Filmhouse returns

Edinburgh Reporter

2 days ago

The former church building and cinema on Lothian Road – Filmhouse – will reopen to the public on 27 June 2025.
Almost three years after closing due to the collapse of owner, Centre for the Moving Image, and after a £2 million refurbishment, the independent cinema will once again show films for film lovers.
The new Filmhouse will be run by a new company set up with a new vision for the Lothian Road building to be a space for learning and discovery – but with a sustainable future. The cinema has been brought back to life by a group consisting of Filmhouse Chair Ginnie Atkinson, Head of Programming Rod White, cinema strategist at Mustard Studio, James Rice, Technical Manager David Boyd, and strategic financial consultant, Mike Davidson. The group is now joined by newly appointed Executive Director Andrew Simpson and a raft of new staff members. The cinema rebuild is designed by Unick Architects and built by Clark Contracts.
Andrew Simpson, Executive Director of Filmhouse, said: 'The love for Filmhouse never went away, it was just waiting to be reignited. The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond. We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone. Filmhouse belongs to its community, and we're excited to welcome people back.'
Four cinemas
Three of the four cinemas will open this month offering a total of 350 seats, with the final Screen 4 opening in July. The new Screen 4 will have a capacity of 24 and will be available for private hires and screenings. Some more fundraising is being conducted to pay for the second phase of work in the new fourth cinema. All are revamped with new seating offering comfort and extra legroom and new screens and the promise is that the new FIlmhouse will offer a 'cutting-edge cinematic experience'.
The project has had A-list backers such as Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Dougray Scott, Brian Cox and Emma Thompson, but part of the funding came from the public who simply missed the venue and who supported the Open the Doors £324,000 crowdfunder.
Patron Jack Lowden said: 'Filmhouse is a place utterly dedicated to the promotion and celebration of independent cinema. Films need to be watched, not just made. Now, after months of hard work, the incredible team at Filmhouse have managed to pull one of Scotland's few truly independent cinemas back fae the brink. To have such a place on the streets of our capital providing the platform to give our world class filmmakers and storytellers the lift off they need, and continue to ask the big questions of ourselves through cinema, is exciting and vital.'
Patron Charlotte Wells has said: 'The Filmhouse was an essential part of my own story and I'm delighted it can continue to be that for others too through its film and education programming and its role as a public forum for film lovers.'
FUNDING
Other funding came from Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland, The City of Edinburgh Council, with help in kind from the owners of the building Caledonian Heritable who granted Filmhouse a 25 year lease. The UK Government also stepped in with Levelling Up funding of £1.5 million.
Considerable work has been carried out to the fabric of the building as well as the beautification inside. The café will reopen and the front entrance has been reconfigured.
Filmhouse's technical capabilities include 70mm, 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, and digital projection. The cinema also includes a Clipster Unit for creating Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) required for festival and theatrical distribution.
Films
The important part is of course the films which will be shown there – from arthouse to restored classics and curated retrospectives. Filmhouse will be involved with the Edinburgh International Film Festival but final details are yet to be announced.
Filmhouse will continue to prioritise its education and outreach work with facilities to inspire anyone with an interest in film. A Learning & Engagement Officer has been appointed by the cinema, supported by a grant from the City of Edinburgh Council, and there will be forthcoming collaboration with the National Film and Television School's Sean Connery Talent Lab, whose graduation shows will take place at the Filmhouse this summer.
David Smith, Director of Screen Scotland said: 'Reopening Filmhouse has been the mission for many people across the last three years. From the moment it closed the Screen Scotland team were working to get Filmhouse back. In the end that effort, our support, became focused around Ginnie, Rod, James and David and it was those four individuals who put in hours upon hours of hard work that made it a reality. Edinburgh – and everyone who loves film – owes them and the thousands of people who supported their crowdfunder a huge thank you. The revitalised, reimagined, reborn Filmhouse will bring back all that was lost and much more, and once again be the heart and home for cinema culture in Edinburgh.'
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: 'It is wonderful that the Filmhouse will be opening its doors once again. I am sure that many people across Edinburgh and beyond will be looking forward to this event.
'This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city. I look forward to seeing the programme of events that will be on offer once the Filmhouse opens for business.'
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'It's blockbuster news that the much cherished Filmhouse in Edinburgh is re-opening its doors after three years. Thanks to £1.54 million UK Government funding and much hard work from the Filmhouse team and partners, cinema-goers are set for a thrilling experience in a fully refurbished venue that meets modern audience expectations. I can't wait to take in a movie there.'
www.filmhouse.org.uk
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