The two new owners of the Bagnols cinema have launched the project. The duo is awaiting approval from the local authorities and the town hall. This new entertainment venue will, once open, promote access to culture.
Kevin James and David Masson took over the Bagnols-sur-Cèze cinema in December 2025. A consecration for the duo who dream even bigger. After modernizing the cinema, the two men wish to embark on a new venture. Faced with increased demand and the cinema’s capacity, its future is questioned. Kevin James has decided to take the bull by the horns and invest to ensure that the 7th art continues to operate in the capital of Gard rhodanien. Building studies have been initiated after a discussion with the municipality of Jean-Yves Chapelet. The current cinema, renamed “Émotions Cinema”, has four screens. An average of 70,000 spectators are welcomed each year. A market study has been conducted to better plan for the future site.
“The new cinema hopes to double the attendance rate, with an estimated 150,000 spectators. It is worth noting that the two owners do not pay themselves. Kevin James explains the reasons for this essential investment in his eyes, to enhance the city’s image and attractiveness: “We would galvanize many people and this will push people to visit the shops. The cinema will be a lung in the heart of the city, a modern cinema at the forefront of technology, with prices below average. The cinema should not be expensive. It is the most accessible culture,” he insists.
A brand new entertainment venue, the cinema will have five screens, maybe six in the ideal. Why? To “ensure a competitive offer against Avignon” clarifies Kevin James and the surrounding cinemas, including that of Le Pontet, who acknowledge that “their work is incredible.” His aim is also to maintain their DNA: a community cinema, open to all.
The new cinema will be located near Escanaux. For a simple reason: its accessibility, as it is located in the city center. A parking lot will be built to accommodate as many visitors as possible. “The goal is for it to become a real agglomeration cinema,” confirms Kevin James, who is putting all his energy into bringing the project to fruition quickly. The town hall of Bagnols-sur-Cèze is one of the main actors in the project, facilitating access to the land. The investor prefers to prevent than to cure: “If we do not build the cinema here, there will be no cinema in 10 years in Bagnols-sur-Cèze.”
To realize the project, Kevin James and his right-hand man give themselves three years. The operator goes further in his reflection: “As operators, we are obliged to build a new building and an energy-efficient building accessible to all.” To attract people in the surroundings and push the people of Bagnols and other visitors from Gard to step into the cinema, Kevin James also announces wanting to create “a bowling alley, a leisure area, and a dining offer.”
He wants to see his idea through: “I am committed to making a cinema that viewers will be proud of, to build a building with a soul,” he adds, ready to start no matter the cost. “As soon as the town hall gives the green light, we can go, even as early as March 23,” he ventures. While the municipal elections will deliver their verdict on Sunday, March 22, Kevin James has met with the outgoing municipality and the four other candidates to present his project and find a consensus.
The stakes are high: to bring culture back to the heart of the city, to continue showing films in full, modern, and adapted cinemas.
