19-03-2019

FNE Europa Cinemas: Cinema of the Month: Kino Lumiere, Sofia, Bulgaria

    This month we speak with Hermina Azarian, the programmer (together with Vladimir Trifonov) of Cinema Lumiere from Sofia, Bulgaria.

    Hermina AzarianThe 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.54401912 262770321294225 3943514644768882688 n

    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?

    54278313 334757390484235 8125048345493241856 nHermina 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?54279357 420653168696678 7833798955224793088 n

    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
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.