THE workshop initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports between proprietors of television stations and cinemas last weekend to discuss the way forward for the local cinema, concluded on an optimistic note, even though there was no consensus.

Despite firm disagreements on the way forward and some antagonistic exchanges, it was agreed to continue the dialogue in the search for an amicable resolution to the problem facing cinemas reeling from poor attendance and competition from TV outfits that regularly screen movies the cinemas had rights to.

At the workshop, representatives of the television stations insisted that the decline of the cinema industry has been caused by lowering standards in cinemas and the poor quality of service provided to patrons.

However, the Cinema Proprietors Association is contending that the absence of protective laws has resulted in unfair competition for the cinema industry.

President of the association, Mr. Muntaz Ali told the Chronicle the group is primarily concerned with the creation "of a level playing field" and will thereafter work towards ensuring that standards are maintained in cinemas.

He said that overall, he is disappointed with the outcome of the workshop, even though it had looked encouraging at the beginning, adding, "the meeting did not end in the right tone."

He told the Chronicle he had hoped that the discussions would have led to a "gentleman's agreement" under which TV stations would have agreed to desist from pirating films, during which time legal measures would have been prepared and the necessary legislation enacted to become law.

Nevertheless, out of the forum a recommendation was made for the cinema proprietors to present a concrete and comprehensive plan on how the proposals they made can be achieved.

At the workshop several proposals were put forward by Ali, including the signing of a gentleman's agreement, duty free concessions for retooling the cinema industry and closure of illegal `bottom house cinemas'.

He said presenting such a plan would take some time, but in the meantime, his association will continue to have dialogue with television station owners to try to dissuade them from pirating films. In this regard, he said he is hoping to have a meeting during next week.

He also plans to lobby the private sector and other agencies and groups to support his association's position.

Ali told the workshop that 25 cinemas in recent years have closed resulting in the loss of 200 jobs and revenue to the Government.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has expressed its willingness to be a facilitator in the ongoing dialogue to bring the matter to a successful and amicable conclusion in the interest of all stakeholders. (CHAMANLALL NAIPAUL)