I remember a time when the only films you could see in a cinema were brand new releases, or at least, older screenings were rare, likely because cinemas years ago typically only had one or two screens. It always felt a bit odd that older classics were locked away from the big screen.

I remember in 1997, when the Star Wars trilogy was re-released in cinemas, and thinking what a brilliant idea it was to get another chance to see these films. While not entirely new back then, cinematic re-releases certainly felt rare. Nowadays, classic films routinely get anniversary runs (often digitally restored) or feature in dedicated film seasons, such as recent screenings of Back to the Future for its 40th anniversary.

I enjoy older films returning to the big screen. I often go to these one-off showings if they fit my schedule or when the current new-release lineup is getting old. They are often cheaper to ticket, and there is something special about sharing a packed auditorium with people experiencing a classic for the first time, or the first time in decades. I got to see “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” again at the cinema recently and “Cape Fear”.

Despite all the positives, however, I do think there is a growing issue that needs addressing.

My local cinema boasts nine screens, yet a small new independent film called “Holy Days” is currently missing entirely from their schedule. While this has happened before, sometimes smaller new films trickle in a few weeks later, I have to question when that same cinema is showing a classic re-release every single day this week. In fact, one classic is playing across two separate evenings. Surely, an ideal compromise would be sacrificing just one of those classic screenings to ensure a new, independent release gets at least one showing during the first week?

I’ve discussed cinema scheduling pressures before, and I understand the economic realities studios impose on them. But while some new films naturally pull smaller crowds, it feels strange that audiences are occasionally denied the choice to support new cinema releases when they have plenty of available screens.

What do you think? Have you ever been excited to catch a classic back on the big screen, or have you been frustrated when it feels like nostalgia is squeezing out fresh new releases?

Balancing schedules is undoubtedly tough to satisfy every audience’s tastes, but it would be great if cinemas could guarantee that new releases, especially smaller indies get at least a fighting chance on the release schedule.