France’s movie theaters will be allowed to re-open from June 22, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced this evening. This is earlier than expected, as French Culture Minister Franck Riester said this week that cinemas were eyeing a July 1 re-start.
The decision was made in concert with the industry, Philippe said today, in order to allow exhibitors and distributors to organize concerted national campaigns.
Social distancing measures will be in place, though Philippe did not elaborate. Riester had noted earlier this week, “Cinemas absolutely must open at the same time in all regions in order to amortize distribution costs and so that the French people know which films are playing.” There is expected to be reduced capacity at screenings,