The legacy of Cinéam, Monaco’s club of artisan filmmakers that thrived between the 1950s and 1980s, is being rightfully brought to public attention in a fascinating new exhibition at the Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco. It explores decades of amateur filmmaking in and beyond the Principality, as well as the club’s role in documenting major cultural and historical moments in Monaco.
Ahead of the public opening of Cinéam on 17th March, Monaco Life got a behind-the-scenes view of the exhibition, which offers captivating insights into the history of amateur filmmaking in the Principality.
Documenting Monaco’s evolution
Formed as part of the Studio de Monaco in 1939, the Cinéam club gradually developed into an independent section dedicated to amateur filmmaking and photography.
Members of Cinéam, including figures like Guy Brousse and Roger Canis, produced a range of documentaries, fictions and even animated films during the club’s existence. They were key figures in the documentation of significant events and everyday moments in Monaco, providing treasured memories of important historical and cultural developments, from the Liberation of Monaco in 1944, the Jubilee of Prince Louis II of Monaco in 1947 and the various construction projects helmed by Prince Rainier III, such as the building of the Stade Louis II.
The exhibition features six viewing stations presenting extracts from around 50 films. Additional screenings can be viewed in the Petite Salle of the Institute under the programme Le Cinéam, au fil des saisons, with some sessions introduced by former club members.
The exhibition also explores the technical aspects of filmmaking during Cinéam’s active years, including the development of soundtracks. It highlights the collaborative effort required for sound production, from sound engineers and musicians to projection operators. Films such as Goutte d’eau (1953) exemplify this process, showcasing early partnerships with local entities like Radio Monte-Carlo.
The evolution of sound synchronisation with the arrival of Super8 cameras is examined too. Portable recorders, such as the SP2000 synchroniser, allowed amateur filmmakers to align sound with moving images, though the process remained complex.
Founded in 1997, the Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco is tasked with preserving and promoting Monaco’s cinematic and audiovisual heritage. It regularly collaborates with cultural institutions and runs an annual cycle of art and experimental film screenings, with several projects conducted under the patronage of Princess Caroline of Hanover.
Curated by Estelle Macé and Vincent Vatrican, the current Cinéam exhibition, which will continue until January 2026, offers an in-depth view of Monaco’s filmmaking past and the amateur craftsmanship that helped shape its cultural narrative.
The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. The Institute closes at 4.30pm on Fridays.
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All photos by Monaco Life