A State-Run Moviegoing Experience. The Case of State-Owned Movie Theaters in the Republic of San Marino

This essay explores the history of state-owned movie theaters in San Marino from the 1980s to today. In San Marino, there are no private cinemas; the State has managed all movie theaters since 1983. Using archival research, oral history, audience data, and interviews, this study examines the connection between film culture, public funding, and the moviegoing experience in San Marino. It highlights the interconnectedness of economic-industrial practices on distribution, acquisition, and programming with a broader political-cultural awareness of the moviegoing experience. The findings show that a State-run cinema is essential in San Marino, as private theaters are not financially viable due to the small audience size. Additionally, State-run cinemas can support both blockbuster films at lower prices and independent films from festivals, which are otherwise unavailable in peripheral cinemas.