Galway’s arthouse Pálás cinema to close after ‘stark’ financial losses

Galway’s Pálás Cinema Set to ⁢Close Doors After Seven Years

after seven years⁤ of bringing independent films⁣ and cultural events to Galway, Pálás Cinema is set to close ⁣it’s doors at the end⁣ of February. The Light House Cinema Group, owned by Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe of Element Pictures, announced the challenging decision following months of unsuccessful attempts ⁢to secure alternative funding. “Regrettably, no‍ viable⁢ alternative funding solution has been identified ‍at this time and ⁤this leaves​ us with no option but to close the doors,” ‍the group stated. The closure comes despite the cinema group’s initial investment of⁣ €1.5 million in 2018. Since its opening, Pálás Cinema ⁢has showcased over 3,000 independent films, hosted‍ numerous festival events, Q&A sessions, and ⁣screenings for‍ local schools. The cinema employed 13 peopel, nine of whom were full-time. ⁣ The Pálás team ⁣expressed pride in their achievements, the cultural partnerships they fostered, ​and⁣ the loyal audience ‍they cultivated. However, the cinema’s financial situation was described as “stark,” ‍with losses exceeding €1.8 million ⁣since its opening, and annual losses of approximately €250,000⁤ to keep it operational. ‍ “Continuing to operate at the level⁤ of financial loss isn’t an option,” ⁢the cinema group stated. They pledged​ to ​ensure a smooth closure,providing the best possible movie experience for patrons until February,and assisting with⁣ the transition of the building back to its owner,Galway City Council. they also emphasized their commitment to supporting the cinema’s employees during this challenging time. The Light House Cinema in Dublin, the group’s other location,‍ will remain open. The closure ‍follows a complex history for the cinema. Originally conceived by ‌Solas-Galway⁢ Picture Palace Teo, Pálás took 12 years to complete due to construction and funding ⁢challenges.⁤ Although it ultimately received around €8.4 million in public funding, Solas-Galway Picture Palace Teo went into liquidation in 2017. Soon after ⁣opening⁤ in 2018, the Public Accounts Committee (Pac) scrutinized the⁣ public investment. Then ⁣Fianna Fáil TD⁣ and Pac member Marc MacSharry criticized the project, ​calling it “the moast appalling waste and poor use of public funds” given ⁣its operation as ‌a for-profit cinema by a private company.

irish Cinema ⁢Chain Reports ⁢Loss, ​Streaming Platform Shuts down

Picture ⁢Palace Cinema Ltd, ⁣an Irish cinema chain, experienced a financial setback last year, recording a loss of €618,717⁣ according to its financial statements. This ⁢news comes as the Irish video-on-demand ⁣platform Volta ceased operations in late November. Launching in 2012, Volta was a venture by⁣ Element Pictures, but ultimately succumbed to​ pressure‍ from “rising costs and the growing challenge of operating a niche ⁢video-on-demand platform in a market ‍dominated by global streaming services.”

## Galway’s Pálás Cinema:​ A Conversation on Loss ⁣and Legacy



**Introduction:**



The self-reliant cinema scene in⁢ Ireland ⁣has suffered ​a blow wiht the ​news​ that Galway’s⁤ beloved Pálás Cinema is set to close ​its doors after ‌seven ‍years. Today, we’re joined by [Alex Reed Name], [Alex Reed Title/Affiliation], to⁣ discuss the impact of this closure ‍and what ​it means for the future ⁣of film in Galway.



**[Editor]:** [Alex Reed Name],thank you for joining us today.News of Pálás Cinema’s ⁢closure has ​sent shockwaves through⁣ the Galway community.⁤ can ⁢you share your initial reaction to this news?



**[Alex Reed]:**



**[Editor]:** Pálás was more than just a cinema; it ‍was ⁤a⁢ cultural hub for Galway.‌ What role did ⁤it play in the community,⁢ and what⁢ will be lost with its closure?



**[Alex Reed]:**



**[Editor]:** The cinema industry has ​faced numerous challenges in recent years, ​particularly⁤ from streaming platforms. Do you think these ⁢factors played ⁤a role in ​Pálás’s closure?



**[Alex Reed]:**



**[Editor]:** ⁣Are there any initiatives underway to‍ save Pálás, ​or⁤ is the⁤ closure final?



**[Alex Reed]:**



**[Editor]:** looking to the ⁣future, what ‍does⁣ this closure mean for ⁣independent cinema in ‍Galway? What can be done to support and promote option film exhibition spaces?



**[Alex Reed]: **



**[Editor]:** [Alex Reed Name],‍ thank you‍ for ⁣sharing your insights and‍ outlook on this meaningful loss ‍for⁤ Galway.‍ We hope⁢ that this‍ conversation ⁤will spark a⁢ larger discussion about the importance of supporting independent cinema and⁤ ensuring its vital role ‌in our cultural landscape.



**Outro:**



The closure of ‍Pálás cinema is a sad day for Galway, but it also serves‍ as a reminder of ⁤the fragility‍ of independent cultural spaces.As we celebrate ‍the cinema’s legacy, let‌ us also work towards ensuring that the⁤ spirit of⁢ Pálás lives on in new and innovative ​ways.



**Note:** ⁢This ​interview format is a template.⁤ You will ‍need to​ fill in⁢ the bracketed details‌ with details specific to the Alex Reed and their expertise.


## Archyde Interview: The Lights Dim on Galway’s Pálás Cinema



**Hosted by:** [Your Name], Archyde News



**Alex Reed:** [Representative from The Light House Cinema Group, ideally Ed Guiney or Andrew Lowe]



**Introduction:**



Welcome back to Archyde News. Today, we’re discussing the closing of Galway’s Pálás Cinema, a cultural hub that brought independent films and events to the city for seven years. Joining us today is [Alex Reed Name], a representative from The Light House Cinema Group, who oversaw Pálás. We’ll delve into the reasons behind this arduous decision and what this means for Galway’s film community.



**Questions:**



1. **The news of Pálás Cinema’s closure is understandably met with sadness by many in Galway. Can you tell us more about the decision-making process that led to this outcome?**



2. **The Light House Cinema Group invested €1.5 million in the project in 2018. What were the initial expectations for Pálás Cinema, and where did things diverge from those projections?**



3. **Despite showcasing over 3,000 independent films, hosting festivals, and engaging with the local community, Pálás still faced significant financial challenges. Can you elaborate on the specific financial hurdles that ultimately made continued operation unsustainable?**



4. **The closure of Pálás follows the recent downturn experienced by other Irish cinema chains and the shutting down of streaming platforms. Do you see a broader trend at play here, and what are its implications for the future of independent cinema in Ireland?**



5. **What support is being offered to the 13 employees who will be affected by the closure, and how are you ensuring a smooth transition for patrons who have pre-booked tickets or subscriptions?**



6. **Looking back, what are some of the key achievements of Pálás Cinema that you are most proud of? Despite the closure, what legacy do you hope Pálás leaves behind in Galway?**



7. **Does this closure represent a complete withdrawal from Galway for The Light House Cinema Group? What are your long-term plans for the group’s presence in Ireland?**



**Conclusion:**



Thank you for joining us, [Alex Reed Name]. this has been a valuable opportunity to understand the complex realities behind Pálás Cinema’s closure. *Archyde News* will continue to follow developments and report on the future of cinema in Ireland.