Today (September 4) it was announced that the world’s second-biggest cinema chain, Cineworld, is set to close all of its screens in the US, UK, and Ireland. Writing to the UK government, it says that the industry has become “unviable” after the postponement of several major releases due to coronavirus, echoing the warnings of cinema chains in the US.

Voicing their concerns about the looming extinction of physical cinemas are several major filmmakers including Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Jordan Peele, and Wes Anderson, who have backed a new open letter. 

Calling for lawmakers to provide additional pandemic relief, the letter sent by the National Association of Theatre Owners, the Directors Guild of America, and the Motion Picture Association reads: “Cinemas are an essential industry that represent the best that American talent and creativity have to offer. But now we fear for their future.”

“Our country cannot afford to lose the social, economic and cultural value that theaters provide. Theaters are great unifiers where our nation’s most talented storytellers showcase their cinematic accomplishments.”

The letter also notes that cinemas support millions of jobs, adding: “Movie theaters are also leaders in employing underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities, senior citizens, and first-time job holders.”

Other prominent filmmakers that have signed the letter include Pedro Almodóvar, Sofia Coppola, Alfonso Cuarón, Luca Guadagnino, Barry Jenkins, Miranda July, Richard Linklater, Seth Rogen, Lulu Wang, and many more.