No popcorn, staggered seating and more thorough cleaning could be the future of movies.
In late April, Australia’s National Association of Cinema Operators set itself the goal of reopening cinemas in time for the premiere of Christopher Nolan’s latest mind-bending blockbuster, Tenet, which is due for global release on July 16.
In a public statement, the NACO board said they were hopeful that conditions in Australia would be suitable for cinemas to safely reopen by July, adding that they were “very mindful of social distancing restrictions needing to be put in place,” and that these measures would lead to cinemas “trading at reduced capacity”.
Since then, the situation in Australia has rapidly developed. Social restrictions have had their desired effect, and the curve has sufficiently flattened to the point that in Victoria, cinemas and theatres may be allowed to reopen as early as June 22. However, while the aim of reopening entertainment venues within weeks will thrill cinephiles, several major hurdles are yet to be crossed before any picture palace can welcome back paying customers.