Cinema’s Bold Pivot: From Blockbusters to Blue Cheese & Fungi-Filled Film Experiences

Brock Ledger | Economics Correspondent | Sutherland Shire Gazette

13 March 2025

With dwindling audiences choosing Netflix over night-outs, one local shopping centre cinema has decided to embrace its natural evolution—pivoting from the silver screen to mould-based entrepreneurship after a shocked customer recently discovered the place was already halfway there.

What began as a routine cinema visit quickly turned into an unexpected deep dive into fungal biodiversity, as one local moviegoer noticed seats, walls, and possibly even the choc-top freezer had been colonised by a thriving mould ecosystem. Rather than splurging on professional cleaning, management saw an opportunity in the infestation, launching a new venture that fully leans into its organic growth.

“We knew we couldn’t compete with the comfort of home streaming,” said a cinema spokesperson. “So instead, we thought—why not offer something truly unique? A cinema where you can not only experience the film but also grow your own dinner in real time?”

The newly rebranded Mould Class Cinemas will feature a multi-sensory entertainment experience, with standard theatres doubling as mushroom farms, while the once-luxurious Gold Class has been transformed into a high-end French-style cheese fromagerie. 

With expert affineurs working tirelessly behind the scenes (or simply letting nature do its thing), Miranda’s newest delicacy—“Miranda Blue” cheese - is already a frontrunner for top honours at this year’s Royal Easter Show.

“We’re aiming for gold,” confirmed a spokesperson, proudly displaying a wheel of soft-ripened blue with subtle notes of popcorn butter and regret. “And honestly, it’s still fresher than our choc tops.”

Cinema’s Bold Pivot