Kalamunda’s Little Cinema reopens

THE Little Cinema in Kalamunda has reopened after it suddenly shut down earlier this year.

Owner Dave Rawlings said the abrupt closure came after the black dog of depression reared its ugly head.

“I was working a 40-hour week, followed up by seven nights a week at the cinema and a wife and four children, who as most know keep you on your toes at the best of times,” he said.

“I was out in the garden digging a hole. I stood there leaning against the shovel and thought something has to give.

“The black dog had appeared and I spiralled into depression and exhaustion.”

MORE: Still no end in sight to Spud Shed’s appeal

MORE: Brazilian trip leads South Perth pair to food truck idea

MORE: Kalamunda Show to debut new attractions and offer ticket discounts

Mr Rawlings said it was a relief when his depression lifted and with his wife’s encouragement he decided to reopen the cinema in a smaller capacity.

He said reopening the cinema was part of his healing process.

“I have stepped down the work involved but will maintain my five-star record of customer satisfaction,” he said.

“I am limiting the screenings to only four days a week on Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights, as well as a Saturday morning session. Pizza, popcorn and drinks are available for purchase, along with the very popular complimentary wine and beer with pizza orders.”

Mr Rawlings said all profits from the sale of popcorn would go to the Black Dog Institute.

“My son, who is now a big boy out exploring the world, was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital when he was a baby and the staff were incredible, so in the first 12 months I raised $600 for Telethon,” he said.

Mr Rawlings said the Little Cinema started from humble beginnings.

“I decided to turn an old garden shed in my backyard into a cinema for the family,” he said.

“Then someone said Kalamunda was lacking a unique venue like this.

“I could have opened a coffee shop and guaranteed it would have failed as there are already hundreds of them up here.”

Mr Rawlings said when the Little Cinema opened in June 2015, the public went “nuts” for the concept.

“Opening the cinema was like an out-of-control midlife crisis,” he said.

“I think what really resonated with the community is that the Little Cinema is unique.”

After going public with his battle with depression, Mr Rawlings said he was overwhelmed by the support from the community.