During the press conference organized on February 5, 2021, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced the easing of restrictions in the economy. For now, conditionally, from February 12, 2021, they will be opened for two weeks under the conditions of the sanitary regime and up to 50 percent of the available occupancy of cinemas, theaters, concert halls, operas and hotels.
The largest cinemas will still be closed.
As we can read on Facebook Kino Helios Polska :
Dear viewers, just like you, we cannot wait for the return of film emotions. Unfortunately, we will not resume operations on February 12. We need time to prepare as best as possible for the reopening, so please be patient. We will keep you informed about the specific opening date, as well as the repertoire.
Cinema City Poland issued a statement in a similar vein . The cinemas of this chain will also remain closed.
Our priority is invariably to ensure the safety of all viewers and employees as well as to provide entertainment at the highest possible level. Cinema is the best movies on the big screen, favorite snacks and one-of-a-kind, unique atmosphere. That is why we do our best to be able to provide you with all of this when the cinemas open.
We are waiting for the statement of the Multikino Polska chain . The cinema website only shows the information that was published after the conference on February 5.
As you know, cinemas may open from the next Friday, February 12. It is a conditional opening, with an indication that the decision may be withdrawn after 2 weeks. The cinema activity is a chain of dependencies, incl. between distributors and cinemas. Therefore, to decide to open our cinemas, we must read the government regulation and consult film distributors.
What influenced the decision of the owners of the multiplexes, explained Tomasz Jagiełło, president of the cinemas of the Helios Polska chain:
Restarting 50 cinemas across Poland under a stricter sanitary regime is a logistically difficult and costly operation – it cannot be carried out, as the Prime Minister said, conditionally for two weeks. This is a ridiculous proposition, the costs of which may not be borne by cinema operators. The opening of cinemas requires, first of all, the preparation of a repertoire and talks with film distributors, and then the promotion of titles introduced on the screens, which requires a minimum of about four weeks.
What do you make money on in Polish cinema?
To a large extent on popcorn and nachos, but referring to Polish productions also on well-tailored romantic comedies and solid sensational films. The most important element in the cinema is a well-chosen repertoire. It certainly cannot miss the novelties that all cinema fans are waiting for. There should also be reviews or an additional repertoire prepared especially for a more demanding audience. However, the cinema has to pay for each film and cannot always afford to buy all the titles that interest it. The more that the distributor sets conditions for how long and at what times the film is to be played. Such restrictions can be severe for cinemas with only one room.
What is included in the price of a cinema ticket?
The ticket price includes 8% VAT, 1.5% is transferred to the Polish Film Institute, and 2.1% to ZAIKS and ZAPA. The rest of the amount is divided according to the prior agreement between the cinema and the distributor. About 50% of the ticket price remains in the cinema. The distributor, apart from paying license fees and promoting the film, gives a part of the amount to the film producer.
Additional income.
The sale of tickets for screenings does not have to be the only source of income for the cinema, in addition, it can profit from displaying advertisements, selling popcorn or other snacks, as well as renting a cinema room for events, conferences or closed shows of the same type.
Cinemas often organize price promotions for their viewers, which usually take place on the days and hours of the lowest attendance. Such promotions encourage viewers to visit the cinema again.
What’s next?
Due to the sanitary regime of 50%, the maximum capacity of the cinemas and the ban on the sale of snacks, everything will probably affect … viewers. An inevitable increase in cinema ticket prices is to be expected. Sessions will be held with the order to cover the mouth and noses. The question is when will the cinemas open? Hard to say. First of all, you will need to select a repertoire. Fortunately, we receive more and more optimistic news from studio cinemas.
Where from 02/12/2021 will we watch a movie in the cinema?
Warsaw
- MURAN CINEMA (in addition to online screenings, a Valentine’s Day wedding toast is prepared, and the repertoire includes Arab Blues , Far from Reykjavik , Portrait of a Lady on Fire and shows for children)
- CINEMA ILUZJON (in the repertoire of, among others, Prince Dracula and Pan Hulot among cars )
- ELEKTRONIK CINEMA (you can go to the show What do people play ? , The Secret of the Goddess of Fortune or the Scandal. Molesta’s sensation )
- AMONDO CINEMA (4 pre-premiere screenings of films from the last New Horizons)
Cracow
- AGRAFKA CINEMA (in the repertoire of, among others, Helmut Newton. Beauty and the Beast , Kill it and leave this town , On the rise , La Gomera , Charlatan , Palm Springs , Image of desire )
- CINEMA UNDER BARANAMI
Wroclaw
- NEW HORIZONS CINEMA
Katowice
- KINO RIALTO
- CINEMA SPACE
- CINEMA ŚWIATOWID
Poznan
- MUSEUM CINEMA
- PALACE CINEMA
