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Stuffed toy versions of the yellow, pill-shaped
characters were deployed at the MK2 cinema in the south of Paris
for a showing of the 2015 movie "Minions" - a spin-off from the
"Despicable Me" franchise that made them famous.
The minions, dressed in their trademark goggles and dungarees,
were placed strategically around the auditorium to enforce a
rule that viewers leave at least one place free between them and
their neighbours.
The reopening of cinemas across France on Monday was part of a
phased relaxation of the lockdown measures that were imposed in
March to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Nathanael Karmitz, chairman of the MK2 cinema chain, said the
numbers showing up for matinee screenings on Monday showed how
much the French public had missed going to the movies.
"They love cinema," he said. "It's much less risky spending two
hours in a cinema than travelling on public transport or taking
a train."
Monday's cinema outing was not the first time the Minions have
been enlisted to help keep people safe from COVID-19.
They featured in a public service announcement, developed in
conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO),
encouraging people to wash their hands and keep their distance
to stay safe.
(Reporting by Melodie Sforza and Noemie Olive; Editing by Gareth
Jones)
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