The Australian Independent Distributors' Association (AIDA) has awarded film exhibition veteran Bob Parr with its independent spirit award at the 66th Australian International Movie Convention.
Parr, the program and cinema manager at Adelaide’s Wallis Cinemas Group, has worked in the industry for nearly five decades and last year received the Order of Australia for his services to the community and contribution to charity.
He has raised approximately $200,000 each year, for the past several years, by screening movies at the Chelsea Cinema (which he helped establish along with the Mitcham Cinema).
Last year’s award was presented to Sue Van Pinxteren of the Roseville Cinema, who passed away earlier this year. Her daughter, Lisa van Pinxteren, presented this year’s independent spirit award to Parr.
Other winners at the AIDA Awards were: Avoca Beach Picture Theatre (best independent regional cinema), Rivoli Cinemas (best multiplex), Nova Carlton (best independent urban cinema), and Lido Cinema, Auckland (best New Zealand cinema).