23/01/2006

2005 was an excellent vintage for French cinema around the world. With receipts of 369 million euros and 73,6 million spectators, the year 2005 achieved a growth of 49% in admissions to French films abroad compared to 2004. These good results, revealed on Friday night by Unifrance were obtained thanks to 322 features, 15 having attracted more than 500 000 admissions, notably March of the penguins [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Luc Jacquet which became the best ever French export title with 58 million euros of receipts and 16,2 million spectators abroad.

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Making up almost a half of the share of French films abroad, the European market witnessed an amazing rise in Spain for works of the 7th Art Made in France (7 million spectators, up +168%), a net revival in Italy (5,2 million admissions, up +74%) and notable progressions in Germany (5,9 million spectators, up +27%) and in the UK (2,6 million admissions in 2005). But the big surprise came from the States, where French cinema beat its record of receipts with 125 million euros in 2005, and not forgetting a promising foray into China (1,5 million admissions). Worth noting, too, that in 2005 French films abroad (73,6 million) surpassed the results registered last year on French territory (64,8 million spectators).

(Translated from French)