The new director, currently a cultural mediator at the establishment since 2022, will take up her duties in January 2027. She succeeds Jean-Pierre Surle, who will retire in December. Chloé Guilhem expresses her enthusiasm and sense of awe regarding this new responsibility, while acknowledging the deep attachment of Die's residents to Le Pestel.
Benefiting from continuity due to her experience within the cinema, she views this succession as a passing of the torch. The goal is to continue Le Pestel's history by adding new touches, rather than starting from scratch.
She is committed to preserving the demanding programming that has been the cinema's DNA for decades, offering a diverse selection of auteur films, discoveries, French cinema, repertory films, as well as major releases anticipated by the public. Le Pestel aims to be a generalist cinema for all audiences.
Among the planned evolutions, Chloé Guilhem intends to introduce surprise preview screenings, "favorite" films with unknown titles, develop more special events, participate in festivals, and increase special screenings, such as an opera night or a horror film marathon. Thursday evenings will become a prime time for unique sessions, concerts, meetings, or themed evenings.
Ideas are also being explored for families, including screenings where babies are welcome, and consideration is being given to childcare solutions in partnership with ESCDD. During school holidays, offerings for young audiences will be enhanced.
The new director also plans to strengthen the role of cultural and associative actors in the region, fostering greater collaboration with local associations, artists, and cultural venues when ideas are relevant and create a connection with the territory.
Chloé Guilhem expressed her gratitude to Le Pestel's audience for their curiosity, loyalty, and trust, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of the collective cinema experience in contrast to home viewing options.
