As far-right riots and civil unrest continue to spread across the United Kingdom, many cinemas have been hit by forced closures, heightened security measures and distraught patrons.
On Saturday 3 August, as riots broke out in more than 20 cities across the UK, several cinemas closed for protection reasons, including Nottingham’s Broadway Cinema, Derby Quad and the Odeon Liverpool One.
In the latter case, he reported that the cinema had closed its theater that same day and that buyers were still inside due to the interruptions. (Odeon declined Screen’s request for comment. )
In Birmingham, the Mockingbird cinema will have to close its doors tonight (August 7) following reports that more than a hundred riots could occur across the United Kingdom.
“With so many occasions planned, it’s a difficult move for our visitors and staff,” Lee Nabbs, programmer and film director, told Screen. He added that several consumers had asked for a refund in recent days “because they didn’t feel going in. “
Similarly, Sheffield’s Showroom Cinema made the last-minute decision to close tonight after already operating with various protective measures in place, adding a “skeleton of staff” to the venue.
“It is disappointing that hate, hate and threats of violence emanating from a small number of people are disrupting the lives of the vast majority of Sheffield residents,” the cinema said in a statement. “But our most sensible priority will be the protection and wellbeing of our visitors and staff. “
The UK Film Association (UKCA) has yet to provide advice to its members in relation to the ongoing unrest, which was sparked by a mass knife attack in Southport last month, which led to widespread misinformation online.
“We accept as faithful to our members to be practical and make the right decisions in the circumstances,” said Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UKCA. “Most cinemas should have procedures in place and be in contact with local law enforcement, as it is clear that these types of disturbances are part of a number of security issues that they will have been aware of. “
In Néwcastle, the Tyneside cinema has not yet decided whether it will close or not, but it is “preparing for all eventualities” and has already taken several measures.
“At a very complicated time for cultural and networking spaces, any closure has serious consequences for us, but as an intermediate place in the city our priority is the protection of ourselves and customers,” said a Screen representative.
Meanwhile, Belfast’s Queen’s Film Theatre benefits from the added security offered by the university where the cinema is based.
“We haven’t won any refund requests yet [due to the unrest], which is reassuring,” said Joan Parsons, acting director of culture and arts. “We hope that other people can come to our campus and theater and feel safe. “
At Bristol’s Watershed, they were briefed on the venue’s policy on terrorism and civil unrest, which includes closure and evacuation procedures. Taxis are also offered to and from the paintings if they feel unsafe, as well as “rest to repair” days.
“They’re worried about their safety, but they’re also worried and tired about the situation, especially those in the global majority,” said Clare Reddington, Watershed’s executive director.
Watershed doesn’t just need to help its customers and its consumers. The cinema is going a step further by organizing a sponsored walk to raise funds for two charities helping communities directly affected by the riots.
“We also offer our space to those who need to organize an action,” Reddington explained. “Whether it’s anti-fascist teams or netpainting teams working with other people who are traumatized by what’s happening. “
There is a similar sense of network spirit in Digbeth, where Mockingbird is founded in Birmingham. Nabbs is in regular contact with a WhatsApp organization for local businesses and checks in at The Mac, Birmingham’s other independent cinema.
“We are a network cinema, so we serve the entire network. We hope that this can be resolved temporarily and peacefully,” he told Screen. “Cinema deserves to be a position from which to escape and not have to think about everything that is happening. in the world. “
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