THE organisers behind a popular cinema service in Llanfyllin say they have reopened because they have received confirmation that the controversial Covid-19 pass will not apply to them.

Ffilm Llanfyllin, which operates out of The Institute, in High Street, initially announced last week that it would have to close after showing just two films of the planned programme up to Christmas.

However, Geraint Jones, a committee member for the cinema, said that after speaking directly to the Welsh Government, the group realised it could reopen, but admitted the confusion was frustrating.

He said: "Initially, we received guidance from various places, including Ffilm Cymru, that the Covid pass rule included everybody.

"So we decided to suspend the programme as we felt it would be too difficult it to attract enough people to make the project viable if they had to download the passes before coming.

"Then we obtained guidance from the Welsh Government that contradicted that, saying that small fry like ourselves were exempt.

"We performed an abrupt about turn last week and resumed our autumn programme.

"There has been huge confusion about Covid passes in cinemas.

"A quick check of various cinemas' websites around Wales shows that there are lots of different interpretations of the law out there."

A spokesman for the Welsh Government confirmed that Ffilm Llanfyllin was able to continue its programme of events despite the Covid pass, stating the pass only applied to large multiplex-style cinemas.

But they also urged any organisation that is unsure to check directly for themselves on what they need.

He said: "Primary use (of the pass) defines what a building is, and how it is captured by the pass regulations.

"Also, attendance numbers must be taken into account.

"The regulations extending the use of the Covid pass, only applies to cinema’s, theatres and concert halls.

"A church, a school, college or community centre, which shows a film, puts on a concert or a show, will not by caught by the definition."

For more about Ffilm Llanfyllin, including the programme of films until Christmas, head to www.facebook.com/llanfyllinfilm or https://artsconnection.org.uk/ffilm-llanfyllin/