The 1990s saw the successive closure of various movie theaters in major cities across French-speaking Africa, depriving populations of popular cinema.
In recent years, however, theater renovations and the creation of multiplexes have been on the rise across the continent. In addition to the cinemas run by French cultural institutes, private initiatives are also opening theaters, bringing culture and entertainment to an ever-growing middle class and youth population on the big screen.
The various theaters opening their doors are part of African networks such as the Majestic cinemas in Côte d'Ivoire or international networks such as CanalOlympia, owned by France's Vivendi.
Gaumont Pathé, the leading cinema operator in France, also joined the fray with the inauguration of its first complex in Tunis in 2019, marking its first step on the continent. Construction projects had even been launched in Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal.
After several months of silence, things seem to be taking shape in Dakar. The operator has unveiled the main features of the project, which is still under construction. Named "Le Mermoz," the multiplex will cover 5,000 square meters, consist of seven theaters, and is expected to open in the first half of 2021. Senegalese cinema is also expected to feature prominently in the programming.
Read also: Feature – Cinema in French-speaking Africa