New volume limits in Flemish cinemas

Flemish environment minister Joke Schauvliege has reached an agreement with the cinema sector on a new system to control noise levels during the screening of digital films. “The goal is to protect the cinema viewer – and in particular children,” she said.

The government of Flanders has already introduced strict volume limits for concerts, but the rules don’t cover cinemas. They require a different approach, Schauvliege explained, because volume levels in films vary enormously, from periods of silence to short bursts of loud noise. In order to determine the best way to regulate cinemas, the minister commissioned acoustic trials in five digitally equipped cinemas across Flanders.

The new regulation includes annual inspections to set the maximum volume level. The volume limit will be higher in larger cinemas and lower in smaller ones. Children’s films will also have a lower limit.

Cinema owners will be obliged to inform audiences about noise levels and explain, for example, that the film is louder at the front of the cinema than at the back. They can do this via their website, posters or an on-screen message.

The Belgium cinema federation FCB has worked closely with the government to reach this agreement. “Cinemas in Flanders have led the way in terms of comfort, projection techniques and sound systems,” said Thierry Laermans of FCB. “Now thanks to this new regulation, they are setting a model in terms of volume control.”