Last year the cinema attendance reached record high during the past 18 years
According to Statistics Estonia, in 2010 there were 2.1 million visits to the cinema in Estonia, which is the record of the past 18 years.
The number of visits to the cinema was last higher in 1992 when there were 3.4 million cinema visits. Compared to 2009, there were nearly 400,000 visits more last year.
One reason for the increase in cinema attendance is the decrease of the cinema ticket price during last years, caused by the increasing number of cinemas and tighter competition on the cinema market. In 2010, a cinema ticket cost on an average 3.6 euros, which is the cheapest price during the last nine years. Compared to 2009, a cinema ticket was 17% cheaper.
In 2010, a total of 294 films were shown in cinemas of Estonia, which is less than in 2009 when 313 films were shown in cinemas, nevertheless, the indicator of 2010 was high compared to the previous years. During the year 174 films were imported to Estonian film distribution system, which is nearly half a hundred films more than the average of the past decade. Compared to 2009, 20 films more were imported. More than a half of films in Estonian cinemas were still of American origin. The number of European films is increasing; in 2010 their number amounted to 95. The number of Estonian films in cinemas has continuously been decreasing since 2008. In 2010, the number of Estonian films in cinemas totalled 14.
Although the total number of films produced in Estonia has increased compared to the years 2008 and 2009, film production of 2010 is still lower than the average of the past decade. The increase in the number of films has occurred mainly on account of promo and educational films produced for commercial purposes. Artistic film production is on a low level. If since 2000 on an average 169 films per year were produced in Estonia, then in 2010 129 films were produced. Estonian filmmakers focus more on collaboration with foreign filmmakers. All four full length feature films produced in Estonia in 2010 were made in collaboration with other countries.
In 2010, a total of 14 full length films were produced in Estonia, of which four were feature films and ten documentaries. A total of 115 short films were made, of which 19 were short feature films, 31 short documentaries and 5 short animations. In addition promo, educational and other short films were produced.
Average price of a cinema ticket, 2000–2010
