Cinemas have been waiting months to reopen, but they certainly won’t be short of films to play when they do.
In encouraging signs for movie fans, it’s been confirmed by cross-industry body Cinema First that theatres will have a choice of 450 films to show next month.
The new list has been compiled by the Film Distributors’ Association in a new document entitled Relaunching Cinema: Content for Recovery, consisting of a huge selection from some of the biggest distribution companies in the UK.
It includes a selection of old classics, indie favourites, family-friendly crowd-pleasers, musicals, and horror films, among others. It means cinemas should be able to offer plenty of choice to fans before the arrival of high-profile new releases like Tenet and Mulan in the summer.
Cinemas are hoping to open their doors to the public under social distancing restrictions in July, with the likes of Vue aiming for July 4 and Cineworld hoping for July 10.
Andy Leyshon, Chief Executive of the Film Distributors’ Association said: “This amazing collection of content represents all that’s great about cinema and should enthral and delight film-lovers the length and breadth of the land.
“Cinemagoing holds such a vital role in society, able to entertain and educate in equal measure, and returning audiences will be able to once again experience the magic of film in its truest form.”
Cinemas will be expected to comply with appropriate Covid-19 regulations when they welcome the public from next month, including operating online booking systems and running films at staggered times to avoid crowding.
