Introduction to Lumiere
Lumiere, a Belgian film distributor, is making a comeback to independent distribution in the Netherlands. The company, which also operates cinemas and a production company called Lunamine, has appointed Thomas Fransman as the head of theater and acquisitions. Fransman will start working in the Amsterdam office in early September.
New Beginnings
Lumiere aims to release eight films in the Benelux region every year. Some of the titles lined up for release include Laura Wandel’s "Adams sake," which was shown in the Critics’ Week in Cannes, "Julian" by Cato Kusters, and "Minotaur" by Andrey Zvyagintsev. The company has been a leading player in Benelux distribution for two decades but has been less active in acquisitions in recent years, focusing on feature film and television production instead.
Optimistic Outlook
Jan de Clercq, co-owner of Lumiere, is optimistic about the prospects for the theater market in Benelux. "We decided to start buying films again," he said. "We made this decision at the beginning of this year. But we will limit our lineup to a maximum of eight films every year because we then have the time – at least three to five months – to prepare a release." The company has been active in the Netherlands, with Fransman previously working as the head of the theater for films like "Childhood" and "Shaun the Sheep."
Market Differences
The Dutch theater market for independent films is considered more promising than in Belgium. "There are about 120 screens for crossover and arthouse films in the Netherlands, while we have around 25 or 30 screens in Belgium," said de Clercq. This difference in the number of screens is why ticket sales are higher on the other side of the border. Lumiere operates five of its own venues, which de Clercq describes as "city cinemas" that are more like arthouse theaters. These cinemas show a wide range of films, from arthouse films to studio blockbusters.
Cinema Experience
De Clercq’s vision for Lumiere’s cinemas is to create a unique experience for filmgoers. "This is a place where people see a film with a glass of wine or a glass of beer instead of popcorn," he said. The cinemas show everything from arthouse films by directors like the Dardenne brothers to studio blockbusters like "Lilo & Stitch." Lumiere’s majority owners, including de Clercq, Annemie Digryse, and Alexander Vandezutte, are committed to maintaining this unique cinema experience.
New Chapter
With Thomas Fransman on board, Lumiere is set to start a new chapter in its history. Fransman knows the Dutch market well and will help with acquisitions. The company’s decision to limit its lineup to eight films per year will allow it to focus on preparing each release carefully. As Lumiere moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the changing landscape of the film distribution industry.
