A film's release date sets the public's expectations, but it doesn't guarantee it'll be shown in every theater. Between the release and the screening near you, two decisions converge: that of the distributor, who plans the rollout, and that of the programmer, who curates a cinema's lineup.
The distributor pitches a film to theaters. In a May 2026 injunction published by the CNC, the Cinema Mediator notes that it is responsible for the release plan on behalf of rights-holders. It selects cinemas that seem to align with its distribution strategy, in order to maximise the film’s exposure and its audience.
This selection operates within a framework: the text notes that it must comply with competition law and be grounded in objective justifications. The distributor does not simply pick a date; they also consider the venues where the film will reach its audience.
On the cinema side, the programmer selects the works and their slot within the venue. In a 2019 interview with the CNC, David Obadia explains that this role takes into account the venue's editorial line, its audience, and its geographic location. Personal taste alone isn’t enough to build a programming slate.
Space is also a consideration. New films land on a schedule that already hosts other titles. Obadia describes negotiating with distributors, right down to the choice of the theater where a film will be shown. Championing a work can also involve promotional events or partnerships.
Programming continues to evolve after the release. In this interview, Obadia says that screenings are tweaked with the cinema director based on early attendance figures. The poster therefore isn’t a fixed lineup, and the offered schedules help drive the film’s visibility.
The Mediator also stresses the programmer’s freedom to define their editorial line in light of what their audience knows, while honoring commitments to the CNC and the diversity of offerings. For viewers, two nearby cinemas can thus present distinct choices. Our selection of Parisian cinemas invites you to explore these programming identities.
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