The Paramount Theatre in downtown Kamloops will be reopening for public screenings next month.

Kamloops Film Society Executive Director Dusan Magdolen says until that time, you’ll be able to book private movie screenings with up to 50 people at the theatre

He says they took things slow, just in case of a last minute change that would have prevented movie theatres from reopening as part of Step 2.

“We knew that we were going to find out either way in mid-June, which if it a go, then we’ve got a couple of weeks to kind of prepare our July lineup,” Magdolen said on NL Newsday. “We kind of do our marketing and programming a month at a time, so then timing works out really well.”

Magdolen says the extra two weeks will give the Film Society a chance to ensure it is ready to go when those private screenings resume.

“We’ve been up and running with private screenings since Step 1 started and there’s been some interest but its not quite the uptake that we had in the past,” he added.

“Obviously, the winter months I think are more conducive to that, so when we were doing it in February and March, we definitely had huge interest, but its picking up and its going to be a part of our offerings so we’re excited.”

For now, the Film Society is still working on what movies it will be screening at Paramount Theatre when screenings resume.

“We’re definitely looking at those kinds of films that we usually bring in that isn’t getting its shot at the Cineplex,” he added. “We’re definitely going to be seeing some movies that did well for us at the Film Festival, so people who maybe weren’t into the drive-in or the online portion or that sort of thing might want a chance to come see it in the theatre.”

Magdolen says the Kamloops Film Society also plans to continue with its drive-in movie screenings at McArthur Island throughout the summer, until October 2.

“It started April 21 with the festival so we kind of ran for 12 days straight then we started to go on the Friday and Saturday and weekends,” he added. “During the festival we sold out almost all of our early time slots and since that we haven’t had sellouts but all of them have been strong showings and good turnouts so its been doing well for us.”

“People can also now, when they’re going to the drive-in, can do pre-order concessions so you have to order it in advance but then we’ve got it there waiting for you when you come in.”

The Cineplex Theatre at Aberdeen Mall in Kamloops also opened to the public today with up to 50 people per movie.

“We’re more than ready to welcome you back, and you have my personal commitment that we’re doing everything we can to keep you safe,” a statement from Cineplex Kamloops said. “We all miss the magic of the screen, and we can’t wait for you to get back to enjoying your movies and popcorn.”