UNIC, the European grouping of cinema associations and cinema operators, gathers at CineEurope in Barcelona and publishes its annual report.
Members of the International Union of Cinemas/ Union Internationale des Cinémas (UNIC) met on 19 June in Barcelona to discuss the state of the international theatrical exhibition landscape and to celebrate the great success of this year’s edition of CineEurope, the association’s official annual convention, which takes place this week.
Held for the first time in Barcelona, CineEurope has this year seen a significant increase in those attending and exhibiting on the tradeshow floor, and an impressive range of product presentations from all the major US studios as well as independent distributors.
The 2011 UNIC annual report reflects on a mostly positive year for European cinema, with total EU box office returns remaining at a stable € 6.4 billion despite the sometimes severe impact of the economic crisis in some UNIC territories. Amongst these, which also include members outside the EU, Russia did extraordinarily well (seeing an 18 per cent increase in box office), as did France (up 4,5 per cent) and Norway (up 5,8 per cent).
Strong local films as well as the increasing contribution of digital cinema contributed to these results.
The transition to digital projection technology continues to be a key issue for the sector. In 2011, digital roll-out reached 60 per cent of all UNIC screens. Norway was the first territory to become completely digital in 2011, closely followed by Luxembourg. Countries which should complete the transition in 2012 include the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.
Ad J Weststrate, President of UNIC commented:
“The fact that now more than 60 per cent of all UNIC screens are equipped with digital technology is both exciting news but also should act as a reminder to those who have not yet taken action that time to do so is running out. Digital technology offers audiences access to a wider range of high quality content and opens up many new business opportunities to cinemas, if we get the roll-out right”.
UNIC is becoming increasingly involved in the planning and the delivery of CineEurope, together with its partners PGM, the show’s owners. The association has been instrumental in organising the show’s move to Barcelona and in ensuring that a high-quality conference programme and trade floor cater to the needs of European exhibitors.
“We think that a dynamic European cinema exhibition sector has to stage a truly international convention which reflects the importance of the European territory”, said Jan Runge, UNIC’s CEO.
CineEurope’s move from Amsterdam to Barcelona is only one of the changes UNIC has instigated in the past year. The association also relocated its head office from Paris to Brussels in order to become more involved in European decision-making, as well as hiring Runge as CEO, supported by a small executive team.
“UNIC’s move to Brussels is already paying off in terms of expertise and influence, not only with politicians, but also with other industry stakeholders and the public. I am convinced that we are on the right path and that the reform of UNIC will be to the benefit of all cinema operators in UNIC’s member territories” commented Weststrate.
To read the full annual report 2011/2012, visit UNIC’s website: www.unic-cinemas.org
For more information visit
- UNIC’s website: http://www.unic-cinemas.org/
- CineEurope’s website: http://www.showest.com/filmexpo/cinemaexpo/index.jsp
- or contact Anouk Van den Bussche: [email protected]
About CineEurope
In its 21st year, the CineEurope convention and trade show brings more than 50 countries together to do business. The convention includes screenings of upcoming films not yet released in the region, informative seminars dealing with operating and marketing motion picture theatres, gala sponsored food functions as well as a full-scale trade show for the technology, equipment and concessions side of the business. The Coca-Cola Company is the Official Corporate Sponsor of the convention, which runs from Monday, June 18th to Thursday afternoon, June 21st.
