(Carnival Cinemas)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

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Movies return today at Carnival Cinemas

Jun 11, 2021 | 10:50 AM

It’s movie night once again at Carnival Cinemas.

The local theatre re-opens Friday afternoon with showings of Scoob, Raya and the Last Dragon, Tom and Jerry, Nomadland and more.

Owner Bill Ramji admits it’s a relief to be back open.

“I’m hoping this time it sticks, and we are able to keep running our theatre and not face another shutdown,” he says. “A lot of people have streamed movies on all kinds of platforms over the last year, but going out to a theatre, sitting in an auditorium uninterrupted with your pop and popcorn, and it being very affordable, I think by and large people will come back.”

Ramji says theatres have been around for many decades, and he believes they will continue to be the biggest money maker for movie distributors.

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For now, Carnival will be open only part-time; Friday to Sunday this week, and Thursday to Sunday next week.

“Until we get some more traction and see the crowds start to come back, we’ll do that,” he says. “Maybe by end of the month, we’ll have a full week schedule.”

Ticket prices remain the same at $5, with Tuesdays (eventually) moving to $3.

Patrons are reminded that Carnival is still under COVID-19-related health protocols, with masking and distancing still required. The theatre can also allow just 30 per cent capacity.

Cineplex Cinemas in Gasoline Alley also re-opened on June 10.