English language films in Poitou-Charentes
Tucked away behind the College Pierre Mendes-France in the centre of Parthenay, found to the west of Poitiers, the cinema Le Foyer is built on land given to the town in 1875 by Paul Coutant for after-school activities.
In 1924 it was first declared an association loi 1901, and in 1948 it became a cinema. Some eight years ago a second-hand Digital Theatre System was purchased, enabling version originale films to be shown, giving the means to link up with a soundtrack in any language via CD.
Chris Powis, who has lived in Parthenay for many years, is a volunteer at the cinema, she said: "Films are ordered from the distributors in Paris and at the moment it is difficult to produce a schedule in advance for English soundtrack films.
"Also, we have to fit in with the timetable for French films, so sometimes there are screenings in an afternoon, other times in an evening."
Le Foyer is actually home to two cinemas, one holding 90 people and the other 250, and before-show drinks are available from the bar, but to comply with the ‘after-school activities’ criteria, there is also a sports hall, home to AS Parthenay, an active basketball club.
With an increasing number of English speakers in the area, the demand for the latest films in English is steady and it is hoped that screenings will become increasingly popular.
"Sometimes films are subtitled in French," says Chris. "Most people like this as it gives them an idea of how to express themselves in French."
Audiences of at least 60 are needed to cover costs and requests for specific films are considered.
Showing next week is Burn After Reading with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich and Tilda Swinton, and The Duchess with Keira Knightly and Ralph Fiennes is on from Thursday, January 15.
But fans of classic cinema are catered for as well, Gentleman Jim starring Errol Flynn will form part of a cycle of golden oldies.
Another Brit hoping to bring cinema delights to the Vendée is Brenda Fergusson who approached the director of Le Cinema au Pays de La Chataignerie, Jacques Menanteau, to sound him out in respect of showing some English films.
"He was hesitant at first," Brenda said. "As he has to order them specially from Paris, and they can be expensive. However, he agreed and Casino Royale with an English soundtrack was put on.
"I arranged for people to order tickets from the tourist board so we could see if it would be viable. We got 154 people to book for the film and, considering it was Christmas time, there must be many more potential clients who were not at home in France at the time."
Due to the success of the exercise the blockbuster Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, will be shown next month and in a move harking back to the golden days of cinema, because it runs for just under three hours there will be an interval, with refreshments on sale.
For more details on the screening of Australia please see the cinema page on Brenda's What's On In The Vendee website.
And to stay in touch with screenings visit Le Foyer in Parthenay website, or contact Chris Powis via email cinema.foyer@gmail.com.
Beryl Brennan worked for more then 10 years with BBC Manchester regional radio, before moving to western France in 2002. While still writing about France, her other passion is greyhounds, helping to rehome rescued dogs through the Galgo News website.
The image from the Baz Luhrmann film Australia (or as we say around here, Ostraya) reminds me that in 1989 I was travelling in France and happened on a movie theatre in Avignon. Very narrow entrance, very charming. the movie screeing was called 'Australia'. Naturally I whipped in to see it! The movie was 'Australia' and starred Jeremy Irons and Fanny Ardant. The film was partly in French and partly in English, being set in Oz and Belgium. Quel extraorindaire!
By the way, where does Baz Luhrmann reside? Yes, of course. Paris.
Posted by: Mike | 12/01/2009 at 09:33
Hi Mike, sounds like you had a really enjoyable time and it is intriguing to think what memories the mind holds on to.
If you go to see the Baz Luhtmann film make sure you drop back to leave a mini review ;-)
All the best, Craig
Posted by: Craig McGinty | 12/01/2009 at 10:56