Cinemas elated to return, increase capacity numbers

CINEMAS around the region reopened their doors earlier this month, and are now rejoicing the fact they can welcome 100 people to sittings as restrictions eased on November 22.

The news brings much joy to movie lovers and staff members, reigniting the cinema and theatre industry in Victoria.

Reading Cinema Waurn Ponds complex manager Niki Heikkila said it was a day she had been looking forward to for some time.

“We’re pumped, absolutely pumped,” she said.

“We were hanging out the whole way, we were hoping we’d be able to open earlier, but it’s good, it’s great to have staff back, they are all rapt to be back.”

Readings Cinema boasts eight theatres, with cleaning and seat spacing being closely adhered to. Heikkila said the cinema was closely monitoring the number of people in the foyer at any one time and that movie times and exit times were staggered to make sure foot traffic remained under protocol.

Heikkila said her cinema would now begin to play catch-up in terms of showing the newest films released around the country.

She said distributors had changed some release dates, but she was pleased to offer fresh movies Tenet, Rams and Freaky, among others.

Meanwhile, at the Geelong Pivotinian Cinema, similar feelings of excitement have been felt.

Co-owner and company director Jess Litsas said it was great to be able to return and a weight off the shoulders for all involved.

“It’s very exciting, really happy to be going back to work it’s so good it’s in time for summer,” Ms Litsas said.

“It was really uncertain and that was the hardest part, not having any idea of what’s to come.

“We had so many people inquiring, so we wanted to open as soon as possible.”

The cinema will begin by showing three movies before adding to the showings in coming weeks.