Falling subsidies and rising operating costs, as well as a decline in box office receipts because of the economic crisis, are threatening the existence of many of Budapest's art cinemas.
Budapest's eleven small and mid-size art cinemas were established at the beginning of the 90s. Since then, the cinemas have provided the same level of cultural service as Budapest's theatres and libraries.
The capital's art cinemas provide a venue for high quality Hungarian and European films, fostering good international relations. Many of the theatres are located in historic buildings and do a service to retaining the city's architectural profile, even as more modern multiplexes are built.
Box office sales at Budapest's art cinemas peaked at more than 900,000 in 2004, then fell gradually, before plunging to a little more than 600,000 in 2008. Part of the decline can be attributed to the overall contraction on the cinema market, but the rest can be blamed on the multiplexes.
The Hungarian Moving Picture Foundation grants subsidies quarterly - after a strict accounting of costs - up to HUF 1 million per screen per theatre in Budapest. This means HUF 4-5 million, at most, for the capital's art cinemas, or enough to cover 10pc of costs.
Some art cinemas that are members of the Europa Cinemas programme are eligible for an additional HUF 1.5-2 million in subsidies.
The Budapest Art Cinema Association estimates the capital's art cinemas need HUF 100-150 million in state support to make it through the year.
Source: Est.hu / Photo: culture.hu
