executives regarding future trajectories. The return of strong historical markets like Germany provides a hopeful outlook that burgeoning demand for local cinema may eventually translate to broader international success. However, Mauruc observed the challenging landscape in Asia, where arthouse films continue to struggle, while animations find footing.
As the film landscape evolves, French cinema’s participation in film festivals reflects its ongoing relevance. The findings from Unifrance indicate that France remains dominant, starring in 253 premieres across major international film festivals in 2024, underscoring its cultural significance. This prominence could potentially be leveraged to reignite global interest in French films, with festival participation acting as a launchpad to showcase cinematic storytelling.
In summation, the challenges facing French cinema in the international box office highlight a multifaceted landscape defined by changes in viewing habits, industry dynamics, and competitive external markets. Despite a decrease in admissions, the French film industry’s successes on the domestic front, robust festival presence, and strategic market engagement provide glimmers of hope for resilience amidst adversity. As stakeholders in the industry continue to navigate this evolving terrain, there remains a silver lining to harnessing local strength for broader global impact, making 2024 a pivotal year for French cinema’s future trajectory.