La Clef Cinema, a beacon of independent film since 1973 in Paris’ Latin Quarter, is on the cusp of a remarkable revival. For five years, a dedicated collective of activists, filmmakers, and artists, known as La Clef Revival, has passionately fought to save this community-run cinema from closure. Their unwavering efforts have reached a pivotal moment, and now, with your support, this iconic movie theater can be reborn.
La Clef’s story is one of resilience and the enduring power of community. When the cinema faced the threat of being sold and potentially lost in 2019, film lovers united to occupy the space, keeping the projectors running and the spirit of independent cinema alive. This occupation transformed into a powerful movement, attracting thousands of audience members and garnering support from cinematic luminaries worldwide. Names like Martin Scorsese, Jean-Luc Godard, David Lynch, and contemporary filmmakers such as Justine Triet and Céline Sciamma, rallied to the cause, recognizing the vital role La Clef plays in the film ecosystem. After years of tireless work, fundraising, and navigating numerous challenges, Cinema Revival, a newly formed nonprofit, successfully acquired La Clef in June 2024, ensuring its survival.
But the journey doesn’t end with acquisition. To reopen its doors and welcome back the public, La Clef requires essential renovations. This is where your contribution becomes crucial. The goal is to raise $400,000 by April 2025 to fund these necessary upgrades and ensure La Clef can operate sustainably for years to come. The vision for the revived La Clef is deeply rooted in its history: to be a community-run cinema with bold and inclusive programming, accessible to all through a pay-what-you-can ticket policy. This model champions collective movie-going experiences and provides a platform for diverse voices in cinema.
Why is supporting La Clef Jean, or rather, La Clef Cinema, so important? It’s about preserving a vital cultural space, nurturing independent film, and fostering a community around cinema. La Clef is more than just a movie theater; it’s a symbol of resistance against commercialization and a testament to the power of collective action in preserving cultural heritage. By donating to Cinema Revival’s renovation fund, you are directly investing in the future of independent cinema and ensuring that La Clef continues to be a vibrant hub for film lovers for generations to come.
La Clef crew
The Cinema Revival board is comprised of individuals with extensive experience in various fields, all dedicated to the success and sustainability of La Clef:
- Eric Arrivé, a “Commons” expert, brings crucial knowledge of legal frameworks for common property, ensuring La Clef is protected from real estate speculation and managed by a user cooperative with complete autonomy.
- Céline Sciamma, the acclaimed French screenwriter and director known for films like Portrait of a Lady on Fire, offers invaluable insights into independent filmmaking and alternative production methods, vital for developing artistic residencies at La Clef.
- Laurent Tenzer, from Cinema Nova in Brussels, provides a European model for alternative cinema management. Cinema Nova, a volunteer-run independent cinema, serves as an inspiration for La Clef’s operational structure.
- Jean-Marc Zekri, operator of Reflet Médicis in Paris, brings expertise in the Parisian independent cinema network and public funding models for such venues, essential for La Clef’s financial stability.
The board also includes Victor Billet, Claire-Emmanuelle Blot, Chloé Folens, Bulle Meignan, Gautier Raguenes, and Luc Paillard, each contributing their unique skills and dedication to the project.
Make a donation today to Cinéma La Clef and be a part of this extraordinary revival. Your support will help ensure that La Clef continues to shine as a beacon for independent cinema and a vibrant community space in Paris. For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.
