The Alpes-Maritimes department is implementing a new pricing policy at the Jean-Paul Belmondo cinema located in Garibaldi Square in Nice. The stated objective: to facilitate access to screenings and strengthen attendance at a venue dedicated to art-house cinema.
Starting Thursday, April 9, the departmental cinema Jean-Paul Belmondo, located in Garibaldi Square in Nice, is applying a new pricing policy. Classified as art-house, the establishment is adjusting its prices to make screenings accessible to more spectators. This initiative is part of an effort by the Alpes-Maritimes department, with particular attention paid to purchasing power and cinema attendance.
The new pricing structure targets several audiences. Those under 18 now benefit from a rate of 4 euros for all screenings. Students can attend screenings for 5 euros. This initiative aims to encourage more regular attendance by young audiences and to facilitate cultural access from a young age.
Two subscription cards are also being introduced. The “Cinéphile” card is available for 10 euros per year. This option allows access to all screenings at the rate of 5 euros. A second offer, called “Ciné Pro”, is aimed at cinema professionals and educators. This annual card is priced at 5 euros and also provides access to screenings at 5 euros. This plan aims to support educational and mediation missions related to cinema.
A program designed to diversify audiences
Beyond pricing, the program is evolving with several announced initiatives. The “Ciné famille” scheme plans screenings designed to be shared across generations. The “Ciné solidaire” program is aimed at disadvantaged audiences, in collaboration with associations and medico-social structures. The “Ciné atelier” offer combines screening and practical workshops centered around image education for the youngest. Lastly, “Ciné rétro” offers the chance to rediscover works from the cinematic heritage.
The Jean-Paul Belmondo cinema maintains a program focused on arthouse cinema, international films, documentaries, and heritage works. Each week, films in the original version with subtitles are offered. Meetings, festivals, debates, and special screenings complete the offer. This diversity helps make the venue a space for exchanges around the seventh art.
Located in the heart of Garibaldi Square, the establishment holds a recognized place in local cultural life. The site attracts approximately 57,000 spectators each year. More than 435 events are organized there. About 5,000 students participate in image education programs.
A cinema rooted in Nice’s history
The venue has a long history. Opened in 1911 under the name cinema Mercury, the establishment has been part of the cultural landscape of Nice for over a century. In 2007, a takeover by the Alpes-Maritimes Department prevented its closure. In 2021, the cinema was renamed in honor of Jean-Paul Belmondo.
A budget of 2.5 million euros is allocated by the Alpes-Maritimes department to support the film sector. This funding supports creation and distribution. Thanks to the aid fund, 46 feature films and 57 television works have been shot in the department. Each year, 1,000 screenings are organized in 36 communes in the high and midland regions. More than 10,000 young people benefit from image education activities.
The entity also positions itself as a partner of several cinema-related events. Among these events are the Cannes Film Festival, Canneseries, and the WAIFF. This involvement reflects a commitment to supporting the industry at various levels.
With this new pricing policy, the Jean-Paul Belmondo cinema undertakes a tangible evolution. The reduction in prices and the creation of new subscription offers are accompanied by an expanded program. Overall, this aims to attract new audiences while maintaining an editorial line focused on art-house cinema at a time when the cinema industry is facing significant challenges.
