Milan’s ‘Il Cinemino’ Temporarily Closed Due to Safety Concerns
Milan, January 22 – Il Cinemino, an independent cinema located on Via Seneca in Milan, has announced a temporary suspension of its film programming. The decision comes after an inspection by judicial authorities identified critical safety issues, particularly concerning the emergency exits. The cinema’s bar, however, will remain open to the public.
Safety Deficiencies Identified After Inspection
The temporary closure follows an investigation prompted by a user complaint regarding “alleged safety criticalities related to the cinema hall.” According to reports, a check by the local police revealed several deficiencies. The basement floor, where screenings are held, is accessible via a single staircase, which was deemed “unsuitable as an escape route in an emergency.” Furthermore, another potential escape route was found to be “obstructed by furnishings.”
Guido Casali, the person in charge of Il Cinemino, clarified that the objections from the Annonaria (the administrative police) are “related to administrative issues.”
“Crans Montana Effect” – Increased Scrutiny on Venues
This incident is being linked to a broader trend, dubbed the “Crans Montana effect,” where inspections of public venues have intensified across Italy following the New Year’s Eve tragedy. In Milan, this has led to increased scrutiny of establishments like Il Cinemino. Similar issues were reportedly raised even before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the association “SeiSeneca,” which manages the cinema, being challenged for operating as a private club while conducting activities that are commercial and open to the public, such as film screenings.
Il Cinemino Cooperates with Authorities
In a statement posted on its social media channels, Il Cinemino confirmed its temporary suspension of film programming, stating, “Il Cinemino temporarily suspends cinema programming following investigations by the judicial authorities with whom it is cooperating to demonstrate the legitimacy of the conduct of the association that manages the hall. The Cinemino bar remains open to the public.”
The cinema emphasized its readiness to collaborate fully with the authorities to resolve the identified problems and ensure compliance with all safety regulations. The goal is to resume film screenings as soon as the necessary adjustments are made and approvals are secured.
Impact on Milan’s Cultural Scene
Il Cinemino is a well-regarded institution in Milan’s independent film scene, known for its curated selection of films and its role as a cultural hub. Its temporary closure represents a setback for local cinephiles and the broader cultural landscape of the city. The community awaits further updates on the resolution of the safety issues and the eventual reopening of the cinema for film programming.
Source: milano.corriere.it
