Why Georgia Movie Theaters Probably Won’t Reopen Next Week Despite What Gov. Kemp Says

While Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has given the green light to begin reopening movie theaters and other businesses next week, most cinemas in the state are taking a wait-and-see approach driven by practical, social and economic challenges in the aftermath of the coronavirus shutdown. Cinemark, which has two Georgia multiplexes, is continuing with plans to reopen nationwide in July; AMC Theaters, which has 34 multiplexes in Georgia, did not respond to requests for comment. The fear of infection could keep audiences away for some time — as will the lack of new movies to screen. Hollywood studios have postponed all movie releases through the end of June at least. Independently owned theaters that are seriously strapped for cash may try to screen classic films — IFC Films is offering its catalog to indie theaters without rental fees — but many chains have indicated they will likely continue to ride out the lockdown. “Until the majority of markets in the U.S. are open, and major markets in particular, new wide release movies are unlikely to be available,” the National Association of Theatre Owners said in a statement on Wednesday. “As a result, some theaters in some areas that are authorized to...

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