HOTA opens its doors this weekend

Off the back of this week’s state government announcement to lift social distancing restrictions early, HOTA has confirmed it will re-open its cinema to the public this weekend.

The move is a return to normal; to date nights, to socialising, to shared cinematic experiences and one that is sure to excite locals of all ages.

While venue restrictions and capacity numbers limit the number of people attending to 20 per screening, the team at HOTA are committed to bringing some normality back to the life of Gold Coasters but strict social distancing measures will apply. HOTA CEO, Criena Gehrke, believes the move will fill the social void brought about by the COVID-19 shutdowns, as the act of movie-going is a quintessential social experience.

“There will be 12 screenings a day from Saturday 6th and we are pulling together a thematic program that touches on some of our favourite films, through to award-winning masterpieces, as well as family movies,” Gehrke said.

Gehrke also said the move was a positive step to a return to theatre experiences and, when restrictions permit, a host of regular programming to come.

“We are not there yet but there is a strong local appetite for the Arts and the cinema is the first ‘cab off the rank’. As the government allows it, we will rebuild our program to welcome back artists and audiences gradually to ensure we remain a vibrant and dynamic Home of the Arts.”

HOTA was one of the first large venues on the Gold Coast to close their doors in light of the pandemic and is now leading the way in creating socially responsible opportunities to enjoy regular experiences. Gehrke said she hopes the reopening will encourage audiences back to the venue and to regularly event updates via their website.

“We look forward to releasing details of the cinema program later this week and encourage everyone to check the HOTA website for ongoing updates.”

For more information on what’s showing at HOTA’s cinema visit HOTA’s website.

Press release supplied by HOTA.