Unveiling the Heart and Soul of Cinema Paradiso with Calum MacLeod

The Outlet Wānaka

There's nothing better than sitting in a dimly lit movie theater; the scent of buttered popcorn in the air, the hush of the audience as the projector flickered to life. It's this nostalgia that Cinema Paradiso co-founder Calum MacLeod brings to life in this chat. From his childhood in Inverness, Scotland, where films like 'The Sound of Music' and 'Star Wars' became the kindling for his cinematic love affair. Calum recounts the adventurous inception of Wanaka's Cinema Paradiso, a beacon of entertainment in a small town, and the intimate community culture it nurtured—a culture that thrived on shared moments and lively intermissions. Imagine a cinema where an intermission isn't just a pause in the storytelling but a cherished interlude for camaraderie and homemade cookies. That's the magic Calum wove into Cinema Paradiso, a place where the crackle of laughter blends with the rustle of cushioned seats. Calum's tales of this special venue unfold; from its quirky renovations and Bollywood-inspired atmosphere to the endearing resistance from locals when change loomed. These stories are a testament to the theater's unique identity—a cosy haven where film buffs could debate plot twists over a cup of tea, solidifying its role as the heart of Wanaka's film-loving community.
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