After a record first half in 2006, the first six months of 2007 have seen a 12% drop in film attendance in France. However, the 90.5 million admissions racked up are an increase on the same period in 2005.

That figure comes from France's Film Federation (Fncf), which represents the nation's exhibitors, while the National Film Centre (CNC) has a slightly different total with 93.1 million tickets sold.

The top 10 films of the year through to the end of June brought in 9 million fewer movie-goers than the top 10 in the first half of 2006. But last year was dominated by Patrice Leconte's Les Bronzes 3: Amis Pour La Vie, which sold 10.4 million tickets in its first few months of release.

The top 10 films of the half-year were Spider-Man 3, Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End, La Vie En Rose, Taxi 4, Shrek The Third, Night At The Museum, Hunting And Gathering, 300, The Lives Of Others and Le Prix A Payer.

The Fncf also notes that, given the effect on box office of the football World Cup last summer, the second half of 2007 should enable the industry to catch up.

Indeed, for the month of June, 13.4 million tickets were sold, which is a 12.6% increase on 2006, according to the CNC. French films are maintaining a strong presence, with 44.3% of the market share.