The Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF) has found a new home at the iconic Camelot Theatre in Mosman Park, offering a fresh direction for the cultural space. After securing a lease for the Memorial Hall where Camelot is located, PIJF is working to revive and elevate the venue’s legacy as a key hub for arts and entertainment. This move also extends to continuing the popular Movies at Camelot summer outdoor cinema.

PIJF’s involvement ensures the preservation of Camelot’s unique atmosphere, blending jazz and cinematic experiences. Town of Mosman Park and PIJF are collaborating to address past challenges, ensuring that outdoor movies return this summer, much to the delight of the local community. This partnership signifies an exciting new chapter for the theatre, which is evolving into a broader multidisciplinary arts space, cementing its status as a cultural centerpiece for Mosman Park and beyond.

With new operators at the helm—Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF)—Camelot is ready to continue its legacy as a cultural cornerstone, offering unique outdoor movie experiences and more to the local community.

Visit moviesatcamelot.com and join the mailing list to be the first to find out about our next season, commencing mid-December 2024.

The Community’s Role in Saving Camelot

Earlier in the year, Luna Palace Cinemas, the former operators of Camelot, had to step away due to noise regulations that hindered the venue’s traditional outdoor movie experience. The Mosman Park community, however, rallied in support, garnering over 4000 signatures on a petition to save the cherished venue. PIJF, now Camelot’s new operators, saw an opportunity to blend their expertise in jazz and events with the cinema’s legacy, ensuring “business as usual” while also adding new cultural programming.

“We are committed to bringing back the unique experience of watching films under the stars, and the community has been incredibly supportive in this journey,” said a PIJF representative​.

New Solutions: Silent Movie Nights and Acoustic Innovations

To address the noise restrictions, Camelot Outdoor Cinema has introduced a state-of-the-art digital sound system, allowing sound to be more contained within the venue. Additionally, guests may be provided with wireless headphones on select screening nights to maintain a premium viewing experience while adhering to the council’s noise guidelines. This innovation is part of Camelot’s commitment to balancing the needs of both moviegoers and nearby residents​.

Beyond sound control, the cinema is also exploring visual noise barriers by planting pencil pines to further limit sound from traveling beyond the venue​. With these changes, Camelot will operate fewer screening nights per week and shorten the season, helping to minimize the impact on surrounding neighbourhoods.

A Cultural Hub: Movies and Jazz under the Stars

Camelot’s revival isn’t just about movies. The cinema’s future will be marked by a combination of film screenings and live events, especially with PIJF at the helm. The integration of jazz performances and potential live music events will transform Camelot into a multidisciplinary arts hub. PIJF’s goal is to keep Camelot thriving as a place where cinema, music, and culture intersect.

“The outdoor cinema is a gem in our community, and we are excited to expand its offerings with live jazz and other events,” shared Richard Evans, General Manager of PIJF​.

Looking Forward

As the summer season approaches, the excitement for Camelot’s return is palpable. With the community’s unwavering support, PIJF’s innovative approach to overcoming challenges, and the promise of new cultural experiences, Camelot Outdoor Cinema is poised to become more than just a movie venue—it will be a place where the arts come alive in Mosman Park.

With films starting in December, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a unique blend of movies and live performances, all within the charming setting of Camelot under the stars.

The return of Camelot Outdoor Cinema marks a significant cultural victory for Mosman Park, blending old traditions with new innovations and offering the community an exciting space for entertainment and engagement.

This web story was compiled from the following articles.
View the full articles on Perth International Jazz Festivals new home at Camelot Theatre

Listen to PIJFs General Manager, Richard Evans speak on ABC about this venture and on Omny Studio