Australian film suspended from Greater Union cinemas
The Greater Union cinema chain has suspended the first Australian film of 2009 from their theatres in NSW, after several violent incidents at screenings. The film, ‘The Combination’, portrays life among young Lebanese men in the often-violent areas of Western Sydney. Distributors of the film, the Australian Film Syndicate, said the ban is “unprecedented”. The film has been a box office hit since opening on Thursday, and remains on screen at Hoyts and independent theatres. Altercations between cinema staff and patrons caused Greater Union to suspend screenings yesterday, until a safe and secure environment can be assured for their staff. Greater Union were unavailable for comment, but released a statement that management will announce a review of their decision in coming days.