MEDIA STATEMENT

“The movie business has faced off against many adversaries over the years – world wars; depressions; the Global Financial Crisis; television, video and DVD; and piracy to name a few – and has not just survived but thrived, for one simple reason: the cinema experience is unique.  The coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented in its scale and impact, but this too shall pass – and when it is safe to reopen and populate our cinemas, there will be a raft of excellent movies for our patrons to enjoy.

Our thoughts are with our 17,000 employees and their families at this challenging time.

Likewise, we acknowledge the many industries affiliated with cinemas in Australia and impacted by our closure – film distribution companies, trade and equipment suppliers, cleaners, landlords, cafés trading outside cinema complexes – some 93,000 people or more.

We look forward to them all re-joining us as soon as we are able to reopen.”

Michael Hawkins – Executive Director, National Association of Cinema Operators-Australasia