Metro cinema operator John Wilson, who began operating as an independent in 1995, is cautiously optimistic that his initial post-lockdown weekend offering of a single 2pm matinee session each day may soon lead to more.
"I’m feeling really positive," he said.
He was appreciating support from the community and the Dunedin City Council.
More than a dozen people attended the first show on Saturday, and he had further bookings and sales for yesterday’s show.
After a further matinee today, he plans to move to three shows a day on Thursday and has several new films available, but is also "playing it by ear".
The big cinema chains have their challenges at the moment, including a lack of new blockbuster films — a problem which may not go away until midyear or later.
Mr Wilson has found life extremely tough during the extended lockdown, but there are some early brighter signs, including the bookings.
"There’s an advantage as a small operator. You’ve got more control of what’s happening at your theatre.
"You’ve got more control over what sort of films you can screen," he added.
Roberta Telfer and her daughter Jacki were also happy to be back at the movies again on Saturday, after cinemas had long been closed under earlier coronavirus lockdown phases.
"It makes a nice change, there is only so much Netflix you can watch," Jacki said.
Mr Wilson said social distancing had to be taken into account.
"I have to make sure that everyone sits in their own space," he said.
However, people can remain in their bubbles, and people who came in the same car could sit together.
Rialto Cinemas — part of Event Cinemas NZ — and Reading Cinemas in Dunedin remain closed.
Event Cinemas NZ’s general manager Carmen Switzer told the ODT that reopening of the firm’s cinemas was dependent on global film releases from Hollywood studios and how coronavirus alert level restrictions applied to cinemas.
For multiplex cinemas it would not be viable to fully reopen until the next major film dated for release which was Tenet (July 16), but some possible earlier alternatives were being considered and an announcement would be made soon, she said.
Further details about Reading Cinemas plans were not immediately available.
