Save the Texas: Locals fight to reopen Barcelona cinema

The coronavirus pandemic has forced the closure of many businesses but one group of cinephiles in Barcelona are determined that it won't claim their beloved movie house.

The Texas cinema in the Gràcia neighborhood of the city has been closed since March, with no plans to reopen. In fact, the former tenant and driving force behind the venue, Catalan filmmaker Ventura Pons, stepped away when it was forced to shut back in the spring.

Its future is now up in the air, with the owners yet to decide on whether to keep the space as a cinema or convert it for other use.

Locals have launched a campaign to keep the venue operating as a cinema. Salvem el Texas (Save the Texas) is mobilizing on social media, engaging with local businesses and wants the council to get involved to prevent the site from closing permanently.

The Texas was well-loved for its low prices, often showing films from around the world, long after their original release and with Catalan subtitles, a formula that Salvem el Texas wants to continue.

Cinemas in Catalonia are currently able to open, but capacity is limited to 50% and they must close by 11 pm.