BUNBURY Regional Entertainment Centre fans have been crying out for the return of cinema to the centre – but they need to get behind a new gala event to make it possible.
Film has been a popular part of the centre’s program since it opened in 1990.
A trusty 35mm projector had allowed the screening of a wide range of film over the years, including children’s films, classics, shorts and the latest international and arthouse films from across the globe.
But the worldwide roll-out of digital cinema has meant the centre’s selection of films has diminished over the years and there is no longer an Australian distributor that offers the latest international or arthouse films in 35mm prints.
The cost for the Bunbury centre to set up digital cinema and conform to the industry standard is about $80,000, so the team has come up with a fundraising plan to bring back the popular Summer and Winter Film Festivals and be involved in events such as CinefestOZ.
The fundraising efforts will include an Australia Day Gala Spectacular in the new Sky Bar overlooking the Leschenault Inlet fireworks show.
“The whole community has been crying out for cinema to come back to the centre and we hope that people get behind us and purchase tickets to this fundraiser,” centre manager Joel McGuiness said.
“I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be than on the awesome balconies of the newly expanded entertainment centre on Australia Day, with great food, entertainment and a cocktail in hand.
“I really think that this event will become a ‘must-do’ on the social calendar, like the annually sold out events in Perth at places like Cocos and Frazer’s restaurants, especially with people knowing that the funds will go to a great cause.”
Fundraising for the digital projector will also include a diamond ticket raffle between now and Australia Day, which will give the winner a free double pass to every Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre presented show in 2015.
For more information go to bunburyentertainment.com
