Save Your Cinema
By Tom Peterson
Columbia Cinema of The Dalles will not be able to open this August as owner David Humphrey had hoped for last week.
“Because there are so many theatres closed across the country, the film studios are cancelling most of the films scheduled to open in August,” he wrote. “The big films with August release dates cancelled include “Tenet” and Disney’s “Mulan.”
The National Association of Theatre Owners have started a Save Your Cinema campaign at: saveyourcinema.com
It urges people to petition congress to help theatres until they can resume normal operations.
At the website it states: The COVID-19 pandemic has put movie theaters across the country at risk of going dark for good. From small independent screens to nationwide exhibitors, our local theaters employ over 150,000 people and have formed a cornerstone of the American experience for generations. Without swift action from Congress our favorite theaters could close forever, depriving audiences of the magic of movies for years to come.
“I hope things get better soon,” Humphrey said.
Columbia Cinema continues to offer drive up concessions on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 2727 7th St. Concession sales help keep staff employed and the lights on until the big screens start flicking again.
