An ever more “multifunctional” role, able to compete with multiplex cinemas: that, in short, is the “future” of the approximately 1000 Catholic community halls in Italy, which recently celebrated their 1st National Day (Padua, 9-11 May). The event was promoted by ACEC (Catholic Association of Cinema Operators), in collaboration with the Italian Bishops’ Office for social communications, the CEI Service for the Cultural Project and the Centre of Social Communications of the diocese of Padua. According to a survey conducted by the Catholic University, some 74% of community halls declare they “share their customers with other cinemas”. The close link between community hall and parish is testified by the “multifunctional” role of the venue, which is used not only as a cinema (which represents some 60% of programming) and a theatre (some 20%) but also for “many other activities” linked to the cultural dimension (meetings, conferences, debates), musical events (concerts and musicals) and parish activities (catechesis, youth club, prayer meetings). In 92.87% of cases the community hall is situated close to the parish or oratory: it’s not only a “physical vicinity”, but also an “economic” (in 34.10% of cases) and a “pastoral” one.
