Classics of French Cinema Return for the Summer of the Olympics

Poster of Amélie Poulain on the left and poster of Intouchables on the right

The months of July and August see the return of some popular films to the cinema, attracting tourists on the sidelines of the Olympics. UGC and Gaumont are betting on The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain and The Intouchables, starring Omar Sy, to fill the dark rooms. These two French films, which have met with enormous success in France and internationally, are coming back with English-subtitled versions.

The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet in 2001, is re-released on July 24, two days before the start of the Paris Olympic Games. UGC, its distributor, sees this period as an opportunity to re-screen this emblematic film of French culture. Meanwhile, Gaumont is offering The Intouchables, directed in 2011 by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, starting from July 31.

Marc-Olivier Sebbag, general delegate of the National Federation of French Cinemas, emphasizes that summer is a favorable period for re-releases, allowing for better exposure of films. UGC plans 300 copies for Amélie Poulain, accompanied by an updated trailer. Gaumont, on the other hand, is programming The Intouchables in 200 theaters, hoping for an extended run throughout the summer.

In addition to these French successes, Paddington’s Adventures are also returning to theaters this summer, with a re-release of the first two installments while waiting for the third opus in 2025. Distributors Le Pacte and ARP are also re-releasing Sean Baker‘s films before the release of his 2024 Palme d’Or, Anora.

This strategy aims to offer a cultural alternative to the many tourists, without fearing direct competition from sporting events. Moviegoers will thus be able to (re)discover these cult films.

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