Another chapter for Narooma Kinema waits in the wings

If only walls could talk, the iconic Narooma Kinema would regale us with many wonderful stories.

No doubt many local couples went on their first date at the Kinema, and during World War II people would have gone there to watch the newsreels that tracked the Australian war effort.

The Kinema has been in the family of owner/manager Jade Griffiths since she was seven.

She was living in Sydney and for the next 11 years spent every school holiday in Narooma, staying with her grandparents, John and Janette Griffiths, who ran it.

“They were workaholics and had a sofa where I could take a nap,” Ms Griffiths said.

After buying the Kinema from her grandparents and running it for the past six years, it is time to move on to the next chapter in her life.

The Kinema too will begin another episode in its 100-year-old story.

The heritage-listed art deco building is believed to be Australia’s second-longest running cinema.

Ms Griffiths said it was built in 1925 and opened in February 1926.

The Kinema is on community-owned land and the Narooma School of Arts manages the building.

The main physical change to the Kinema in her grandparents’ time was turning what used to be the town’s library into a second cinema so they could have more movies on the Kinema’s program.

She said live shows started at the Kinema around 20 years ago.

“My pop, maybe 10 years ago, really started doing more,” Ms Griffiths said.

“He worked with Tim Bourke, who owns a production company, and they put on quite a few shows. That has persisted so it is used as a venue, not just a cinema.”

The Kinema always had a stage. The School of Arts later installed dressing rooms and wings on either side of the stage which facilitated more live shows.

Ms Griffiths said it was a good venue for live events because it was versatile, naturally had good acoustics, and the building’s character createed atmosphere.

“A lot of the time it is performers contacting us,” she said. “They like the venue, and we attract performers from Sydney and Canberra, and sometimes Melbourne, who want that atmosphere.”

Some of the biggest acts that performed there were Julia Jacklin and The Soul Movers, the band of Murray Cook from The Wiggles, while a burlesque show was very well received.

Big movie releases such as Barbenheimer in 2023 were also highlights.

“We had girls from five to 80-year-olds dressing up. When there is a big release event like that, people get really excited.”

Being one of only three cinemas in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley shires, the Kinema has a large base of regular cinemagoers, plus those who travel 60 to 90 kilometres to watch a movie there.

Then there are the visitors from Canberra and Sydney who have heard about the Kinema and its history.

“Sometimes people come in just for a look and I give them a little tour,” she said. “We get a lot of that.”

The Kinema is a real community and social hub.

“There are not many places like ours and we are versatile, so we draw a large pool of people,” Ms Griffiths said.

They like to be involved in the community with fundraising events and the Kinema’s monthly film society, which showcases independent and arthouse films, has built up quite a following. “Some come together and talk about the film. Others come alone and talk to others.”

The Kinema is also loved by its three current team members, as well as by former staff.

“Many come back and help seasonally. Some came back from years ago and asked if they could work, so it is very tight-knit,” Ms Griffiths said.

Thinking of the Kinema’s future, she would like to see someone who loves the arts and film and has a sense of fun take over the reins.

“It would suit someone who is creative and who really values community because if you do, it is very rewarding.”

It is that sense of community and the Kinema’s unique, magical atmosphere that Ms Griffiths finds so special.