Movies - Meaux Le Majestic: A Grand Opening Night Celebrates Cultural Revival and Community Spirit

By Mulder, Meaux, Le Majestic, 25 april 2024

After four years of intermittent construction and numerous setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening of the UGC Le Majestic cinema in Meaux on April 25, 2024 marked a turning point in the cultural revival of this historic town. The evening kicked off at 7pm on the esplanade forecourt with a dance performance orchestrated by Laurie Carayon, which set the tone for the festivities. A symbolic CLAP was then given by personalities such as Jean-François Copé, Mayor of Meaux, Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture, and Brigitte Maccioni, President of UGC, signaling the official start of the celebrations along the newly christened boulevard Meaux'llywood.

The procession moved on to rue du Général Leclerc, where speeches were made in front of the cinema's grand façade. Each speaker emphasized the cinema's essential role in revitalizing local culture, and its importance as a new cultural center for Meaux. The speeches were punctuated by a thrilling stunt show, echoing the grandeur of great action films, which further amplified the excitement of the evening.

At 8pm, the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, officially marking the opening of the cinema. This was followed by a stroll through various lively booths set up on Place Henri IV, where attendees enjoyed a myriad of activities and entertainment reflecting the cinema's community orientation.

Mathieu Nicolas, Director of UGC Le Majestic, shared his enthusiasm and relief during a visit with the attending press, noting the extremely positive reception from the local community. He emphasized the important role the cinema should play in enhancing the vitality of Meaux town center. The newly renovated cinema, with seven screens and a total of 822 seats, 24 of which are accessible to people with reduced mobility, is set to offer a wide range of films and cultural events.

The highlight of the evening was the premiere of a number of films, including Bruno Podalydès' new film, La petite vadrouille, starring Daniel Auteuil, Sandrine Kiberlain and Denis Podalydès. The screening, which began at 9pm, attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd, testifying to the community's support and enthusiasm for the cinematic arts.

A crucial aspect of the renovation was the emphasis placed on sustainability and energy efficiency. The cinema's architecture, a blend of modern and historic elements, was preserved while incorporating state-of-the-art technologies. Energy efficiency measures such as the installation of laser projectors and LED lighting were implemented to significantly reduce the building's energy consumption.

The cinema's programming promises to satisfy all tastes, with a mix of blockbusters and arthouse films. Special events, including film premieres and cultural evenings, are planned to enrich the cinematic experience. More than just an entertainment venue, UGC Le Majestic is a community center where residents can come together to share their passion for cinema.

The reopening of UGC Le Majestic represents more than the end of a construction period; it marks the start of a new chapter for Meaux and its residents, revitalizing the local cultural landscape and giving a much-needed boost to the town's social and economic life. The success of this launch is testament to the cinema's potential to become a central figure in Meaux's cultural scene, promising to attract movie-goers from all over the region and contribute to the town's ongoing development.

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Photos and videos: Boris Colletier / Mulderville