Rewind Cinema closes doors at New Town as business owner hunts for new venue

A popular boutique cinema specialising in cult movies has made the “emotional” decision to close its doors – but the devastated proprietor says he is on the hunt for a new home for the business.

Creator of Rewind Cinema, Graziano Di Martino, with his brother, Dino Di Martino, surrounded by their childhood favourite movies. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The proprietor of a beloved retro cinema has made the “emotional” decision to close the venue but is on the hunt for a new space so he can continue operating the business.

Graziano Di Martino opened Rewind Cinema at the Kickstart Arts complex at St Johns Park in New Town in 2022 and said it was “one of the best things I’ve ever had the opportunity to run”.

He took to social media on Thursday to hit the pause button on the business, saying he “couldn’t operate out of the venue any longer”.

Graziano Di Martino, owner of Rewind Cinema. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I had knots in my stomach as I shut the door to the theatre for the last time and it was pretty emotional,” Mr Di Martino told the Mercury.

“I didn’t realise it was going to hit like that but the response from that post yesterday just [reaffirms] how much the community loves that space and the idea of the cinema so it’s kind of given me fresh inspiration to keep pushing and find a new venue and keep it going stronger and better.”

Rewind Cinema specialises in classic and cult movies, curating a quirky program that caters to all demographics.

Mr Di Martino said he had identified a potential new site for the business on Albert Rd in Moonah but the zoning of the property meant it could cost him up to $30,000 to obtain a planning permit.

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He is also seeking out the owners of the old Cinema One site on Murray St to “have a conversation” with them about possibly leasing that venue.

The passionate movie buff said the closure of Rewind Cinema was “not goodbye”.

“I love running the cinema … and I can’t see myself doing anything else for work, really, after that,” Mr Di Martino said.

“There’s still a lot of people that love it and want to continue coming to it so I don’t see why it won’t continue. There just needs to be the right venue.”

Originally published as Rewind Cinema closes doors at New Town as business owner hunts for new venue