The Independent Cinemas Association has today called on both federal and state governments to provide independent cinemas tax relief and immediate cashflow injections, as the industry struggles for survival in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drive-in cinemas in Adelaide and Heddon Greta near Newcastle resumed trading last Friday, drawing big crowds, as a survey of more than 20,000 Australians showed 98 per cent look forward to cinemas re-opening.
Independent cinema operators have renewed their calls for Federal Government support, with the launch of a new campaign designed to secure more funding in the lead up to Christmas.
The global rise of streaming services has not directly impacted cinemagoing but it has hurt independent films which traditionally have performed well at indie cinemas.
Independent cinema operators under financial hardship as a result of the pandemic will be able to apply for one-off grants of up to $85,000 after the Federal Government announced $20 million for the sector.
Adrianne Pecotic has announced she will step down as Independent Cinemas Australia (ICA) CEO at the end of this month after 11 years in the role.
While the school holidays are giving ticket sales a modest uplift, the crisis for Australian cinemas shows no signs of abating, at least until Boxing Day.
As cinemas across the country do it tough, Sydney Film Festival's Traveling Film Festival has partnered with Independent Cinemas Australia (ICA) to present two curated programs of features and shorts designed to drive audiences back to local theatres.