(WXYZ) — In a ruling announced Thursday, Judge Paul Maloney of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, has upheld Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to keep indoor movie theaters closed at this point during the pandemic.
The lawsuit was brought by Emagine Theater in Royal Oak.
“Today, the court concluded what we already know: that we must continue taking aggressive action against COVID-19, including limiting large gatherings, to protect Michigan families and save lives,” Whitmer said. “COVID-19 is still a very real threat in Michigan, and the brave men and women on the front lines of this crisis are counting on us all to do our part. That means wearing a mask while in public, practicing safe physical distancing, and staying away from large social gatherings. I will continue doing everything in my power to protect our families and frontline workers from this virus.”
In June, Emagine Theater announced celebration of the Juneteenth holiday with a film festival that was set to take place against the governor's order. After the Michigan Attorney General's Office threatened criminal charges against the company, Chairman Paul Glantz reversed decision to hold the event.
RELATED: Emagine postpones Juneteenth film festival after chairman threatened with criminal charges
“The hypocrisy of our governor’s orders is unfathomable in magnitude," Glantz said in a statement in June. "Strip clubs are open, massage parlors are open, and yet there is alleged ‘science and data’ to support the continued closure of movie theaters."
Earlier in the week Emagine Novi announced that it would be opening a drive-in theatre as an option for moviegoers during the pandemic. The drive-in will launch Friday, July 17, and nightly showings will be available every weekend.
The drive-in will be located at 44425 W. 12 Mile Road in Novi, at the Twelve Mile Crossing at Foundation Walk.
“In April, for the first time in Emagine history, we considered the Drive-In concept," Chairman Glantz said. "We did not move forward at that time since we were optimistic that our theatres would open soon. We are at a point that we are unsure of any official opening dates and are eager to bring the moviegoing experience back to our community. The Drive-In at Emagine Novi will provide the optimal movie viewing experience and out-of-home entertainment opportunity for all ages. If the demand dictates it, we will expand this concept to other locations.”
The public can catch movies Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights starting at 9:30 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m.before each showtime.
Here's a list of upcoming shows:
Friday, 7/17: Bohemian Rhapsody (rated PG-13)
Saturday 7/18: Jurassic Park (rated PG-13)
Sunday 7/19: Iron Man (rated PG-13)
Friday 7/24: Jumanji: The Next Level (rated PG-13)
Saturday 7/25: Blake Sheldon Concert w.s.g. Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins**
Sunday 7/26: The Greatest Showman (rated PG)
Friday 7/31: Back To The Future (rated PG)
Saturday 8/1: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (rated PG-13)
Sunday 8/2: Jaws (rated PG)
