Cinemas see Dutch fans in lockdown running away to Be…
Sittard-
The Dutch film sector is watching with dismay as film fans flock to Belgium to watch new cinema hits such as ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ and ‘The Matrix Resurrections’.
Cinemas in the Netherlands have been closed for three weeks and there seems to be little prospect of relaxation. In Flanders, the cinemas are still open despite the corona measures.
Antwerp
Kinepolis cinema in Antwerp in particular seems to be a popular attraction for the Dutch public. “Kinepolis is a strong brand,” says the Dutch branch of the group. “Certainly in the past, when we were not yet in the Netherlands, many film lovers traveled to Antwerp to enjoy new titles in well-equipped halls. They haven’t forgotten that yet.”
Can’t give numbers. But „the halls in Belgium are full, especially with blockbusters like Spider Man by Matrix”. “It is also clear to the fans when those films will be shown on the big screen again in the Netherlands.”
safe outing
Chairman Boris van der Ham of the Dutch Association of Cinemas and Film Theaters (NVBF) on which the Dutch cinemas cannot change the situation. “It remains very difficult to accept that the corona decisions in countries are made on the basis of facts and not here,” he says. Cinemas have been proving to be a safe outing since the start of the pandemic, all corona rules are observed. There is not yet a single infection in a cinema inventory in the Netherlands.”
Regrettably
The film distributors can do little else but wait. Universal Pictures drew with Spider Man packed houses when the current lockdown was announced. “We are very sorry that the Netherlands is one of the few countries where cinemas are currently closed,” one said. “We hope for a quick reopening so that we can play all our beautiful titles again.”