Birth of a new cinema
WHEN cinema owner Eddie Tamir opens his new eight-screen cinema complex in Hawthorn on June 25, it marks the culmination of a dream that started many years ago.
Tamir, who runs the Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick and the Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave, bought the site in Glenferrie Road five years ago.
But it was 20 years ago when the location first caught his eye while reading a pamphlet about 50 historic cinema sites in Melbourne. Tamir visited all of the properties in search of one that he could renovate and kept the Hawthorn site in mind.
“The original cinema closed in the 1950s and there was a retail arcade as well as an upstairs dance school and Lido cabaret,” says Tamir of the historic building which still has stained-glass windows, decorative plaster ceilings, marble and tiled staircases and multi-coloured 1930s terrazzo floor in the foyer.
“The building is beautiful and I wanted to keep as much of the traditional charm as possible, blending the historic with contemporary design, luxury and cutting-edge cinema technology.”
The Lido Cinemas will open with little fanfare on June 25, screening a mixture of popular and art-house films including the acclaimed Israeli film Zero Motivation which was a hit at last year’s Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF), although a major opening celebration is likely in a few months time.
“We plan to keep the programming unique and engage the local community,” says Tamir. “It’s important for us that we cater to all people.”
A special feature of the Lido is a rooftop cinema and entertainment area, where guests can enjoy a drink from the bar, relax in a bean bag and spend a summer night at an open-air screening.
“This will be a great area for private functions where guests can watch a first-release movie,” says Tamir.
The cinema owner is excited about the new complex, noting that it is a commercial venture as well as a labour of love.
“People say that you have to be brave or crazy to open a cinema today, but the romance and experience of going to the cinema will always be paramount in the industry,” says Tamir.
“It is important to create the right environment and restoring an old, beautiful building adds to the theatre of the whole cinema experience.”
Tamir’s sons work at the Lido Cinemas – Benji is assistant manager and Josh works at Front of House.
Opening week films include the box office blockbuster Jurassic World, the story of the Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy, Far From The Madding Crowd based on the Thomas Hardy classic book, Ted 2 and Minions.
The Lido will be home to the 8K Radius Film Series, in partnership with City of Boroondara and directed by Clayton Jacobson (Kenny) which focuses on the stories of local people. In addition, the Lido is partnering with Swinburne’s School of Film and Television to produce films.
The Lido Cinemas are at 675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. Bookings: www.lidocinemas.com.au.
REPORT by Danny Gocs
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