FLICs would like to thank Lord Mayor Clover Moore for her speech at the opening of the new Chauvel on Monday the 24th of July. Clover acknowledged the importance of community involvement at the new Chauvel and the expanding role of FLICs as "an important voice for film culture" in our ongoing efforts beyond the Chauvel. Clover's speech is as follows...
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Chauvel Cinemas Launch, 24 July 2006Thank you Antonio [Zeccola].
I'd like to acknowledge the Gadi-gal people of the Eora nation, the traditional custodians of our land.
I am pleased to join you tonight for the reopening of the Chauvel Cinemas.
Twelve months ago, the possibility of such an event was uncertain. The Australian Film Institute had decided to end their long standing tenancy at a time when cinema audiences appeared to be declining, a decline encouraged by the increasing popularity of DVDs and home cinemas.
The major arts funding bodies, the principal custodians of our cinema culture, were not interested in helping to keep the Chauvel open, while the Chauvel itself needed to be refurbished to make it more attractive to cinema goers.
But there were plenty of people who were passionate about the Chauvel, who recognised its importance to the cultural life of Sydney, and who didn't want it to go dark.
They organised meetings, wrote letters and spoke to me directly at one of our community forums.
I received around 100 letters about the Chauvel, the most I have received on any arts related subject since I became Lord Mayor.
These letters came from residents and non-residents; people involved in the film industry and people who were keen cinema goers. They pointed to the Chauvel's important role in screening new Australian films - that would otherwise not be seen at the large multiplexes or would be diminished on TV.
These opportunities were especially important for young and emerging filmmakers, who were keen to learn from their peers both here and overseas, as well as from great film artists of the past.
Last September Council unanimously adopted a resolution which gave in principle support for maintaining opportunities at the Chauvel for new Australian films, quality art house cinema, cinemateque programming and other cinema cultural activities.
That resolution set the benchmarks for Council in selecting a new lessee for the Chauvel.
Palace Cinemas met these benchmarks and entered a lease agreement with the City, thereby safeguarding the Chauvel as a unique film centre.
I was encouraged, Antonio, by your vision of establishing the Chauvel as a creative hotbed where artists and filmmakers can gather to discuss and nurture ideas, and have access to all of the facilities required to bring those ideas to fruition.
I am sure there will be many filmmakers who share your vision and who will help you achieve it.
We know that there this is passion and commitment for cinema in Sydney.
Last year's campaign led to the formation of FLICS, or Filmmakers for an Independent Cinema [See note below]. This group initially began to campaign for the Chauvel, but has now broadened its concerns to cover many aspects of film culture.
I know it has raised concerns about changes in Commonwealth film censorship arrangements and it is still pursuing the need for a permanent cinemateque in Sydney. I am sure that it will become an important voice for film culture.
I am also sure that FLICS will be looking at establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with the Chauvel management. After all - they are your audience!
Tonight, Antonio, your vision becomes a reality. On behalf of the City of Sydney, I wish you every success and I am sure that Charles and Elsa [Chauvel, the pioneer Australian filmmakers and namesakes of the cinema] will be smiling on you."
* Note - FLICs, Film Lovers for Independent Cinema, would like to highlight the contribution of non-filmmakers in our work. Our organisation would not exist without the dedication of many volunteers who are not part of the film industry at all. In its efforts FLICs looks to represent the voices of all film lovers.
