EN White Night and Success of Free Screenings for the Reopening of the Cinémathèque de Toulouse

After a night of non-stop screenings, the celebration for the reopening of the Cinémathèque de Toulouse continues on Sunday, April 12, with free screenings and welcoming guests at the Vertigo Café despite a last-minute hiccup.

Closed for eighteen months for renovations that included creating a new 100-seat projection room, the Cinémathèque de Toulouse reopened on Saturday at 10 am with free film screenings continuing on Sunday. As soon as the doors opened, the audience was there. Both loyal and new spectators were eager to explore the venue.

“It’s magnificent, more accessible, more airy, with an additional room, and a slightly designer café, I love it,” said Marianne, one of the first spectators on Saturday morning. “Before the renovations, I used to come once a month, and now I think I will come more often.”

The same sentiment was shared by Hélène, who expressed her joy at returning to the cinema. The films shown here are always of high quality.

Some attendees came from far away to attend the event. Jacques, who came from Lot-et-Garonne, highlighted the difficulty of obtaining tickets due to high demand. Despite this, he enjoyed the new café area which adds to the overall experience.

The director of the Cinémathèque, Franck Loiret, expressed his delight at the turnout and enthusiasm of the audience, especially young visitors, which heralds a renewal of the public interest in the cinema.

The cinematic marathon continues on Sunday, coinciding with the Marathon des mots, which offers readings in nearby venues, providing a literary break between films.

In a surprising turn of events, the newly opened Vertigo Café, popular among visitors, will have to close. Despite having all the necessary amenities, a change in municipal leadership led to the decision.

The future of the café remains uncertain as no discussions about subsidies were initiated with the municipality regarding its operation, as confirmed by Eric Jean-François, the new municipal councilor in charge of cinema and museums.

The article continues to discuss the challenges faced by the café and the possibility of reopening through a new project in the coming months, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement.