To say that Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis was a hit in cinemas when it was released in 2008 is still far from the truth. With 20.48 million admissions, it is simply the biggest commercial success of French cinema. Only Titanic, with its 21.7 million, managed to surpass it at the French box office. Therefore, in the long run, an authentic cultural phenomenon, whatever one thinks of the artistic qualities of the film.
It is through the eyes of Philippe Abrams (Cad Merad), the postmaster of Salon-de-Provence who has moved to Berg, that Danny Boon introduces the whole of France to his region of origin, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, after it was renamed Hauts-de-France. Negative prejudices and prejudices will quickly give way to a piece of good humor, so communicative that it will convince almost a third of the French population to rush to the cinemas.
It is a big boost for local tourism
The film was an absolute jackpot for Danny Boone, who played the roles of actor, producer, director and screenwriter. But also for the Hauts-de-France region, namely the small town of Berg, where it was filmed.
For what reason anyway? An intimate and family story for Danny Boone behind the real quiet charm of this Flemish town of 3,805 souls: his great uncle, Adalbert Carrier, was Berg’s carillon from 1934 to 1999. The famous bell tower of the city, a classified historical monument. In 2005, it was also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
After the film’s release, Berg’s bistros and restaurants took it by storm. The Maroli producers’ association also claimed that sales of cheese increased by 7 to 10% after the release of the film, and of Castelain brand beers by 30% compared to 2006. Which is up 239% from March 2007 to March 2008!
“Welcome to Ch’tis has had many positive impacts on Berge, especially in terms of tourism and the local economy” Mark Burrell explained in 2017Vice-President of the Hauts-de-Flandres Tourist Office. Prior to Danny Boone’s film, the tourist office recorded 9,000 inquiries (postcode requested per household) each year, which equated to between 23 and 25,000 visits to the office. Two years later, in 2010, “we had 35,000 requests, or about 100,000 people. Today the excitement is waning, but the situation is even better than before the shooting.
Ch’ti tour for the road!
Some of the filming locations have become iconic: the post office (this is the former Gaz de France building), Mrs. Bailey’s house (where the famous breakfast scene in Maroille was filmed), urinating in the canal during the postman’s memorable tour. The bell tower of course, which also welcomed over 36,000 visitors shortly after the film’s release…
Not forgetting the fan complaints: see where the now famous chip shop is located At Momo’s! Owned by Jean-Paul Dambrin, it now travels around France for various occasions. “People know Danny Boon used to eat here and they want a Momo chip shop in their garden for their birthday, the day after their wedding.” said interested into the microphone Franceinfo in January 2021.
Marc Burrell, from the Hauts-de-Flandres tourist office, and Jacques Martel, the town’s carilloneur, came up with the idea of ​​organizing the Ch’ti Tour, in which a tour guide re-enacts the filming of the film. Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis. A walking tour that lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can get more information here.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
