The Projector’s closure leaves film distributor scrambling for new screening venues
[SINGAPORE] The abrupt closure of local indie cinema The Projector has dealt a major blow to its long-time partner Anticipate Pictures, which had relied on the venue as its primary platform for releases.
The company is now seeking an alternative venue to screen part of its upcoming slate.
In a statement on Wednesday (Aug 20), the company’s founder, Vincent Quek, said that though it has no debts, “things are… about to get really bad for us in just a month or two”. Fifteen films slated for release in September had depended on The Projector as a key platform for their release.
The premieres of two titles – Linda Linda Linda and We Can Save The World!!! – will proceed as planned. “Everything else is up in the air,” Quek said.
When approached by The Business Times for comment, he did not mention any ongoing partnerships with other cinema operators; The Projector was the “primary way” Anticipate Pictures released its films.
Nevertheless, he stressed in his statement that the immediate priority is to find ways to bring the remaining films to the big screen for local audiences; he urged the public to reach out to him if they “know of any screening opportunities”.
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However, Quek noted that screenings of the new titles must take place in halls equipped with professional digital projection and surround-sound systems. This excludes casual settings such as private rooms with home projectors, because the producers of these films require proper cinema-standard equipment.
Screening requirements for older titles are more flexible, he said, adding that Anticipate Pictures is open to collaborations with embassies, non-profit groups, companies, schools, film festivals and lifestyle-event organisers.
On Tuesday, BT reported that The Projector was headed for voluntary liquidation, with its management saying that industry headwinds make “sustaining an independent model in Singapore especially challenging”.
The cinema’s operator, Pocket Cinema, owes creditors S$1.2 million, including nearly S$90,000 to some 2,300 members.
A creditors’ meeting via video conference has been scheduled for 2.30 pm on Aug 29.
In his statement, Quek described his company’s relationship with The Projector as “intimately intertwined”.
On the cinema’s closure, he added: “This is more than the loss of a friend. It feels more like the loss of a partner, a loss akin to an immediate family member or lover passing away unexpectedly and suddenly.”
