« We support the next generation of filmmakers »

PostED ON 19.10.2023

Vincent Thiéry, Regional Director of BCEF Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, explains what BNP Paribas is doing to support the Lumière film festival and cinema in general. 

What does the partnership between BNP Paribas and the Lumière film festival involve?

BNP Paribas has forged strong links with the Lumière Institute and the festival since its creation 15 years ago! We've been lucky enough to support the development of the festival, which has become a major event of the 7th art. The partnership has enabled us to build some great synergies over the years in our region. The cinema is a vehicle for solidarity initiatives in the city, such as screenings for children in the hospital (Léon Bérard Centre, Woman Mother Child Hospital, Saint Vincent de Paul Clinic). We're also proud to offer festivalgoers a convivial space at our stand in the Village Lumière, which I recommend you visit. 
It's also an opportunity for us to invite our customers, partners, staff and film fans to major events such as the Lumière Award Presentation Ceremony. In total, some 600 people are invited to our evenings or cinema screenings every year!

When did BNP Paribas and the world of cinema begin?

For over 100 years, BNP Paribas has shared a common history with the cinema. It began with the specialisation of our core business in 1917, when we granted the first loan to a film production company, which today leads to the direct or indirect financing of more than half of all films in France! Over the years, the group's support for the cinema has broadened to include the entire chain that nurtures the 7th art and its industry.

What concrete actions has BNP Paribas undertaken recently in the film industry?

We have done so through our activities on the We Love Cinema website and social networks, our partnerships with festivals, partner films and other premieres organised in France, we have already invited more than 60,000 people - including 10,000 young people - to go to the cinema in the first half of 2023! We are working to encourage all our audiences, customers, employees, film fans and young people from our partner associations to rediscover the thrill of the silver screen! On 31 October this year, we will be launching the second edition of "Séances #Cinéculte", with 20 cult films back on the screen for an exceptional day in five cinemas in Paris and more than 5,000 people invited to experience the thrills of the cinema. Young people are also at the heart of our efforts. We're supporting the next generation of filmmakers through a partnership with two film schools and associations: La Fémis and 1000 Visages.

What's your fondest memory of the Lumière film festival?

Each edition leaves behind many great and beautiful memories. No two are alike. Perhaps a special mention for the 2022 edition with Tim Burton, whose work I adore. And what an atmosphere at Lumière Award Presentation Ceremony. The fans were out in force!

Interviewed and edited by A. F.