Independents reach $169m at the box office

The Australian Independent Distributors Association (AIDA) celebrated $169m at the box office during the Australian International Movie Convention.

The amount includes the earnings of Hoyts Distribution’s The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Eclipse, and Hopscotch Films’ Mao’s Last Dancer.

During the ADA dinner, Hopscotch Films received the Australian Box Office Achievement Award for more than $10m, for its work with Mao’s Last Dancer (partnered with Roadshow Films, with a result of more than $16m in 2009). Managing Director Troy Lum said Mao’s Last Dancer had been “one of the most rewarding experiences” of his career.

Earlier in the day, Hoyts Distribution had already received the award for two entries of The Twilight Saga.

During the ceremony, AIDA also presented its awards to the following members:

Best Independent Regional Cinema

Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, NSW

Best Multiplex

Event Cinemas Bondi Junction, Sydney

Best National Independent Urban Cinema

Luna Palace Cinemas, Perth

Best New Zealand Cinema

Rialto Newmarket, Auckland

Independent Spirit Award

Sue van Pinxteren, Roseville Cinema, NSW