The cinema, which consists of a 400 square meters area located on the ground floor of the administrative building of the National Palace of Culture, is suitable not only for film screenings (there are 370 seats), but also for various meetings, stage performances, symposiums, etc. There is also a coffee shop in the lobby and a wardrobe. The hall is equipped with mobile conference and EV equipment, as well as sound reinforcement system.
FNE: What is the biggest challenge of running a cinema such as yours?
Hermina Azarian: Cinema Lumiere is part of the National Palace of Culture, the biggest multi-functional center in Bulgaria and the South Eastern Europe. The hall has 370 seats, which is already a big challenge for an art cinema regarding the programming, which is different from the commercial proposals of the multiplexes and malls, which are aimed at mass audience.
In this concrete case, the task of the programmer is a lot more responsible as it is a search of an intelligent balance between audience oriented films and pure art house films.
FNE: What kinds of films do you prefer to screen and why?
Hermina Azarian: The answer of this question is an extension of the previous: more mainstream art house films, award-winning films on one side, and a presentation of thematic weeks: classic masterpieces, directors retrospectives, children films, etc.
FNE: The cinema is home to many festivals, events and film weeks. Why are these important and what do they achieve?
Hermina Azarian: The filmgoers accept Lumiere mainly as a festival space. This is the home of the biggest and most popular film festivals in Bulgaria: the Sofia International Film Festival, Cinemania, Master of Art, CineLibri, the Sofia Independent Film Festival - So Independent..
The festival spirit adds to the artistic atmosphere of the audience, making our cinema more different from commercial theaters.
FNE: What is the role of Europa Cinemas for cinemas such as your cinema and why is it important?
Hermina Azarian: The inclusion in the Europa Cinemas network is a label by itself, a sign for quality, for a unique film programming and for presenting artistic films.
FNE: Can you say something about your work with young audiences?
Hermina Azarian: Our main activities to attract youth and children audience are connected with organising thematic film weeks, as well as with the festival Cinemania, which is produced by the National Palace of Culture.
Contact:
Kino Lumiere
National Palace of Culture
1463 Ndk, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 88 621 7240
www.ndk.bg
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