Feeling really sad right now...

So I've just heard that The Kino is going to close down. And, like, nothing is going to be done about it. I only heard by chance through a messageboard, which was then backed up by the owner of the Kino, and the Irish Times, and the rather shitty schedule that has been showing there recently. Basically, they owe someone €6,000, and the owner is being sued for €50,000 or something, and it could be closed at any minute. All because of some issue with a €750,000 grant it was eligable for 6 years ago,but never availed of.

I'm really depressed, because I won't have anywhere within 3 hours to see foreign films (Mahon Point will get indies, but I've only seen 2 foreign film ever showing there), and also because I love The Kino. Really and truly love it. From the sellotaped seats to the chipped coffee cups to the leaky roof (upstairs). I loved how shabby it was, and I loved how into films everyone there was. I loved being the only person in the theatre sometimes. Now I'm going to have to take the train to Dublin (I like The Lighthouse, and the IFI is fine, but nothing compares to the Kino) every two weeks or something. It'll cost a fucking fortune. I'm really, really going to miss it, and I'm pissed of at the owner, to be honest. Nothing on the website, or in the building itself states it will be definitely closing in three weeks. Everything seems normal. Some warning would be nice.

I'm holding out hope that it'll be sold as a business, rather than a building, and remain an arthouse cinema, or someone will open a new arthouse cinema in Cork, or The Triskel will actually show films, or The Gate will step in and franchise it slightly, but I know that none of these will happen, most likely. I was talking to my Dad about it, and he was like "Oh, something else will take its place" (my dad also really likes the Kino, so he isn't being as casually dismissive as you might think), but, I'm not sure will be something. There are only 5 (I think) arthouse cinemas in Ireland currently, 3 in Dublin, one in Galway, and The Kino, in Cork. I can't see another just popping up. And, besides, it was the whole atmophere of the Kino I loved. Whenever I go to another cinema, I feel odd, like I'm not meant to be there. I don't know how I'll cope without it.



*EDIT* Even though I don't think many people (if any) read this blog, but I'm still going to post this, to raise awareness of some sort... Here is a link to a 'Save The Kino' meeting. Saturday, at 2pm, at the Kino. So, if anyone is reading this, and wants to help save The Kino, go to this meeting!