Brussels, 08/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - The annual meeting of the "Les Rencontres" network, which was held in Lille from 28-31 October, allowed local cultural representatives and cinema professionals to take stock of the state of health of this sector throughout the territory of "Greater Europe" (see EUROPE of 4 November, p.15). The workshop on the consequences of digital showed great differences of opinion between its proponents and detractors. The latter, which include Michel Gomez, delegate general of ARP (France's association of Authors, Directors and Producers), feel that digital cinema will help the hegemony of American productions to take hold, which will sweep through the world in record time and be showing on the big screens of every country at the same time. Furthermore, digital cinema will allow pirate copies to circulate on the Internet before the films have even been released at the cinema, thus delivering a fatal blow to the sector. "We must develop legal offers", educate the Internet user and impose fines if necessary, said Mr Gomez. Ken Legargeant, Secretary General of DCEN (Digital Cinema European Network) disagreed, stating that it is "a formidable tool for diversity": a single format, the possibility to add subtitles and multiple versions will allow national films unequalled opportunities for international distribution, and will give the citizens access to a cinema they are not familiar with. Philippe Grandclaudon, commercial director of EVS Digital Cinema (Belgium) spoke of the unrivalled conservation opportunities offered by digital cinema. He believes that new technological developments will improve film distribution, standardisation, conservation of works, "advantages which work in the favour of the European Union". He added that the US does not wait for Europe to develop, and that Europe cannot afford to stand still and do nothing.
It is worth noting that the association "Les Rencontres" was set up by those responsible for cultural and education in various regional authorities within Europe in its broader sense. It holds debates and meetings, and works closely with experts, universities, cultural networks, local authorities, and artists.