Stars of the gangland film Blue Story today welcomed Vue’s decision to reinstate the movie at its cinemas nationwide.
The drama about a postcode war between London gangs was withdrawn by the chain after “disturbances” at 16 cinemas including a mass brawl outside a screening in Birmingham.
But the move prompted a huge backlash, with the film’s director Andrew Onwubolu questioning whether it was influenced by a “colour thing”.
Vue founder Tim Richards has reversed the ban, insisting racism “did not enter into the equation” and said he plans to resume screenings by the weekend with “beefed-up” security.
Actor Eric Kofi-Abrefa praised the decision, tweeting: “Petitions actually work. The power of the people. Bless you all for the love and support.”
Fellow star Stephen Odubola said: “See what happens when we all support each other. Your voices never went unheard! Thank you all.”
Onwubolu, who has said he felt “cheated” that the film was removed from Vue, added: “We made a lot of noise and now we’ve been heard.”
In a statement, Vue cinemas said: “Following an ongoing review of security to protect the safety of our staff and customers, we hope to be showing the film from this weekend with additional security to ensure everyone can enjoy the film in comfort.”
Mr Richards said he “agonised” over the decision to pull the film but had to prioritise the safety of staff and customers.
He added: “To call me personally or corporately racist is very disturbing and with no merit at all.
“Racism does not enter into the equation at all. Never has. It’s the opposite. We’ve listened to the community and we know that this is an important movie for people to see.”
