The Glenelg arts and culture manager said she was excited see the return of the big screen to the area. 

The Portland Arts Centre will for the next six months be home to Twilight Cinemas – a national cinema operator – with a debut screening of Florence Foster Jenkins from 11am on Friday.

Those travelling more than an hour to catch the latest release can enjoy the theatre experience from the comfort of their home town.

Finding Dory, Ghostbusters and the Legend of Tarzan will also be hitting the screen on Friday, with internet ticketing available in advance. 

For Harry Butler, the new theatre opening will give him somewhere to take his eight-year-old daughter, Emma. 

“She loves the movies,” he said. “She’s never been with me before so that’s something we can do now.”

Blockbusters will share their new home with regularly programmed theatre and gallery events run by the centre.

Movies will be screened on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with additional session-times during the school holiday period.

“It’s a really great trial and I encourage everyone to come along,” Ms Lyons said. “Families don’t have to travel hours to see the latest release, they can see it right here in Portland.”

Glenelg Shire Council chief executive Greg Burgoyne said the council was pleased to enter the partnership with Twilight Cinemas and to see the return of a “much loved” movie-going pastime after three years.

“Every weekend people are leaving Portland to watch a movie outside our shire,” he said. “This takes away important money from our economy and support for local businesses.”

Mr Burgoyne said the support of the community would ensure the movies continue beyond six months and into the future. 

Minor works to the centre have included the fitting of screen-projection equipment and the stocking of a pre-packed candy bar for light refreshments. 

Twilight Cinemas director Andrew Taylor said he was looking forward to the opportunity to bring new cinema audiences to Portland.