The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC), the grouping of European cinema associations and key operators, has today published its Annual Report, examining key trends during what was a record year for many across the 36 territories represented by the organisation.
The report provides a detailed analysis of the current trajectory of the European cinema industry, exploring both the opportunities and challenges facing what is on the whole a buoyant and rapidly evolving sector.
For the first time assembling final end-year performance data across such a wide range of European territories, the report confirms 2015 as a record year for cinemas across many UNIC member territories. Total cinema admissions in the region increased by 6 per cent, reaching more than 1.26 billion visits. Total box office revenue reached €8.8 billion, a 12.5 per cent increase on the previous year, accounting for 24 per cent of the global theatrical market.
Commenting on the report, UNIC President Phil Clapp said:
“Cinema-going across Europe is thriving.
This report celebrates some incredible achievements by industry colleagues and partners during 2015.
It is particularly fitting that we launch our annual report during CineEurope, our annual convention. Both symbolise the vibrancy and diversity of our sector and its contribution to the success of the wider film industry not just in Europe but also on the global stage.
We look forward to working with industry colleagues and European policy makers as UNIC further develops its activities over the coming year.”
Alongside a range of sector data, the report also examines a number of public policy issues affecting cinema operators in the European Union as well as setting out the advocacy activities undertaken by UNIC in response, all with the objective of ensuring that cinema remains central to the European Commission’s audiovisual policy agenda.
The UNIC Annual Report 2016 is available in English and French and can be downloaded online: English version / French version