Andorra Catalan Cinema Attendance Drops 30% in 2025 Amid Poor Film Slate and Scheduling

Andorra's Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell has attributed the decline in Catalan-language cinema attendance in 2025 mainly to the types of films acquired and their projection schedules, following the ministry's announcement last Monday of 21 premieres attracting just 5,517 viewers—down from 2024 and 30% below the 7,800 seen two years earlier when the €4 subsidised ticket scheme launched. Similar drops affected screenings in other languages, according to Illa Carlemany director Robert Ruescas, who cited an overall weak slate that year.

In remarks to the Andorran News Agency (ANA), Bonell explained that the ministry pushes for Catalan versions of the public's most requested titles, though dubbing major blockbusters remains challenging. She praised the Generalitat de Catalunya's heavy investments in dubbing, which aid Andorra as a receiving market. Better-suited time slots could help, Bonell argued, as audiences often prioritise convenience over a subsidised price for an inconvenient session. Operators, rather than the government, set schedules based on market analysis and target groups to maintain balance.

Children's films hold strong promise, Bonell noted, with young viewers more open to Catalan dubs than some adults, creating a receptive audience segment. The ministry remains committed to boosting demand for local-language cinema, as viewers clearly want it.

Ruescas pointed to 2025's lacklustre releases across genres, contrasting with early 2026 successes like *Balandrau*—now Andorra's leading Catalan film since the 2023 subsidy pact—and *Torrente Presidente*, nearing the all-time top 10. Schedules match audience preferences: afternoons for kids' titles, evenings for Catalan, indie or comedy fare. Illa Carlemany pursues dual-language blockbusters including *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, *Jurassic World Rebirth* and *How to Train Your Dragon*, but distributors bypassed Catalan for *Mufasa*, *Lilo & Stitch* and *Sonic 3*. Spanish versions dominated the top 10, led by *Lilo & Stitch*, *Avatar*, *Jurassic World* and *Minecraft*.

At Illa Carlemany, *Wolfgang* topped 2025 Catalan films, with Jorge Cebrián's documentary *L'estafador que va ser rei* second—drawing over 1,500 viewers in a six-week record run and ranking seventh all-time. The cinema upholds weekly Catalan slots, prioritising the language for children's and local content amid factors like tourism and seasons, such as 2024's summer standout *Casa en flames*.

The 2026 subsidy drops to €30,000 from €37,500, due to unspent 2025 funds, within the three-year Illa Carlemany agreement where the government covers costs beyond the €4 viewer price.