08/08/2003

Ticket sales dropped by 15% in June 2003, compared to the same month last year, according to figures just published by Cinetel. Italy's official film theatre monitor analysed data from 317 cities and found a corresponding 13.19% drop in box office grosses which stand at a reported €25.493m against €29.365m in June 2002.

"Unfortunately the drought is also being felt in the world of cinema, and we're a long way off the 'rain' that new films will bring. Once again, all we can do is express our regret for a lost opportunity," said Walter Vacchino, president of ANEC, the national theatrical exhibitors’ association.

(Translated from Italian)