Pivotonian Cinema lined with pink at Barbie party

A RARE preview screening has set a new precedent for a Geelong-based independent cinema following an early showing of new film Barbie.

The Pivotonian Cinema, based in South Geelong, celebrated a successful sold-out preview screening of the international hit movie Barbie that stars Australia’s Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

Cinema owner Jessica Litsas said the venue’s Barbie pre-release dress up party, which featured a plethora of pink, on Wednesday night (July 19) was a major hit, with all tickets purchased well in advance.

“We had a really good turnout on the night, some great costumes without a doubt, and some of the prize winners from the night really put in a huge amount of effort with their outfits,” Ms Litsas said.

“Someone made a Barbie Chevrolet car that they were wearing, one of the Kens had flamingos on his jackets, but everyone went the extra mile – everyone was really excited and the atmosphere was really fun.”

Ms Litsas says large-scale film preview screenings are not typically offered to independent cinemas.

However, with the cinema landscape changing due to the impact of steaming services, she is hopeful events such as Wednesday’s can become the norm across the country.

“We haven’t been offered the opportunity to do preview screenings like this very often due to the fact that we have one screen,” Ms Litsas said.

“So, generally, we’re relegated to sub-run releases, meaning we get films a few weeks after national release.

“But since streaming platforms have changed the environment of theatrical releases, distributors are starting to recognise all cinemas need the right to screen day-and-date releases otherwise they are just missing out entirely.

“We’re starting to see a shift.”

Ms Litsas confirmed The Pivotonian Cinema has already secured a day-and-date release to Wes Anderson’s newest film Asteroid City available on August 10.

Head to www.pivotcinemas.com.au for tickets and information.