First Cinemas in Mauritius
The 1960s saw the establishment of the first cinemas in Mauritius, introducing the local population to international films, primarily from France and India.
1960
1972
The First Mauritian Feature Film
"La Route" directed by Georges Coulonges became the first feature film produced in Mauritius, marking a significant milestone in the Cinema of Mauritius.
1989
Introduction of the Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC)
The Mauritius Film Development Corporation was established to promote and support the local film industry, providing resources and funding for filmmakers.
1995
International Recognition
Mauritian film "The Children of Troumaron" gained international recognition, showcasing the potential of Mauritian cinema on the global stage.
2001
First Mauritian Film Festival
The inaugural edition of the Mauritius Film Festival was held, celebrating local talent and providing a platform for Mauritian filmmakers to showcase their work.
2005
Launch of the Mauritius Cinema Week
Mauritius Cinema Week was launched to promote local films and encourage collaboration between Mauritian and international filmmakers.
2008
Digital Revolution
The introduction of digital filmmaking technology revolutionized the Cinema of Mauritius, making film production more accessible and affordable for local filmmakers.
2010
First Mauritian Film on Netflix
"Lonbraz Kann" became the first Mauritian film to be featured on Netflix, expanding its reach to a global audience.
2012
Mauritian Film Wins International Award
"The Children of Troumaron" won the Best Film Award at the Durban International Film Festival, bringing further international acclaim to Mauritian cinema.
2015
Establishment of the Mauritius Film Commission
The Mauritius Film Commission was established to facilitate film production on the island, offering incentives and support to attract international film projects.
2017
Mauritius Hosts International Film Festival
Mauritius hosted the first edition of the Indian Ocean International Film Festival, attracting filmmakers and audiences from around the region.
2018
Launch of the Mauritius Film Rebate Scheme
The Mauritius Film Rebate Scheme was introduced, offering financial incentives to both local and international filmmakers to shoot their films in Mauritius.
2020
COVID-19 Impact on Mauritian Cinema
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Cinema of Mauritius, with many productions halted and cinemas temporarily closed. However, the industry adapted by exploring digital platforms for film distribution.
2022
Revival of Mauritian Cinema Post-Pandemic
With the easing of pandemic restrictions, the Mauritian film industry saw a revival, with new productions and the reopening of cinemas across the island.
2024
Mauritian Film Industry Growth
The Cinema of Mauritius continued to grow, with increased support from the government and private sector, leading to more diverse and high-quality film productions.
