Cinema Nova halfway through fundraiser to take ownership of its venue

Cinema Nova, on Rue d'Arenberg in Brussels, is hoping to raise €265,000 by the end of March in order to buy back the premises on which it sits.

The non-profit movie theatre first opened its doors in the centre of Brussels in 1997, built in the ruins of the legendary Arenberg studio.

But the lease expires this spring, RTBF reports, and management hope to purchase the 68-year lease and transform the institution into a cooperative called the Supernova Coop.

So far, 1,360 individuals and 53 legal entities have joined the project. Nova is calling on all individuals, associations, companies and public authorities to become members of the cooperative in order to “participate in the survival of independent cinema”.

“Supernova Coop is halfway through its fundraising campaign, and we still have €265,000 to find between now and 31 March,” said Gwenaël Breës, a member of the Nova collective.

“Becoming a member of the cooperative means helping to keep alive a Brussels venue that offers a range of contemporary cinema not seen elsewhere, and whose distinctive feature is that it encourages reflection on social issues.”

With property prices soaring after 20 years of low rent for Nova, “our non-commercial programming is likely to suffer”, the collective said.

If the lease is bought, Nova will be able to remain where it is until 2092.

The fundraising campaign began last October, with a target of €494,000, and those who invest in the survival of Cinema Nova will in return receive a vote in the cooperative.

Members are hopeful that ramping up their fundraising campaign will pull in the needed funding, as Brussels cinema enjoys a small revival: Cinema Palace saw a record year in 2023 with 60% more visitors.

That theatre in the pedestrian zone on Boulevard Anspach noted an increase in young visitors especially, with the amount of visits doubling.

Movie pass Cineville helped boost numbers, but management said it was more than just that.

“Our varied activities appeal to young people – think master classes on cinema and debates,” said spokesperson Lysiane Menier.

The arthouse cinema has targeted that audience over the past year, both through communication and its offerings. It has organised more than 200 events for all audiences, including avant-premières, screenings of classic films and seven festivals.