The Public Open University Koprivnica has been active as a cinema since 5 November 2002 at the fully renovated movie theatre. Acoustic wall preparation was conducted, Dolby system (digital version) was installed, the lobby and ticket office were redecorated. The auditorium was equipped with 204 modern and comfortable chairs made by the Spanish company Figueras, 156 seats in the stalls circle and 48 in the grand tier. The reason for reducing the number of chairs in relation to the previous was to achieve better movie-watching comfort. Velebit Cinema hence became of the most beautiful and modern cinema in Croatia!
Early in August 2013, the cinema was equipped with digital and, soon after, 3D technology. Velebit thus rounded up all the cutting-edge screening techniques, as besides digital and 3D format it kept the possibility to screen 35 mm and DVD films.
To the great joy of all the citizens of Koprivnica and beyond, budget allocations from the City and Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia made it possible to install the said state-of-the-art digital and 3D technique and launch an even better and richer film programme in our town.
The programme has included a larger number of European films, European titles intended for children, documentary films (feature and medium-length), premieres of Croatian documentary films, Croatian heritage films, with a special focus on the promotion of national cinema. For many years, Velebit cinema has been hosting film festivals dedicated to certain filmmakers, nations, national cinemas, historical film periods, film style or genre.
The details were presented at a large press conference for all the media, which took place on 26 September 2013, with the presence of all the contributors to the cinema renovation.
After introducing digital and 3D technology, the number of visitors and gross ticket sales revenue at Velebit cinema grew significantly (in 2014 almost HRK 600,000.00), which shows that the investment was justified.
The shows run daily in three slots: 4pm, 6pm and 8pm in the winter period, and 5pm, 7pm and 9pm in the summer period. Saturdays and Sundays at 11am there are matinees of animated films for children.
The programme is realised in association with film distributions from Zagreb and always includes the best current film titles.
Cinema activity at the POU also runs through the so-called ‘movable cinema’, a special portable 35 mm cinema equipment for screenings in neighbouring towns and villages.