Cinema in Guadeloupe

Cinema in Guadeloupe is mainly concentrated in urban areas, especially in the communes of Baie‑Mahault, Pointe‑à‑Pitre and Saint‑François. The main venues, such as Cinestar in Les Abymes, D’Arbaud Cinema in Basse‑Terre, or Cinema Paradis in Saint‑François, are easy to reach by car or public transport.

These cinemas, strategically located near shopping centers and major roads, allow visitors to include a cinema outing in their tourist itinerary.

The Guadeloupean cinema landscape is rich and varied, offering modern facilities and eclectic programming. Here is an overview of the main cinemas on the island.

1. Cinestar des Abymes

Located near the Milénis Shopping Center, this multiplex is the largest in Guadeloupe. With its 8 modern screens, it can accommodate up to 1,500 spectators. Since its opening in 2009, Cinestar has become a benchmark for entertainment. It features the latest releases, 3D screenings, and optimal comfort with reclining seats. It is also a popular place for premieres and cultural events, including the Guadeloupe Film Festival. GPS coordinates : 16°16'02.9" N 61°30'54.2" W.

2. D’Arbaud cinema

Located in the commune of Basse‑Terre, this historic cinema, renovated in 2015, blends old‑world charm and modern equipment. Its 2 screens can host about 300 spectators. It stands out for programming that highlights Caribbean and French productions, offering viewers an immersion in the local culture. D’Arbaud Cinema is also the venue for many special screenings and film discussions. GPS coordinates : 15°59'38.1" N 61°43'34.3" W

3. Cinema Paradis in Saint‑François

A small cinema with a single screen for 120 spectators, it is notable for its friendly atmosphere and charming setting. Ideal for fans of art house cinema, it offers a selection of independent and Caribbean films. Located in the heart of Saint‑François, it’s perfect for an evening after spending the day exploring the beaches and local market.

History of cinema in Guadeloupe : from historic theaters to modern multiplexes

Cinema in Guadeloupe has evolved over decades. In the 1980s, the island had many small neighborhood theaters showing cult and local productions. With the arrival of multiplexes, those intimate theaters gradually disappeared, but their spirit lives on through festivals and initiatives promoting Caribbean cinema. A noteworthy fact : Guadeloupe is regularly chosen as a filming location for movies and series, notably the famous British series Death in Paradise.

Guadeloupe also experienced temporary closures of cinemas due to the Covid‑19 pandemic. In April 2021, facing a surge in cases, authorities ordered the closure of cinemas, theaters and museums to limit the spread of the virus.

From the golden age of historic theaters such as La Renaissance and Le Rex to modern cinematic experiences, including outdoor screenings, each stage bears witness to Guadeloupeans’ love for the seventh art.

Early cinemas in Guadeloupe : a look into the past

In the 1930s, at a time when cinema was expanding globally, Guadeloupe saw the emergence of its first iconic movie houses. Among them, La Renaissance, located in Pointe‑à‑Pitre, opened in 1936. This cinema was much more than a movie theater : it represented a gathering place and a center of community life for residents.

La Renaissance was distinguished by its art deco architecture and warm ambiance. It screened black‑and‑white films, mainly French, but also some American productions. The cinema La Renaissance, inaugurated in 1930 in Pointe‑à‑Pitre, closed its doors in 2001 after more than 70 years of activity.

Slightly later, in the 1940s, the cinema Le Rex was opened in Pointe‑à‑Pitre. This venue quickly became an institution for cinema lovers. With nearly 500 seats, Le Rex regularly hosted special screenings, such as premieres of classic films. It was one of the first cinemas on the island to show color films in the 1950s, marking a major technological leap. As for Le Rex, it definitively ceased operations in May 2020, after more than 60 years of existence.

Besides La Renaissance and Le Rex, many other cinemas in Guadeloupe have closed over the years, reflecting the changing cultural and technological landscape of the island.

Activities and points of interest

Cinemas in Guadeloupe are not limited to screening films. They are also venues for cultural encounters. Among the must‑attend events :

• The Guadeloupe Regional and International Film Festival (FEMI) : an annual celebration of Caribbean and international cinema.
• Outdoor screenings organized by local associations, offering a unique experience under the stars.

Modern cinemas like Cinestar also house restaurants, shops, and play areas, making them perfect spots for an outing with family or friends.

Our practical tips

For an optimal experience, prefer visiting on weekday evenings, which are less crowded than weekends. Cinemas like Cinestar offer reduced rates on Tuesdays, which is ideal for tighter budgets. For those with reduced mobility, most large theaters, such as Cinestar and D’Arbaud Cinema, are accessible and have reserved seating. If you’re a film buff, plan your visit in February, during FEMI, to discover unseen works and interact with filmmakers both local and international. Near the cinemas, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars to extend your evening in a friendly atmosphere.

FAQ

1. What kinds of films are shown in Guadeloupean cinemas ? Programming is varied, ranging from international blockbusters to art‑house and Caribbean productions.

2. Do cinemas in Guadeloupe show films in original version (VO) ? Yes, several cinemas offer films in their original version with subtitles (VO), notably Cinestar and D’Arbaud Cinema.

3. Are there discounts for students ? Yes, reduced prices are often offered to students and children. Check cinema websites for more information.

4. Can one reserve seats online ? Yes, major cinemas like Cinestar allow online reservation through their official websites.