email print share on Facebook share on Twitter share on LinkedIn share on reddit pin on Pinterest

LEGISLATION Spain

Over 90% of exhibitors on strike

by 

Yesterday, approximately 93% of Spain's cinema exhibitors took part in a one-day strike organized by the Federation of Spanish Film Theatres (FECE). The suspension of exhibition activities was the most recent measure contesting the new Film Law proposed several months ago by Minister of Culture Carmen Calvo, which is furthermore being opposed by several sectors of the industry (see news). A similar strike took place in 1993, just before the current film law was to be adopted.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

Spanish exhibitors demand either the "elimination of a screen quota for local films" or a series of fiscal compensations if the quota is upheld. They emphasise the need to recognize that "a theatre screening Spanish film is an empty one, which implies a big loss," as stated in FECE's press release.

Madrid (95%), Andalusia (95%) and Catalonia (90%) were the regions where the strike was most comprehensive, immediately followed by Galicia, Comunidad Valenciana, Castilla y León and Baleares. According to FECE figures, the shutdown represented a loss of €1m.

Along with the strike, FECE is starting several meetings with the main political parties – PP, CIU, BNG and IU – and hopes to schedule a meeting soon with the Socialist Party.

The remaining 7% of theatres that declined to strike include those owned by Altafilmes, which stated that "the inclusion of European and not simply Spanish film increases the number and the variety of films capable of reaching the quota".

In the meantime, Spanish actors once again expressed their unease over the new law, for which they were not consulted (see news). However, Pilar Bardem, president of AISGE, clearly stated actors’ opposition to FECE's demand, stressing that upholding the screen quota is "absolutely necessary" to the survival of Spanish cinema.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.

Privacy Policy