Dim the lights, grab the popcorn – the big screen is returning to Thames.
Newly-established independent cinema Left Bank Theatre will be throwing open its doors on August 21 to allow the public a sneak peek at the screening room. The walkthrough opportunity will be accompanied by an art exhibition, featuring pieces by Jutta Humpfer. Due to the small size of the premises, only 30 people will be allowed onsite at a time. Those wanting an extended experience won’t have to wait long though – the screen lights up for the first time on August 22.
Owner David Mulholland said he is beginning as he means to go on, with films chosen to appeal to a wide variety of people.
“I really want to cater to what our community wants,” he said.
“I do like the idea of putting on a range of material that most people will be happy with. And I’ve got some more mainstream movies the next day and on the weekend.”
The initial screening will be the New Zealand film Whetū Mārama-Bright Star, at 10am. It will be followed by the 1935 movie Top Hat; and Perfect Days, a Japanese film.
Regular screenings begin thereafter, although David said he will only be planning the schedule about a week ahead.
“I’m going to put a clipboard in the foyer asking what people would like to see… Because I’m such a little cinema, I’m really aware that it may well be booked out a lot, especially at the beginning,” David said.
“There’s movies people will really want and [I’m] more than happy to screen them according to demand.”
David, whose tastes lean more towards foreign film, said requests and feedback would be particularly helpful as he finds his feet.
“I need a bit of help with mainstream content, and particularly family and child-friendly stuff. I really want the community to tell me what to [show].”
The outfitting of Left Bank Theatre has been a steep learning curve for David, and he’s very proud of what he’s achieved.
“It’s very Thames,” he said of the cosy green and wood-panelled viewing room. Roughly 55 square metres in size, it features an eclectic mix of sofas and armchairs that seat 28 people. Despite the living-room feel though, behind the scenes everything is top-notch. The cinema is fitted out with a digital projector, surround sound, heating, air conditioning and soundproofing.
“I had to do a lot of work with soundproofing… I had a sound engineer here, and an acoustic engineer,” David said.
“I took a tape measure to quite a few cinemas and basically copied what they did. And I think it’s just generally more comfortable and I love the way it looks. It’s like a cinema that a grown-up made, so I don’t know how I did it.”
It’s also accessible, with wheelchair seating, accessible toilets, a lowered counter and headphones for the blind or hearing-impaired.
There are still a few kinks to work out, and food and liquor licences to acquire. But once David has a feel for the demand, he’s planning a more formal opening.
“When I’ve got my liquor licence I’ll do a big thank you for the tradies, and invite the dignitaries and all that kind of stuff… I’ve had such good tradespeople,” he said.
“It’s turned out much better than I’d hoped. It’s blown [the budget] completely, [but] cinemas are very, very expensive to set up, and it’s just the way it is. But I hope it’s an asset that lives in Thames for a very long time.”
DETAILS: Left Bank Theatre opens to the public August 21, 5-7pm for a look and art exhibition (free entry). Screenings begin on August 22.
