5 years of SCFP

Since its creation in 2019, the Syndicat des Catalogues de Films de Patrimoine (SCFP), of which Cinématographique Lyre is a member, continues to make good progress. The syndicate brings together various classic film players such as Argos Films, Gaumont, Les Films du Jeudi, Les films de losange, Les Productions Jacques Roitfeld, Pathé, SND (Groupe M6), Studio Canal, TF1 Studio (which between them collect over 15,000 heritage works, i.e. around 80% of French film heritage) who restore, safeguard and screen important cinematographic works in order to protect culture and its history.

These companies are committed to the ongoing defense of our heritage, and to demonstrating its importance to us all. This was already apparent at a showcase on October 19, 2023, at Lumière Lyon, where all the companies came together to present their activities in their own way. And it was even more evident during the SCFP's 5th anniversary (already) at the 1st Rendez-vous du Patrimoine Cinéma.

This event took place at Studio 28, a symbol of cinematic heritage. The studio was inaugurated in 1928 by Jean-Placide Mauclaire. It was the first avant-garde cinema on the Right Bank, and a meeting place for artists such as Jean Cocteau, Luis Buñuel and Abel Gance. Since its creation, Studio 28 has screened films of all origins and genres. It was a cinema of the highest quality, but not just a cinema: the Studio was also a venue for exhibitions of paintings and photography, a jazz concert venue, and a meeting place. What better place to celebrate SCFP's 5th anniversary?

The day was punctuated by the screening of various trailers for films restored by Eclair, accompanied by a speech from SCFP President Sabrina Joutard. This was followed by a round-table discussion moderated by Florian Krieg (French film journalist) on the challenge of restoration and conservation in the age of AI. Then director, producer, screenwriter and critic Christophe (not Abel ) Gans gave a masterclass on film restoration, moderated by Gaël Golhen, editor-in-chief of Première magazine. The day ended with the 1st 4DX-restored screening of Jean Becker's Echappement libre (1964), in his presence.

The SCFP continues to make a name for itself, and this day was an important step in demonstrating the importance of heritage in the film industry.