A buyer has finally been found for the Studio Skoop cinema in Ghent (East Flanders). The cinema closed at the end of last year after more than half a century. Lumière, a Belgium-based independent audio-visual company, is now taking over the business. Lumière already runs arthouse cinemas in Bruges, Antwerp and Mechelen in Belgium as well as in Maastricht in the Netherlands.
The oldest arthouse cinema in the country has been rescued and will start showing films once again this summer. Ghent is providing 100,000 euros in support every year.
On 23 December last year, the famous arthouse cinema in Ghent held its very last film screening. Owner Walter Vander Cruysse wanted to sell the business but could not find a buyer. Now, two months later, a deal has finally been reached with Lumière.
Studio Skoop is being given a new lease of life. That screenings will resume this summer will be a relief to film lovers in the East Flemish capital, the owner and the City of Ghent. The cinema is considered a local monument. In 1970, it was the very first cinema in Flanders to show independent movies. In 1974, it also hosted the first edition of the Ghent Film Fest, that then operated under a different name.
It was an open secret that Lumière wanted to take over the cinema. An initial deal was announced two years ago, but it fell through at the last minute. One of the problems at the time was that the building, with its five screens and a café, was outdated and in need of major renovation. This would have driven up the cost considerably.
Ghent provides 100,000 euros per year
Ghent is providing a subsidy of €100,000 per year for the operation of the cinema until the next local elections. ‘Promises have been made to provide educational programmes. The cinema will also play a role in promoting Ghent as a film city,’ says alderwoman Astrid De Bruycker.
Before reopening Lumière will first carry out some refurbishment work on the building and address fire safety issues. Part of the property ends up in the hands of a Ghent-based investor. Who that is and how much has been paid remains unclear.