Melbourne's Cinema Nova, the Eddie Tamir family-owned cinemas and Village Cinemas' Coburg drive-in will re-open next month - but indications are that most cinemas in other states are unlikely to turn on the lights until July.
In his 63 years as a film programmer, Bob Parr had never experienced anything like the current crisis as ticket sales flatlined across the country over the past few weeks.
Sasha Close, one of Australia's most respected exhibitors, has resigned as national programming manager at Wallis Cinemas after 16 years with the Adelaide-based company.
John Polizer, a highly respected exhibitor and distributor who was an influential supporter of Australian films, died on Thursday after a long illness, aged 83.
Coming off an all-time industry record in 2016, the Australian theatrical market lost a bit of momentum in 2017 – a cyclical downturn which does not worry distributors or exhibitors.
“If as an industry we think we can rest on our laurels and young people will continue to go to the cinema without offering them a great experience we are sadly mistaken.”
The Australian Independent Distributors' Association has recognised film exhibition veteran Bob Parr at the Australian International Movie Convention