Marie-Madeleine Remoleur
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“We have attracted regulars,” smiles Louis Beauvié, projectionist and bartender. Since its opening at the beginning of November, Claude Lelouch’s cinema-bistro has carved out a place in the local cultural landscape, offering a step aside for film enthusiasts and the curious. “There are other cinemas in the area. We offer something different, we are a heritage cinema hall that shows non-current films, which gives me a certain freedom,” the projectionist delights.
Before coming here, he worked as a programmer-mediator, offering film education in the Parisian suburbs with the Association of Research Cinemas in Île-de-France (ACRIF). “I wanted to return to work in a cinema. I happened to meet Jean-Marc Lalo, the architect who designed the cinema part of this cinema-bistro. We got along well, he told me about the place and connected me with Claude Lelouch, and I joined the team,” he said.
Since then, Louis has been mainly in charge of the programming, in constant dialogue with Claude Lelouch. “When we work here, we are in exchange, a lot,” adds Virginie Dupille, who recently arrived to take over the management of the cinema-bistro.
Engaging Films in Dialogue
Following the cinema-bistro’s spirit of offering “a permanent cinema festival,” Louis Beauvié and Claude Lelouch develop a thematic programming every week, engaging films and directors in dialogue. “Every month, we honor a filmmaker,” explains the projectionist. After Claude Sautet in April, it will be the turn of German director Wim Wenders to be featured. “We will show several of his films such as Buena Vista Social Club, The American Friend, Paris, Texas or Wings of Desire but also his latest film, Perfect Days, from 2023, to show that this director does not belong to the past, that he is still part of the landscape,” he said.
In addition to these director spotlights, the cinema-bistro also offers to celebrate 80 years of the Cannes Film Festival, whose 79th edition will take place from May 12 to 23. “At the cinema-bistro, from April to June, we celebrate the 80 years of the Cannes Film Festival, but also the 60 years of the Palme d’Or for A Man and a Woman. This film and this Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival have been incredibly important in Claude Lelouch’s career,” he added.
To celebrate cinema and this essential festival, Louis Beauvié has selected films that have received the Palme d’Or to create a program. “I try to create themed weeks so that the films can engage in dialogue with each other,” he explained, giving the example of last week where The Servant by Joseph Losey and Parasite by Bong Joon Ho were screened, “two films about intrusion,” or the one where Italy was honored with three Italian Palme d’Ors “in three completely different styles.”
A Transmission Challenge
Since its opening, the cinema-bistro has been a hit. Residents of Pays d’Auge, as well as tourists, film enthusiasts or just curious visitors, and even anonymous guests, actors or directors. “Often, people come for the cinema-bistro experience and don’t necessarily look at the film being shown. They let themselves be surprised, and it’s great because I’m probably the only programmer in France who can show what he wants and still have a full house,” Louis joked.
Enthusiastic, the projectionist is delighted to have found this unique connection with a dark theater, while continuing to talk about cinema with passion. “He’s in love with what he does. It’s exciting to be with someone who is passionate,” marvels Virginie Dupille. A love for cinema that he shares at every screening. “At the cinema-bistro, the atmosphere is very intimate, there is a closeness with the audience. Before each screening, I take 10 minutes to explain the context of the film, provide relevant reading keys so that the audience doesn’t feel lost in front of the screen. Transmission is what I love,” he said.
Restaurant Offer Returning
Regulars or those who have visited the cinema-bistro’s website had noticed that recently, this cinema temple had suspended its restaurant activity “until further notice.” A break that has not affected the cinema hall, which continues to operate smoothly.
While a drink and light dining service are still available, the restaurant activity will soon return. Leading the cinema-bistro is Virginie Dupille, a private chef and consultant, who recently joined. Particularly to rebuild a menu and a team and thus get the restaurant back on track. “Claude is bringing back his artists, and I will bring back mine,” she promised.
Cinema-bistro by Claude Lelouch, 2 Quai Albert 1er. Open every day except Tuesdays. To follow the cinema-bistro’s program and news, visit Instagram or the website: www.cinebistrotclaudelelouch.fr.
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