BEST ENTREPRENEUR:
CIRCUITO CINEMA (ITALY)

A network that favours solidarity

Created in 1997, Circuito Cinema is celebrating its tenth anniversary amid growing success thanks to its quality programming and convivial atmosphere. "Our goal was to create a network that stands out for the quality and diversity of its programming, while competing successfully with the other commercial theatres." When it comes to evoking the origins of Circuito Cinema, Fabio Féfé does not mince his words.

Created in 1997, the network groups several Italian exhibitors and distributors, including Istituto Luce, Bim Distribuzione, Lucky Red and Mikado Film. The network comprises one cinema in Genoa (Ariston) and nine in Rome (Eurcine, Fiamma, Giulio Cesare, Jolly, King, Maestoso, Metropolitan, Nuovo Olimpia and Quattro Fontane) for a total of 32 screens, which count among the most dynamic and convivial in the country. In addition, Circuito Cinema has a half share in the capital of nine other theatres in Catania (Ariston), Florence (Flora and Fiorella), Milan (Eliseo), Naples (Filangieri) and Turin (Nazionale and Eliseo), and is in charge of programming for several cinemas throughout Italy.

Circuito Cinema is today celebrating its tenth anniversary. Giving an important place to solidarity among professionals, the network has consolidated the position of its theatres which, now well-known to the public, can face up to the growing competition on the Italian market. The figures speak for themselves. In 2006, Circuito Cinema registered over 1.4 million admissions, thanks notably to the successes of Mrs Henderson Presents and The Queen, Match Point, The Wind That Shakes the Barley and Volver, which was billed for several months. A major source of satisfaction for Féfé, who notes that most films presented by Circuito Cinema respect the criteria for arthouse cinema established by the committee of experts of the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities.

In 2007, Circuito Cinema expanded with the opening of a third theatre at the Fiamma in Rome, as well as two new screens at the Ariston in Catania. And Féfé doesn't rule out more development. "We've got an eye on the evolution of the market, and if it's possible to grow further, we'll take a good look at every opportunity," he says. Further justification for the Europa Cinemas prize awarded in Bucharest. "This award is a real recognition of our work," Féfé concludes.

(November 2007)

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