Bíó Paradís, Reykjavík’s only downtown movie theatre, will reopen this fall after a several-months closure. The independent cinema is scheduled to reopen in mid-September, just in time to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. The cinema closed its doors on May 1 and laid off its staff after an approaching rent hike and COVID-19 put its operations and future existence in jeopardy.
Bíó Paradís closed its doors after it could not reach an agreement with its landlords regarding rent terms and necessary long-term renovations and maintenance of the building. A notice from the Ministry of Education and Culture states that the theatre has now come to a new agreement with its landlords and updated partnership agreements with the City of Reykjavík and the state.
“This is a true cause for celebration,” stated Reykjavík mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson. “With this we are ensuring that Bíó Paradís continues the important cultural activities it has performed over the past decade. The movie theatres is a true cradle of film culture in Reykjavík and in the whole country.”
The theatre’s Managing Director Hrönn Sveinsdóttir says she is overjoyed at the outcome. “We would like to thank all of Bíó Paradís’ supporters for their support, but especially the Ministry of Education and Culture, the City of Reykjavík, and the owners of the building, Karl Mikli ehf. We can’t wait to return to tending film culture again and continuing to bring all countrymen a diverse cinematic experience in better facilities.”
The reopening is particularly timely as Iceland is set to host the European Film Awards this winter.
