Boutique cinema to open at the Arts Centre

A new movie theatre called Lumière will light up the Arts Centre of Christchurch from next year.

The cinema will be co-owned and managed by Nick Paris, who has worked in Christchurch’s cinema and film industry for 40 years. Max Hoffman, a former screenwriter who wrote for several major film studios in Hollywood, is also a co-owner.

The Arts Centre's new cinema will be in the West Lecture building near the Great Hall.

Arts Centre chief executive Philip Aldridge says Lumière is the perfect fit for the Arts Centre, which received several high-quality operator proposals.

“Nick is synonymous with film in Christchurch and wants the cinema to be a 365-day film festival, which is a brilliant ambition. We’re excited to have him and Max – who are both very experienced and passionate – bring cinema back home to the Arts Centre te Matatiki Toi Ora.”

Situated in the Arts Centre’s West Lecture building next to the Great Hall, Lumière will have two theatres, state-of-the-art technology, vintage ambience, luxurious seating and a focus on service.

The complex will also feature The Bijou Bar overlooking the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Rolleston Avenue.

The cinema and bar are expected to open around Easter 2019.

Mr Paris says Lumière will offer filmgoers a unique experience. “Lumière will remind us what it means to go to the cinema – a true event – in a world where people watch films under duvets and on their mobile phones.”

There will be a strong focus on curated films that will inform, inspire and challenge audiences and the cinema hopes to collaborate with local film-makers, artists and musicians, he says.

The Arts Centre was home to cinemas from 1976 until the February 2011 earthquake significantly damaged many buildings and resulted in the closure of the entire centre. The $290 million restoration programme began in 2012 with buildings being progressively restored and reopened.