The Prostějov cinema Metro 70 is set for modernization

Prostějov - Several million crowns will be required for the planned modernization of the Prostějov cinema Metro 70, which includes the reconstruction of the interior spaces and new digital broadcasting technology. The cinema will gain a new foyer thanks to the reconstruction, which will be largely financed by the city hall. This was announced by the Mayor of Prostějov, František Jura (ANO).

The city hall will contribute 2.55 million crowns to the renovations of the cinema space, with total costs amounting to 3.23 million crowns. The difference will be covered by the Metro 70 cinema itself. "The cinema today offers a wide range of activities for the city's residents and certainly deserves improvements, modernization, or upgrades in technical standards. One cannot overlook the continuously increasing visitor numbers," Jura stated.

The prepared project includes the construction of a smaller projection room, where a new projector purchased through a grant from the State Cinematography Fund will be installed. In this part of the cinema, non-commercial artistic films or films for smaller groups that would not fill the large hall will be screened.

The project also includes adjustments to the space for refreshments for the audience. "Currently, the cinema rents a smaller buffet and two vending machines, which do not meet the current demands of visitors, particularly due to the expanded range of services and increased attendance," noted the mayor's deputy, Milada Sokolová (ODS). According to the cinema director, Barbora Prágerová, more than 65,000 people visited the cinema last year, while in 2017 there were 54,000.

Prágerová told ČTK that the timing for the start of the planned renovations of the cinema's indoor spaces will depend on how quickly they can secure suppliers. "It will depend on the outcome of the tender whether anyone applies for it," Prágerová pointed out. During the previous reconstruction, according to her, the tender process dragged on for several months.

The management of cinema Metro 70 is also preparing a new digitalization of the projection technology, for which they also want to obtain a grant from the State Cinematography Fund. "The lifespan of the projector is nearing its limit; it will be necessary to purchase a new digital projector and accessories by the end of 2021," Sokolová stated.

The costs for acquiring a new laser projector with an integrated 3D system and a white screen have been estimated by the cinema's management at five million crowns. A maximum of 300,000 crowns can be obtained from the State Cinematography Fund. The rest of the costs will have to be covered by the city. "We would like to approach the Olomouc Region with a request for a grant," Sokolová added.

The Metro 70 cinema was digitalized in 2011, which then cost 6.2 million crowns. The Prostějov city hall received a grant of 800,000 crowns for this project. The Metro 70 cinema is the last traditional cinema in Prostějov. The Oko and Jas cinemas ceased operations in the 90s due to declining attendance.