After facing the very real possibilty of closing its doors forever, the arthouse cinema and cultural institution Bíó Paradís has now been saved by an agreement with the owners of the building.
Earlier this year, the news had broke that Bíó Paradís would be closing its doors on May 1st, largely because the property owners wanted to raise the rent by approximately 300%.
But thanks to a new agreement with the owners and further cooperation with the state and the city, according to the Ministry of Education and Culture, the cinema is set to re-open mid-September. Ten years after its initial opening.
The managing director of Bíó Paradís, Hrönn Sveinsdóttir, voiced her delight over the result to Vísir, as money was running out and a lack of agreement with the city and state would have meant the end for the cultural institution.
She expressed her gratitude to all Bíó Paradís supporters, the Ministry of Education, the city of Reykjavík and the owners of the building, the company Karli Mikla.
After the cinema had to let its employees go and discussions surrounding maintenance, necessary renovations and rent terms continued, the involved parties have now met halfway to secure continued activity at the film culture house at Hverfisgata.
The mayor and the minister of Education and Culture also expressed their delight with the outcome. The Minister also says that in autumn, a comprehensive film policy for Iceland is planned, which, among other things, can expect “the operation of a strong cinema.”
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