If you’re a fan of films (and you’re reading this website, so that probably means you are), then you are likely someone that supports the theatrical experience and wants to see cinemas thrive. Unfortunately, no matter how many of us really support theaters and the big screen experience, there is no denying that streaming platforms have become more and more ubiquitous and powerful. Add to this issue the recent pandemic, which forced cinemas to shutter for months, and it’s not controversial to say that the theater business is in trouble. But for Venice Film Festival director, Alberto Barbera, the fight for cinemas is of the utmost importance.
Recently, to help kick off the Venice Film Festival, Barbera spoke at a press conference (via Deadline) about the post-pandemic future of the theatrical release model. And while he admits that streaming has helped quite a bit in the time when cinemas were closed, now is the time that everyone needs to fight for the big screen experience.
“We must support cinemas,” Barbera said. “Venice has been accused in the past of opening up to Netflix, accepting one of their movies in competition years ago when it was still considered an enemy for cinema production and was fought against by cinema operators and the establishment somehow… Today, during the lockdown, streamers have acquired a fundamental importance.”
He continued, “There are many aspects to discuss [going forward], that are different from what we have been discussing these last years… We risk having a reduction of the role of cinemas, which would be detrimental. The theatrical experience is in the very nature of the film industry, so we have to fight and support the sector. This is a battle for civilization and for culture. We cannot lose this experience.”
Cate Blanchett, the award-winning actress, serves as the festival’s Jury President and was also asked about the future of cinemas. And she feels like the pandemic is forcing the industry to face difficult times and ask important questions.
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“I think it will be a very important conversation to have… It’s a global issue,” said Blanchett. “As we reemerge, it really is a strong chance to robustly examine things that we haven’t been forced to examine which is streaming technology and its implications on the cinema – the way we view it and how we make it. There’s a lot of opportunity now to ask the deep questions.”
Obviously, no one is able to look into a crystal ball and see the future. Will cinemas become niche locations akin to jazz clubs? Or will theaters rebound and take control of the film industry once again? Who knows? But you can clearly tell this is a topic of conversation that is becoming crucially important as studios, filmmakers, and festivals attempt to figure out how to adapt to the post-pandemic new “normal.”
