Crunch time approaches for indy cinemas

Despite remarkable resilience, Australian indie cinemas are desperate for the government to solve a problem caused by the collapse of the international supply chain.

The exhibition business in Australia is doing remarkably well. The major chains have the resources, the bank credibility and the co-dependent shopping centre landlords to survive. The position for the indie cinemas is much worse. But even here, the peak body Independent Cinemas Australia has not heard of a single cinema destroyed by COVID-19.

ICA President Scott Seddon, proprietor of Scottie’s Cinemas in Newcastle reckons they have to hang in for three to six months. 

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David Tiley was the Editor of Screenhub from 2005 until he became Content Lead for Film in 2021 with a special interest in policy. He is a writer in screen media with a long career in educational programs, documentary, and government funding, with a side order in script editing. He values curiosity, humour and objectivity in support of Australian visions and the art of storytelling.