Central Cinema, Alexandra’s community-run cinema based in Central Stories, hit a speed bump over a week ago when a component of its projector equipment expired.

The malfunction hit right before the screening of the Met Opera movie Fire Shut Up in My Bones and disappointed opera lovers were sent home with the promise of a reschedule.

The replacement media block arrived in town last week but volunteer screeners needed some time to master it. 

Screenings will therefore restart tomorrow (Thursday June 9).

“It was looking a bit grim there for a while,” cinema chair Karin Bowen said, but added that “every cloud has a silver lining”.

“The cinema turns 15 in June, and we are undergoing a refurbishment of the foyer preceding our week of birthday celebrations. 

“It was going to be tight fitting in the renovations and screenings,” she said, but the team has had almost an extra week to get things together.

The birthday events will take place the week of June 20 and include a Central Cinema members’ birthday party on Tuesday June 21 and a celebratory premiere of Elvis open to the public on Thursday June 23.

“Birthday cake may be involved,” Karin said. 

“We are really excited to reveal our renovations that week as we think they will enhance the movie going experience and give the foyer a whole new feel.”

PHOTO: Supplied