Cinema plea for post-JobKeeper lifeline amid fears many will close

A string of SA cinemas may be forced to shut once JobKeeper ends, prompting calls for a new $30m lifeline.

Cinemas across South Australia may be forced to close once JobKeeper ends, as Hollywood studios continue to stall the release of new films.

Independent SA senator Rex Patrick has spoken directly to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg about the concerns and is calling on the Federal Government to launch a new support package to save independent cinemas.

“With the JobKeeper program coming to an end in just two weeks, these businesses need ongoing Federal Government assistance so that SA communities keep their valued cinemas,” he said.

“Over half of Australia’s independent cinemas are at risk of closing permanently without more government support.”

Wallis Cinemas chief executive Tony Edmonds said independent SA cinemas were bracing for possible closure, but Wallis was still stable.

Karel Chellew serving up popcorn at Wallis Cinema in Mitcham. Picture: Keryn Stevens

He said they were calling for a lifeline for the sector until October, when new releases were expected to ramp up.

“Los Angeles is just about to open cinemas, New York has, the UK opens in April, Canada is already up and operating, so this is giving the film distributors reason now to start releasing things,” he said.

Mr Edmonds urged SA Health to review restrictions before school holidays in April.

A $30m cash boost package for cinemas would help them stay open until new films came out, the National Association of Cinema Operators said.

NACO executive director Michael Hawkins said there would be a strong revival.

“We just need to survive until then, bearing in mind the wage bills and rents that continue to need to be paid,” he said.

Cinema Augusta manager Michelle Coles warned regional theatres were particularly at risk.