Robbed New Town cinema ‘blown away’ by support

Memorabilia, high-end tech and gifts have all been snatched from a beloved nostalgic cinema. But the community has rallied to keep its theatre doors open. What went down

Graziano Di Martino owner of Rewind Cinema in the store area of the cinema. The store area at Rewind Cinema in New Town was broken into with important film memorabilia along with camera equipment stolen. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A much-loved retro cinema in New Town has been devastated by a break-in, but overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from the cinephile community.

Rewind Cinema, a boutique cinema focused on ’80s and ’90s nostalgia films has lost upwards of $9500 worth of technology, memorabilia, food an alcohol after brazen thieves broke in via an ajar window overnight on Thursday.

The cinema, located at the Kickstart Arts Performing Arts Centre, has become a fan-favourite for many since opening last year because of its secluded locale, owner Graziano Di Martino said that police have not yet been able to track the thieves.

“The way they entered, the thieves knew to stay out of the line of sight of my sensor for the security alarm,” he said.

“They basically ransacked my bar area and took as much as they could.”

POS iPads, a camera, projector, tills with cash inside and alcohol were all stolen from behind the bar area.

However, some items were more important to Mr Di Martino than others.

“There was memorabilia and gifts from people who love the cinema that were stolen I will never be able to replace,” he said.

Creator of Rewind Cinema Graziano Di Martino with his brother Dino Di Martino surrounded by their childhood favourite movies. The Rewind Cinema will specialise in films from the '80's and 90's running once a month. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“There was signed pieces and custom items made especially for us that really hurt to know someone stole.”

Mr Di Martino said that the business was uninsured at the time of the theft and said it would be difficult to rebuild again – if it weren’t for a loyal community.

“We have been inundated with donations of items and cash to help keep the place running,” he said.

“The response from the community is just mind-blowing and has filled me with hope for what the space really means to people and the future of Rewind.

“We only missed one showing the day following the break-in and want the Rewind community to know that I will make sure the fun times keep going.”

Friends of the cinema have donated a projector and iPad as well as cash donations to assist the owner in getting back on his feet.

Mr Di Martino said the experience has been “emotional”.

“It’s strange to feel so devastated about the loss of loved items and gifts stolen from you one moment and then the next be completely overwhelmed with love and messages of support,” he said.