Palace Cinemas (Australia)

Palace Cinemas is an Australian cinema chain specializing in arthouse, independent, and foreign language films, alongside select mainstream releases. Founded in 1952 by Antonio Zeccola with the opening of the Chelsea Cinema in Melbourne, the company has grown to become a significant player in the Australian film exhibition market. Palace Cinemas distinguishes itself through its curated programming, comfortable cinema environments, and a focus on creating a more sophisticated and cultured movie-going experience.

The cinema chain operates multiple locations across major Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra. Many Palace Cinemas venues offer a range of amenities such as fully licensed bars, cafes, and special event screenings, often hosting Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors.

Beyond its theatrical exhibition business, Palace Cinemas is also involved in film distribution through Palace Films, which handles the Australian release of a variety of independent and international titles. The company is known for its commitment to supporting Australian film and culture.

Palace Cinema's programming includes film festivals like the Italian Film Festival, the French Film Festival, and the Spanish Film Festival, all of which are presented nationally and attract large audiences. These festivals contribute significantly to the cultural landscape of Australia and provide opportunities for audiences to engage with international cinema.