Theaters in New York and Canada are about to reopen!

A much awaited authorization

This is something to instill hope in the various players in the film industry. Almost a year after the cinemas closed (it was March 17, 2020), those in New York and Canada will be able to reopen, while it was already the case – on paper – for all other American states. A reopening scheduled for March 5, and which obviously does not escape the health instructions. Among them, a 25% gauge, at its maximum, as well as the prolonged closure of food and drink stands. Two parameters which push certain cinemas – the independent ones, more fragile than the large groups – to remain closed, their directors estimating the non-profitability of such a reopening. On the Canadian side, the curfew at 8 p.m. slows down many theaters, a curfew maintained in certain areas of the territory, but which – in addition to the restrictions – has just added to the harsh reality of things.

Hope despite certain issues

And what about programming? One thing is certain: Canadians and New Yorkers can say goodbye to blockbusters. Because these will be released – for the next few months – directly on platforms, like the Disney “Raya and the last dragon”, « Black Widow » as well as most Warners (« Godzilla vs. Kong », « Conjuring 3 », « Malignant », « Dune »), with the small exception that they will also be released in theaters. But this slew of blockbusters skipping the “theaters” box promises to be an additional difficulty for cinemas. Because few producers and operators want to risk a diffusion with almost zero economic viability. And what about the spectators? How many of them would be likely to be attracted to low and medium budget productions? Gender retrospectives? For many New York and Canadian cinemas, these issues are more topical than ever. The American association of cinema owners (NATO), however, wants to be optimistic: “The reopening (in New York) will give confidence to film distributors to set release dates and keep them. It is also an important step in the recovery of an entire industry. “

Towards a clear resumption of culture?

Besides Canada and the United States, other countries see (finally) a certain return to normal for culture. In Israel, museums and theaters have reopened thanks to a massive (and effective) vaccination campaign. A reopening nevertheless controlled, with a “pass” testifying either the reception of the two doses of vaccine, or a negative PCR test result. The gauge put in place exceeds that of the United States (50% against 25%), and physical distancing measures remain relevant. Return to Europe. In Poland, cinemas, theaters, museums and art galleries are once again accessible. In Austria, only museums have so far reopened, under pressure from the people. Iceland, for its part, is enjoying a virtual return to normal life given the (very) low number of cases. Switzerland intends to reopen its museums from March 1, but its performance venues will have to wait another month before the prospect of a possible reopening is discussed. Finally, Spain is one of the few countries in Europe where theaters are always open to the public. Festivals and concerts planned for this summer are also maintained. A feat due to gigantic sums spent to secure the places, professionals and spectators.

Visual: © unsplash