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Palma.—Following the news two weeks ago that the Renoir cinema in the s'Escorxador has been earmarked for closure, supporters gathered at the site last Sunday after a rallying call went out on social networks.

People clearly wanted to show how much they had appreciated film screenings at the Renoir over the years and wanted to urge local authorities to protect such entertainment centres which have been a source of family viewing for generations. The Renoir has been popular with the English-speaking community on Majorca because it used to screen films in the original language. Since the closure was announced last week, queues could be seen forming outside the cinema with enthusiasts wanting to take advantage of the final showings. Banners being paraded at the s'Escorxador on Sunday had headlines reading “Thank you Renoir, for good films over so many years!” In the cinema box office too, employees had hung posters thanking the cinema “for all the good years.” Producer and script writer Mar Pla said yesterday “the gathering consisted of people to whom cinemas such as the Renoir really matter. In Palma we've come to accept that the cinemas in the town centre are gradually all closing.” She added “neighbourhood cinemas have a cultural and social value that has been vastly underestimated, but no one has bothered to protect them.” Meanwhile, there is a die-hard body of Renoir supporters who have still not given up the fight.

Regular cinema goers have started to collect signatures from people who are prepared to consider keeping the Renoir going through a self-management system. Further information from salvemelsrenoir@gmail.com.