Like many local businesses, Yamba Cinema has a sweet origin story.

Purpose-built in 1980 by Merv and Elaine Cousemacker — and now owned and operated by their daughter Debbie — the 200-seat cinema on Coldstream Street has everything from independent films to the latest blockbuster releases. And while it is popular with locals and holidaymakers, the story behind the scenes is just as compelling as what is shown on the screen.

Merv, who passed away in 2015, fell in love with film as a nine-year-old when he had to fill in for his uncle who operated a touring cinema show on the east coast in the 1930s and '40s. Fast forward a few years later, after marrying Elaine and settling into a small cottage in Ulmarra, the pair started screening pictures in the nearby Masonic Hall for two shillings (20 cents) a seat. As the business grew, the couple began hosting weekly screenings at Copmanhurst, Tucabia, Glenreagh, Brushgrove, Lawrence, Ulmarra, Iluka and Red Rock.

In the 1970s and '80s they went on to operate the Picture Palace in Maclean.

Debbie, who slept under the movie projector as a newborn baby, says her father took his job seriously.

"He believed if someone took the time out of their life to spend time in his cinema, he felt it was his duty to give them the best show possible," she says. "Sometimes this even meant driving through storms and flood waters to ensure the venue could open.

"Screening movies was Dad's life, his passion, and Yamba Cinema is his legacy to the community."

Italian Film Festival

Yamba Cinema is hosting an Italian Film Festival until Tuesday March 28, 2023. Live la dolce vita with a cocktail (it’s a licensed venue) while immersing yourself in Italian culture. Visit www.yambacinema.com.au for more details or call 6646 3430.

Proudly published on Yaegl Country