THE Gawler Cinema is set to re-open this Friday as Hollywood begins releasing new movies once again, highlighted by Christopher Nolan’s new film with Academy Award buzz, Tenet.

Cinema owner John Thorpe said the shutdown had been difficult, but used the time to renovate the building during his first break in years.

“It’s been the first opportunity in 30-odd years to actually do renovations, now that we can make some noise and have the paint smells with nobody inside,” he said.

“We’ve been able to replace the carpet, paint the outside of the building and completely do-up cinema two which needed some love.

“The only cinemas that have opened in Adelaide recently have been showing old films, and we didn’t want to do that, so we waited for a blockbuster and that is Tenet.”

The cinema will initially open up again on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with a Wednesday matinee as well.

With a COVID-safe plan in place, Mr Thorpe expressed how keen he is to be able to re-open the doors.

“We’re super excited to welcome everyone back, but particularly so with our regular senior patrons, because that is the backbone of the business,” he said.

“We’ve got school holidays coming up as well with the new Paw Patrol film, and Hollywood has all these films stockpiled, so as more is released and the demand increases, we should come back to open full-time.”

To book tickets or get more information, visit (www.gawlercinema.com.au).