The news we have been eagerly waiting for here at Film In Dublin has finally arrived. The Light House Cinema as well as the Pálás in Galway will be reopening to the public from Monday 27th July.
The Smithfield cinema and its sister site out West made the announcement this afternoon, as well as providing a full programme of films for the weeks ahead, bursting with much-loved classics and a few surprises to ensure your return to screen is as magic as ever.
In a statement issued, it was announced that the venue teams have been working behind the scenes to ensure customer and staff safety, comfort and enjoyment are all taken care of; safety measures adhering to government guidelines have been implemented across both venues.
Light House and Pálás Customer Information and Safety Guidelines
Per Covid-19 Customer Information now available on the Light House’s website HERE, the following measures are in place to protect patrons and staff:
- We are operating strict allocated seating between audience members. If you wish to sit together you must book tickets on the same transaction.
- Please ensure you sit in your allocated seat. This is for the comfort and safety of both your party and other cinema-goers.
- Please be respectful to your fellow cinema-goers and Light House staff.
- We are operating a one-way system throughout the building. Please follow the signage on arrival and during your visit.
- Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the building and we ask you use sanitize your hands on arrival and throughout your visit.
- Please arrive in good time ahead of the film screening as it may be difficult to facilitate late arrivals, once the film has started.
- Our Café and Bar are open with a full selection of popcorn, food and drinks. Queues will be physically distanced with perspex screens at all till points.
- Contactless payment is encouraged.
- Pre-booking online in advance is strongly advised.
- In person and phone bookings are not available until 27th July. Phone box office open 2pm -6pm daily
- Please stay home if you are feeling unwell or displaying symptoms of Covid-19, regardless of how mild.
- If you have any concerns or queries please speak to a member of staff.
There is something for everyone in the cinema’s selection of programming including new release (a new release? In 2020?? Praise the Lord!) Saint Frances, Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan’s indie dark comedy, 40th anniversary screenings of The Empire Strikes Back and the Black & White Edition of Bong Joon Ho’s beloved Parasite. Classic film lovers will be treated to a season of films scored by the dearly departed legend Ennio Morricone along with a selection of the best of Studio Ghibli, and a rescheduled David Lynch season. Don’t miss out on your chance to see some of your favourites on the big screen such as Casablanca, Roman Holiday, the evergreen Call Me By Your Name and Mean Girls. Cinema Book Club will host a screening of Clueless, based on Jane Austen’s Emma. And of course,…National Theatre Live’s production of Fleagbag, popular among Light House regulars. From The Grand Budapest Hotel to Cinema Paradiso, they’ve put on a schedule to help punters feel at home again in front of the big screen.
Light House have also announced a series of special guest Q&As with Lorcan Finnegan (Vivarium), Neasa Hardiman (Sea Fever) and Lola Petticrew and Fionn O’Shea (Dating Amber) following special screenings of their recent Irish films, some great films that have kept us going on Volta and elsewhere over these difficult months.
There’s lots coming up and new screenings will be added every day so Film In Dublin will be sure, as we’re sure you’ll be too, to keep an eye on what’s coming down the line.
Speaking about the reopening, Charlene Lydon, Head of Programming for Element Cinema said:
“It has been a very long four months for lovers of cinema. For me, nothing can beat a trip to the cinema, and I’m so excited to finally be able to share a cinema experience again when we open our doors on July 27th. Our programme is bursting with fun stuff to lure you back to the magic of the big screen while our staff have been working tirelessly to figure out how to keep you safe and comfortable when you visit so all you need to worry about is how big a popcorn to get (answer: the biggest!). Welcome back!”
Light House Café & Bar and Pálás Kitchen & Bar will also reopen as of Monday serving their full range of delicious food, drinks, and all-important cinema snacks.
Tickets for screenings following the reopening on the 27th are available now. Take a look at the full list of times and screenings currently available HERE.
We missed you too Light House. See you soon.