Village Cinemas: Movie release date for Tenet and Marvel movies could face delay
Movie lovers might have to wait to see the latest new releases as the cinema industry remains in the dark on when it can reopen. Industry leaders are pleading with the State Government not to exclude the entertainment industry.
South East
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Cinema operators are calling on the government to reopen, saying the industry had been left facing an uncertain future.
In a statement from Village Entertainment, the cinema giant who owns multiple movie theatres in Melbourne including the Jam Factory, Westfield Fountain Gate and Southland, said the cinema industry had been “vilipended” — treated with contempt.
The statement said the latest government decisions had excluded the arts and entertainment sector, and had placed “unnecessary pressure” on the entire industry and its stood-down employees, who were receiving little to no income.
“Across the globe, no confirmed case of the virus has been traced back to cinema going
and as of today, in Australia, no confirmed case has been linked to cinema going within
other states that have been operational since late June 2020,” the statement said.
Coburg Drive-In will reopen on Thursday, October 29, but the vast majority of Victorian cinemas will remain closed for the foreseeable future according to the current road map.
Blockbuster films released in other states include Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, Trolls: World Tour, Unhinged and Marvel’s The New Mutants, with cinema owners fearing a backlog of new releases for moviegoers once cinemas reopen.
Village Entertainment chief executive Kirk Edwards said he was keenly awaiting any information from the government on when cinemas could reopen.
“It was very disappointing to see that cinema and entertainment had been left behind by
the government once again,” Mr Edwards said.
“While we are delighted to see so many other industries beginning to reopen, we are simply seeking the same level of consideration that has been given to those industries.
“Cinema is such an important part of our community and sharing stories is an integral part of how we connect with one another.”
He said he believed the industry was in a strong position to reopen in a safe environment, saying it was an experience so many Victorians sorely need.
Village Entertainment chief operating officer Gino Munari said almost 2000 employees across the state had been stood down since March.
“The past few months been very difficult for our staff, and the latest announcements have left many of us feeling very let down,” Mr Munari said.
“The lack of clarity and consistent exclusion from reopening decisions has placed unnecessary stress on the thousands of young Australian part-time and casual workers that cinema employs.
“While we are incredibly grateful to be able to welcome back our Coburg Drive-In team, we are dedicated to protecting the livelihood of all of all our staff”.
To purchase tickets to the Coburg Drive-In, visit: villagecinemas.com.au
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