The new tightenings hit the cultural sector right in the heart once again: cinemas, theaters and concert halls have to close their doors once again. The sector is outraged.
Kinepolis: “Bitter pill”
The fact that cinemas have to close again from Sunday is met with incomprehension among cinema group Kinepolis. Spokeswoman Anneleen Van Troos spoke in a reaction during the VRT news broadcast about “a bitter pill” with a “serious mental impact” on the staff.
“This is a decision that hits very hard,” said Van Troos. “If you look at the strict measures that we are applying today, we actually do not understand how a total ban on film screenings can contribute to the prevention of infections. Internationally, there are also studies that show that the risk of contamination is minimal in theater and cinema halls.”
In addition, Kinepolis denounces that the measure was not part of the advice of the experts who assist the government in managing the pandemic.
Moreover, the Christmas holidays are usually “a peak period” for Kinepolis and there is also a “fantastic film offer”, says Van Troos. “We have seen in recent days that the families are looking for relaxation together with the children. We can organize that in a way that we believe is safe.”
There are also frustrations in the Ghent cultural sector. “This was not even in the GEMS advice”, responds Nathalie DE Neve, director of the Minardschouwburg. “That is the world upside down. No demonstrable contamination figures in our ventilated halls with controlled audience flows – streams – and yet, the artists are no longer allowed. Our audience is no longer allowed.”
Other room managers and artists are also venting their hearts out. They feel targeted and feel that no one is standing up for them.
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