Studio 28: A Historic Cinema in Montmartre

Studio 28, located at 10 Rue Tholozé in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is more than just a movie theater; it's a cultural landmark. Established in February 1928 by Jean-Placide Mauclaire, it holds the distinction of being Paris's first avant-garde cinema, dedicated to showcasing cinematic research and artistic expression. From its early days, Studio 28 became a gathering place for painters, poets, and filmmakers, attracting luminaries like Luis Buñuel, Jean Cocteau, and Abel Gance. The cinema boldly screened films, including the first Chinese film shown in France and experimental triptychs by Abel Gance. However, its avant-garde spirit led to controversy. In 1930, a screening of Luis Buñuel's 'L'Âge d'Or' was met with outrage, resulting in the theater being vandalized and the film banned. After World War II, brothers Edgar and Georges Roulleau took over in 1948, revitalizing the cinema and establishing it as a meeting place for cinema and other forms of entertainment, including jazz concerts and exhibitions. Jean Cocteau and Abel Gance became 'godfathers' of the theater, with Cocteau designing light fixtures that are still visible today. In 2000, Studio 28 served as a filming location for a scene in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's popular film 'Amélie'. Today, Studio 28 continues its legacy as an art-house cinema, offering a diverse program of recent films and maintaining its neighborhood charm.