The Alpes-Maritimes department is implementing a new pricing policy at the Jean-Paul Belmondo cinema located in Place Garibaldi in Nice. The stated goal: to facilitate access to screenings and increase attendance at a venue dedicated to auteur cinema.
Since Thursday, April 9, the departmental cinema Jean-Paul Belmondo, located at Place Garibaldi in Nice, has been applying a new pricing policy. Classified as art and test, the establishment is adjusting its prices with the aim of making screenings accessible to more spectators. This approach is part of an initiative led by the Alpes-Maritimes department, with particular attention to purchasing power and theater attendance.
The new pricing structure targets several audiences. Those under 18 now benefit from a set rate of 4 euros for all screenings. Students can attend screenings for 5 euros. This measure aims to encourage more regular attendance by young audiences and to facilitate access to culture from an early age.
Two subscription cards are also being introduced. The “Cinéphile” card is offered at the price of 10 euros per year. This formula allows access to all screenings at a rate of 5 euros. A second offer, named “Ciné Pro”, targets film professionals and educators. This annual card is set at 5 euros and also grants access to screenings at 5 euros. This initiative intends to support the educational and mediatory missions related to cinema.
A programming designed to diversify audiences
Beyond pricing, the programming is evolving with several announced initiatives. The “Ciné famille” initiative plans screenings intended to be shared between generations. The “Ciné solidaire” program targets underserved audiences, in collaboration with associations and medico-social facilities. The “Ciné atelier” offer combines screenings and practical workshops around image education for younger audiences. Lastly, “Ciné rétro” invites audiences to rediscover works from the cinematic heritage.
The Jean-Paul Belmondo cinema maintains a programming focus on auteur cinema, international films, documentaries, and heritage works. Each week, films in original version with subtitles are offered. Meetings, festivals, debates, and special screenings complete the offering. This diversity contributes to making the venue a space for exchanges around the seventh art.
Located at the heart of Place Garibaldi, the establishment occupies a recognized place in local cultural life. The site attracts approximately 57,000 spectators each year. Over 435 events are organized there. About 5,000 students participate in the image education programs.
A cinema rooted in Nice’s history
The venue has a long history. Opened in 1911 under the name cinéma Mercury, the establishment has been part of Nice’s cultural landscape for over a century. In 2007, a takeover by the Alpes-Maritimes Department prevented its closure. In 2021, the cinema was renamed in tribute to Jean-Paul Belmondo.
A budget of 2.5 million euros is allocated by the Alpes-Maritimes department to support the cinematic sector. This funding supports creation and distribution. Thanks to the aid fund, 46 feature films and 57 television works have been filmed in the department. Each year, 1,000 screenings are organized in 36 communes of the high and middle country. More than 10,000 young people benefit from image education actions.
The entity also positions itself as a partner of several cinema-related events. Among these are the Cannes Film Festival, Canneseries, and the WAIFF. This involvement reflects a desire to support the industry at various levels.
With this new pricing policy, the Jean-Paul Belmondo cinema is embarking on a tangible evolution. The reduction in prices and the creation of new subscription offers are accompanied by an expanded programming. The overall aim is to attract new audiences while maintaining a focus on auteur cinema in a time when the film industry is facing significant challenges.
