“I got a lot of calls from people wondering if it was really true because they couldn’t really believe their eyes,” says Léandre Panchevre, deputy manager of the Cinéma Cartier.
In the morning there was even a long line in front of the Le Clap cinema in Sainte-Foy, says deputy branch manager Félix Bergeron. He notes that many families have taken advantage of the reduced rate. Despite the sunny day, Léandre Panchevre is confident that there will be plenty of customers as many have already bought their tickets in advance. He expects a lot of traffic in the evening.
International hits Barbie and Oppenheimer continue to draw moviegoers, but Quebec films have nothing to envy. “My Mother’s Men”, “The Red Rooms” and “The Time of a Summer” are also among the most popular films this Sunday.
This is the second national film day organized by the Cinema Association of Canada. More than 3,000 theaters nationwide offer $4 plus tax shows, including 3D movies. The discount is significant, up to 77%.
Clap and Cinéma Cartier are $14 for adults and about $17 for 3D movies. At the Cineplex Odeon Sainte-Foy, a regular adult ticket is $13 and a 3D movie ticket is $16.
An exceptional summer
Félix Bergeron has been working in cinema for more than five years and he has never seen such enthusiasm in cinemas, especially for films made here. “Summer weather filled our largest rooms for a week.” Blockbuster-worthy numbers, reports Clap’s vice president. “It’s rare and it feels good,” he adds.
According to Léandre Panchevre, moviegoers were there from June. But numbers exploded with the arrival of Barbie, which filled some theaters days in advance and continues to dominate the box office.