New Zealand’s largest cinema chains appear to be boycotting Martin Scorsese’s new film The Irishman, which is currently the odds-on favourite to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
The gangster film, starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, has caused an uproar – not for its content, but because of a deal struck between the iconic filmmaker and Netflix.
The deal means that instead of giving the movie a decent cinema run – the usual period is around three months – before a home release, The Irishman will be available to stream online after just one month.
Cinemas have pushed back against the move and Australian theatres – including Hoyts and Event Cinemas – won’t be showing the film at all.
A spokesperson for Event Cinemas NZ confirmed they also won’t be showing the film, “consistent with their long-held position” on the 90-day window rule.
“We only release content with a 90 window before release into home entertainment, regardless of source,” Event Cinemas NZ told Newshub.
The film is also not on the schedule for Hoyts Cinemas NZ.
Source: Event, Hoyts cinemas boycott Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman | Newshub