Cinemas to open sooner than you think! Bosses want customers through the doors in time to show Christopher Nolan's new blockbuster starring Rob Pattinson
- National Association of Cinema Operations hopeful cinemas will reopen by July
- Theatres may have spaced seating, more session times and sanitising stations
- Reopening would allow release of action thriller Tenet starring Robert Pattinson
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Australian cinemas could reopen as early as July, just in time for the premier of Christopher Nolan's blockbuster starring Robert Pattinson.
The National Association of Cinema Operators (NACO) which represents Event Cinemas, Hoyts and Village Roadshow announced they were 'enthusiastic' for reopening theaters in July but are yet to set a date.
If the plan goes ahead, cinemas will have more staggered movie sessions, spaced seating, contactless payments and sanitisation stations to ensure hygiene amid coronavirus.
Staff will also be encouraged to download the COVIDSafe app.
Australian cinemas could reopen in July under plans by the National Association of Cinema Operators (pictured: Event Cinema in Sydney)
NACO said ultimately the decision would depend on Hollywood studios confirming cinema releases that were postponed are available for the big screen.
'The association has developed an Australian industry standard for sanitisation that it feels confident the industry can achieve,' NACO said in a statement on Tuesday, The Australian reported.
Share this article
'These will include staggered session times and spaced seating to meet social distancing requirements, contactless and cashless transactions wherever possible, investment in sanitisation stations where appropriate and increased frequency of cleaning cinemas.
'NACO acknowledges that studios will not release new titles until the majority of cinemas are opened around the world.'
The July reopening would welcome the release of Christopher Nolan's action thriller Tenet starring Robert Pattinson (pictured)
The film is due to hit cinemas on July 16 with filmmaker Nolan determined for the release date to go ahead
The association also said cinemas would remain closed until the government said otherwise.
Despite no official date being set, industry figures are hoping for July 16 which would welcome the release of Nolan's action thriller Tenet.
The film stars Pattinson and Denzel Washington's son, John David Washington.
IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond said Mr Nolan was determined to have his film as the first cinema release.
'Chris really would like to be coming out with the film that opens theatres,' Gelfond said last week.
'I don't know anyone in America who is pushing harder to get the theatres reopened and to get his movie released than Chris Nolan.'
Disney's live action reboot of Mulan is also expected to hit cinemas in July.
The second installment of Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, was expected to be released on the same day as Tenet but has since been pushed back until December.
The James Bond film, No Time To Die, has also been delayed until November.
Cinemas across Australia were ordered to close amid the peak of COVID-19 in March.
Cinemas across Australia were ordered to close amid the peak of COVID-19 in March (pictured: Event Cinemas in Brisbane)
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
