Esther Lauaki
0311village
By Esther Lauaki
Hundreds of empty seats have been a familiar scene at Village Cinemas Sunshine as the state grappled with a second wave of coronavirus. Now the industry fears for its future after being snubbed in last Monday’s state government announcements which lifted lockdown restrictions on retail and hospitality.
Cinemas have been closed to patrons for months, and are likely to be closed for several more weeks.
Village Entertainment chief executive Kirk Edwards said the latest government decisions have excluded the arts and entertainment sector and placed unnecessary pressure on the entire industry and its stood down employees, who are receiving little to no income.
He joined a chorus of calls for the government to provide information on when cinemas can reopen and requests for the same level of consideration given to other industries – such as restaurants, cafes, gyms and churches.
“It was very disappointing to see that cinema and entertainment had been left behind by
the Victorian 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.
“We believe we are in a strong position to be able to allow Victorians an opportunity to reconnect and unwind in a safe environment – an experience that so many Victorians sorely need.”
No confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia have been linked to cinemas which, in other states, have been operational since late June and reopened in line with the hospitality and retail industry.
Mr Edwards said that within the environment of a cinema, the risk of transmission is lessened by the large well-ventilated movie theatre auditoriums, where guests are facing one direction, wearing masks and not speaking.
Cinema businesses, including Village Entertainment, have prepared stringent COVID-safe
plans in order to keep staff and customers safe.
Mr Edwards said that based on the research, cinemas should be allowed to open alongside restaurants, gyms and churches from November 8.
Village Entertainment operations chief Gino Munari said he was looking forward to seeing all cinemas re-open in the coming weeks.
“The past few months been very difficult for our staff, and the latest announcements have
left many of us feeling very let down,”Mr Murani 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.”
