Daniel Fimbel is the president of the “Ciné-Café” association in Nice. It was during a special Star Wars evening this Monday at the Brasserie Felix Faure in Nice that the film enthusiast told us more about his association.
Nice Premium: How long has the Ciné-Café been around?
Daniel Fimbel: Our first evening took place in April 2002. It’s been quite a while! But I remember it very well; we had more than 70 participants, and many journalists were there to cover the event. It was in a pub in Old Nice. Since then, we have moved to the Brasserie Felix Faure.
Nice Premium: Where did the idea to create the Ciné-Café come from?
DF: I’ve been a film enthusiast since I was very young. I worked as a critic for an Alsatian newspaper. When I came down to Nice, I continued to go see a lot of films. After each cinema session, I would go have a drink and grab a bite with a friend to discuss the movie we had just seen. It became a habit; we did it all the time.
So, one day, I thought we should formalize this concept. To be able to talk and debate around a film that everyone perceives differently. It was a really interesting idea. We immediately had a lot of members. Even today, we have around thirty members.
Nice Premium: How do you prepare each session?
DF: Once a month, we meet at the brasserie to discuss the latest cinema releases. First, we analyze the scenes of a film. Alain Dumont, who is a former teacher, chooses the film and prepares the introduction to the session.
Then come the debates. In fact, the secret is not to prepare anything. I never really know which film we are going to talk about because members of the association might want to discuss one film more than another.
Nice Premium: As a film enthusiast and former critic, what are your habits at the cinema?
DF: When I go see a film, I always have a small notebook with me in which I take notes. I write down everything that catches my attention and what I would like to discuss during the Ciné-Café sessions. That way, I don’t miss anything.
Especially since I really watch all the films. I have an unlimited cinema card. I go to about 5 screenings a week.
Nice Premium: Let’s go back to the Ciné-Café, what do you think accounts for its success?
DF: I believe there’s a lot of word of mouth. The media also helps us. And since we are an association, we’re present in the associations’ portal. We have many partnerships with festivals in the region, such as the Resistance Film Festival where we intervene.
All of this helps to get known. But the Ciné-Café is above all a gathering of passionate people about the 7th art. When you love cinema, it’s a really friendly place.
