Silverbird Cinemas loses $2 million due to closure

Silverbird Cinemas loses $2 million due to closure

The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc for the

arts sector around the world.

Many festivals and concerts have been cancelled while

majority of theatres and cinemas remained closed.

However, slowly and cautiously what was closed

is now gradually opening up.

In Ghana, the story is different. Cinemas remain closed,

although various social gathering venues have been opened.

On August 6, 2020, the National Film Authority’s Action Group

petitioned the Tourism Ministry to open them and according

to them they have been in various meetings with

the ministry but still cinema doors remain closed.

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At the official launch of The Presidential Film Pitch Series April 28

this year, President Akufo-Addo assured players in the

industry the doors to the theatres will open soon.

“I want to proclaim on a matter of great concern that the opening

of cinemas is under constant review of the COVID-19 taskforce.

And hopefully, you’ll hear from the taskforce soon,”

he told the gathering.

Over a month down the line, the film fraternity is outraged as

the directive to close cinemas, as part of measures to

curb Covid-19 spread, is yet to be reversed.

Silverbird Cinemas Ghana, is one of the facilities bearing the

brunt due to closure for over 15 months with

over 300 staff having been laid off.

According to its Business Manager, Nana Yaw,

they have lost millions due to the situation.

“Annually we are hovering in the margins of 2 million dollars

a year, that’s how much Accra Mall makes in year and

so that’s how much we have lost,” he explained.

When Mapitso Sebidi of Joy Entertainment asked him about

the cinemas readiness, he said they have been ready since

their first engagement with government in 2020.

Operational guidelines for theatres and cinemas

halls have been put in place.

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The cinema culture in Ghana was on a gradual rise but as cinemas

continue to be closed, the Ghanaian film industry may suffer.

Ghanaian film makers and enthusiasts are left to ask

one question; When will the cinemas reopen?

Find operational guidelines below