After an absence of seven years, the showing of films in Lagos was due to return this week with the opening of two cinema screens yesterday (July 11) in the same establishment as its predecessor, at Rua Cândido dos Reis.
The cinemas have been introduced by one of the last few independent exhibitors, Carlos Matos, who has invested €200,000 in the project which he envisages will be a big success.
Carlos Matos, who is also exploring similar potential in Portimão and Olhão, said: “I know of cases where cinemagoers have to travel around 100kms to visit a cinema.
“In Lagos I hope to attract young people and tourists who will be able to watch the latest blockbuster releases at the same time as back in their own country.”
The films will be shown in digital format as Carlos Matos is convinced that 35mm film will be a thing of the past within another year. Prices have been set at €4.50 in order to fill seats.
“I would rather charge lower prices but have people in my theatres than raise them and not have anyone there,” he said.
The cinema was originally set to open last week but there were delays in the installation of the projection equipment.
The inaugural showings are Man of Steel, the reboot of the popular super-hero series Super-Man, and animation movie Despicable Me 2 at 3.30pm.
