28/11/2006

As of December 31, 2005, there are 3,890 operating screens in Italy, 262 more than in 2003. However, the number of cinemas fell by 144 over a two year period, from 2,298 in 2003 to 2,154 in 2005.

This is the updated data on film exhibition compiled by ANEC, the association of film exhibitors, which also shows that single screen model continues to prevail in the country: there are 1,436 overall, compared with 391 cinemas with less than eight screens, 111 multiplexes (eight screens or more), 211 outdoor cinemas and five drive-ins.

These numbers are divided up unevenly in terms of territories, with some areas showing high concentrations of cinemas and admissions and others that are still insufficiently equipped. In 2005, in Basilicata, Campania, Molise and Tuscany the number of operating screens decreased with respect to 2003 yet increased, sometimes significantly, in many other regions. For example, in Veneto the number of screens rose from 285 to 340 yet remained unvaried in Liguria and Val d’Aosta.

“The ANEC data,” writes the Giornale dello Spettacolo, “shows a progressive transformation rather than a true growth of the movie theatre market, and confirms the impression that it is possible and necessary to strengthen Italian exhibition, which, nevertheless, must be done rationally, favouring the growth of new structures in depressed film areas and guaranteeing the survival of exhibiting sale. The problem remains of identifying new audiences, not transferring them from one cinema to another”.

The publication of the research conducted by Milan’s Bocconi and Cattolica universities on the Italian film industry – entitled E’ tutto un altro film. Coraggio e nuove idee per il cinema italiano – will be presented in Rome tomorrow.

This presentation will anticipate the Autumn Screenings , which will be held on November 30-December 1 at the Auditorium Conciliazione and will feature the presentation of trailers and premieres of films about to be released and the awarding of the Biglietti d’Oro to the year’s box office hits.

(Translated from Italian)