« At the heart of and alongside the cinema »

PostED ON OCTOBER 15

BNP Paribas is one of the founding partners of the Lumière festival. Vincent-Baptiste Closon, Head of Partnerships, Affinity Territories and Events, explains the bank's actions in favour of the cinema.

When did BNP Paribas first become interested in the cinema?

BNP Paribas has had a shared history with the cinema for over 100 years. It began with the specialisation of our business, which today results in the direct or indirect financing of more than one out of two productions in France.  Over the years, the group's support for the cinema has expanded. The development of a network of partnerships aims to support the entire chain that nourishes the cinema and its industry. From a script to a theatre release, BNP Paribas is at the heart of and right alongside the works, its ecosystem and its future. 

The pandemic crisis, which we are on the point of overcoming, has demonstrated the enthusiasm of the French public to rediscover the emotions of the cinema.  Our ambition is to perpetuate this link between the cinema and its audiences and to support the entire industry. We believe in the talent of the new generation, both among filmmakers and film lovers. BNP Paribas will be at the forefront of supporting and sharing with these young people.

What is your partnership with the Lumière festival?

BNP Paribas has had a lasting partnership with the Lumière Institute and the Lumière festival since it was launched 13 years ago.  Our regional roots allow for great synergies between the cinema and solidarity actions in the city, such as the organisation of screenings for hospitalised children (at the Saint Vincent de Paul Clinic, the Women's and Children's Hospital, and the Léon Bérard Centre), or through the presence of the many employee volunteers who are associated with the festival. On-site, we set up a friendly space on our stand in the Village Lumière. Above all, I would like to salute the work and determination of Thierry Frémaux and his teams. Thanks to their commitment, we are once again experiencing great moments of cinema this year.

What is your greatest satisfaction with the role that BNP Paribas has played in favour of the cinema?

Supporting young people is both our pride and one of our most ambitious projects. BNP Paribas defends both the next generation of creators and the next generation of audiences.  First of all, the BNP Paribas New Cinema Talents Fund is beginning to bear fruit. This investment fund, created in 2018, is designed to back first or second films. The first co-productions from the fund were able to find parallel support at the Cannes Film Festival 2021, which is more than encouraging for the future. In addition to this, we are multiplying initiatives for the benefit of young moviegoers. For example, through our partnership with the film Eiffel, we have just invited more than 2,000 young people to the Grand Rex movie theatre for its premiere.

Interview by A. D.