Jason KingGreater Union Pulls The Combination from Sydney Cinemas
March 2nd 2009 06:50
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The director of a Lebanese-Australian film withdrawn from Greater Union theatres in NSW over the weekend says he is devastated by the decision.
The Combination, made in Sydney's multi-cultural western suburbs, deals with violence and racism among young white and Middle Eastern Australians, against the backdrop of the 2005 Cronulla riots.
The cinema chain withdrew the film from four key cinemas after violence flared among patrons in Parramatta on Saturday, although it was reported on Sunday the decision may be reviewed.
It's believed to be the first time Greater Union has withdrawn a film under such circumstances.
The film's distributor Australian Film Syndicate (AFS) was told of Greater Union's decision on Saturday.
Director David Field said the move was a crushing blow.
"We've worked so hard, had so little sleep in recent weeks, we're devastated," he told AAP on Sunday.
"I'd hoped to get nine hours sleep last night. At midnight I got a text message that they were pulling the film."
NSW Police said they received a report of four people involved in an altercation at Parramatta cinemas with about 50 onlookers, on Saturday at 5.38pm.
"Police attended the next minute and there were no signs of anyone fighting. The cinema had asked people to move on," police said.
An earlier incident in Parramatta on Thursday - the first day of the film's release - involved a security guard being set upon by a group of young people, after a youth was asked to leave the cinema because he was smoking.
The guard was hurt but his injuries weren't serious, police said.
No one was arrested in either incident but police investigations are continuing.
Greater Union said on Sunday the safety of staff and patrons was paramount.
"Maintaining the safety and security of our staff and patrons is our main concern and priority," Greater Union general manager of operations Robert Flynn said in a statement.
"As such, a decision has been made to suspend all sessions of this film within NSW."
AFS spokeswoman Allanah Zitserman said the film had been experiencing exceptional box office takings in its first week of release, adding that the move by Greater Union was unprecedented.
"Although we do not support the decision by Greater Union to pull the film from its NSW sites, we respect and understand their position," she said in a statement.
The four cinemas that which withdrew the movie - Sydney's George Street, Liverpool, Parramatta and Burwood - were located in the key target market where most of the box office takings were expected, Ms Zitserman told AAP.
The film was showing in 27 other locations nationwide, including Hoyts and independents.
Mr Field hoped a way could be found to reverse the decision.
"It's a beautiful film, it doesn't advocate violence, I hope people can calm down and I'm hoping we can find a way to amend the situation," he said.
Screen Australia CEO Dr Ruth Harley said the film was still playing in many other theatres and she encouraged people to see it.
"I believe it's a good film that's had terrific reviews and is a film of our times," she said.
Greater Union spokeswoman Melissa Kesby said the chain was investigating complaints and the film may re-open at a later date.
"If we feel that our staff and patrons will be in a safe environment then yes, we will," she told the ABC.
The Combination, made in Sydney's multi-cultural western suburbs, deals with violence and racism among young white and Middle Eastern Australians, against the backdrop of the 2005 Cronulla riots.
The cinema chain withdrew the film from four key cinemas after violence flared among patrons in Parramatta on Saturday, although it was reported on Sunday the decision may be reviewed.
It's believed to be the first time Greater Union has withdrawn a film under such circumstances.
The film's distributor Australian Film Syndicate (AFS) was told of Greater Union's decision on Saturday.
Director David Field said the move was a crushing blow.
"We've worked so hard, had so little sleep in recent weeks, we're devastated," he told AAP on Sunday.
"I'd hoped to get nine hours sleep last night. At midnight I got a text message that they were pulling the film."
NSW Police said they received a report of four people involved in an altercation at Parramatta cinemas with about 50 onlookers, on Saturday at 5.38pm.
"Police attended the next minute and there were no signs of anyone fighting. The cinema had asked people to move on," police said.
An earlier incident in Parramatta on Thursday - the first day of the film's release - involved a security guard being set upon by a group of young people, after a youth was asked to leave the cinema because he was smoking.
The guard was hurt but his injuries weren't serious, police said.
No one was arrested in either incident but police investigations are continuing.
Greater Union said on Sunday the safety of staff and patrons was paramount.
"Maintaining the safety and security of our staff and patrons is our main concern and priority," Greater Union general manager of operations Robert Flynn said in a statement.
"As such, a decision has been made to suspend all sessions of this film within NSW."
AFS spokeswoman Allanah Zitserman said the film had been experiencing exceptional box office takings in its first week of release, adding that the move by Greater Union was unprecedented.
"Although we do not support the decision by Greater Union to pull the film from its NSW sites, we respect and understand their position," she said in a statement.
The four cinemas that which withdrew the movie - Sydney's George Street, Liverpool, Parramatta and Burwood - were located in the key target market where most of the box office takings were expected, Ms Zitserman told AAP.
The film was showing in 27 other locations nationwide, including Hoyts and independents.
Mr Field hoped a way could be found to reverse the decision.
"It's a beautiful film, it doesn't advocate violence, I hope people can calm down and I'm hoping we can find a way to amend the situation," he said.
Screen Australia CEO Dr Ruth Harley said the film was still playing in many other theatres and she encouraged people to see it.
"I believe it's a good film that's had terrific reviews and is a film of our times," she said.
Greater Union spokeswoman Melissa Kesby said the chain was investigating complaints and the film may re-open at a later date.
"If we feel that our staff and patrons will be in a safe environment then yes, we will," she told the ABC.
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