Arthouse cinema reopening after campaign pulls it ‘back fae the brink'
The Filmhouse cinema on Lothian Road will reopen on June 27, with a programme of films that were missed since it closed its doors on October 6, 2022.
Originally opened in a repurposed church in 1978, the cinema was shuttered following the collapse of its parent charity Centre for the Moving Image.
Since then, the building has undergone a £2 million refurbishment that has seen a complete internal refit to the public areas and screens, and 'substantial' repairs to the roof and stonework.
Filmhouse is a place utterly dedicated to the promotion and celebration of independent cinema Jack Lowden, Filmhouse patron
Previously a three-screen venue, a new fourth screen is also set to be added in July as part of a second phase of work, bringing the cinema's capacity up to 350 seats.
The reopening follows a three-year campaign backed by film lovers from around the world and leading actors including Filmhouse patrons Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Brian Cox and Emma Thompson.
Lowden, whose film credits include Dunkirk and The Outrun, said the new reopened cinema will provide a 'lift' to Scotland's film-makers and storytellers.
'Filmhouse is a place utterly dedicated to the promotion and celebration of independent cinema,' he said.
'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 film-makers and storytellers the lift-off they need, and continue to ask the big questions of ourselves through cinema, is exciting and vital.'
Brian Cox is one of the A-list stars who backed a three-year campaign calling for the cinema to be reopened (Ben Whitley/PA)
Moves to reopen the cinema began when the building's owners, Caledonian Heritable, agreed to lease the building back as a modern cinema space for a minimum period of 25 years, with a new lease being signed in July 2024.
Work to refurbish the venue then began in February 2025, supported by funding including £324,000 from the grassroots Open the Doors! crowdfunding campaign, £1.5 million from the UK Government, and donations from other sources.
Fundraising is also continuing for some remaining elements of the project.
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.'
This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city Councillor Margaret Graham, Edinburgh City Council
The Filmhouse team said 'comfort' was at the heart of the refurbishment, with filmgoers able to expect extra legroom and comfy seats, and a completely reworked foyer space.
The Filmhouse bar has also been 'completely refurbished', with dining capacity for 100 people and a food and drink menu focused on sustainable produce from Scotland and England.
Margaret Graham, culture and communities convener at Edinburgh City Council, described news of the reopening as 'wonderful'.
She said: '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 to enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Brits recognise extract from the Lord's Prayer over famous line from Star Wars, reveals poll
Can you guess what the Star Wars line is? PRAYER STILL A FORCE Brits recognise extract from the Lord's Prayer over famous line from Star Wars, reveals poll AN extract from the Lord's Prayer is more recognisable than a famous line in Star Wars, according to a poll. More people also identified Jesus Christ's ancient teaching than the national anthem. 3 Archbishop of York says The Lord's Prayer remains a 'steady guide' that still resonates with people of all faiths and none Credit: PA Some 80.3 per cent knew 'Give us this day our daily bread' is from the Lord's Prayer, also known as the 'Our Father'. It beat the 79.9 per cent recognising 'May the Force be with you' from the Star Wars films. 'To be or not to be' from Shakespeare play Hamlet was identified by 73 per cent. Some 63 per cent matched 'happy and glorious, long to reign over us' with God Save The King in the Church of England's poll of 2,000-plus people. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said the findings suggest the prayer remains a "steady guide" and something which continues to "resonate with people of all faiths and none". Mr Cottrell is leading a "tour" of events at churches and cathedrals across the north of England as part of his Faith In The North initiative, with a focus on the prayer. He said: "These results reflect what we've been hearing across the north of England through our Faith In The North initiative, which invites people to explore the Lord's Prayer. "Lines like 'Give us this day our daily bread' speak powerfully to today's challenges, reminding us to seek sufficiency, not excess, and to consider what 'enough' truly means." Scottish Star Wars superfan's dream comes true after coming to rescue of show 3 3 More Brits recognised a line from the Lord's Prayer than 'May the Force be with you' from Star Wars, according to a new poll Credit: Alamy
South Wales Guardian
15 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
James Norton and Rebecca Adlington take part in 10-hour charity swim
On Friday, the two were among those to take the plunge in a 10-hour endurance ocean swim at Joss Bay in Kent, to raise money for the Blue Marine Foundation, a charity committed to addressing overfishing. Ahead of the event, they shared their earliest memories of the sea and pressed the importance of allowing future generations to 'experience the magic of healthy seas'. Ms Adlington told the PA news agency: 'I've always felt a deep connection to water, so when the opportunity came up to support coastal restoration through this event with Talisker and Blue Marine Foundation, it just felt like a natural fit. 'As a swimming challenge, this one stands out because of its direct impact on protecting and preserving marine life, with £150 from every kilometre swum helping to fund essential conservation work.' The two-time gold medal swimmer added: 'I hope people see this event as more than just a challenge, it's a call to action.' A report published by Blue Marine Foundation in July 2024 noted a 92% UK reduction in seagrass meadows and a 95% decline in native oyster reefs over the last century. Happy Valley actor Norton said: 'Like everyone, I'm in awe of the ocean. It's wild, powerful, and under threat. 'Taking a stand is about protecting biodiversity and ensuring future generations can experience the magic of healthy seas.' He added that his family goes by the mantra 'you'll never regret a swim' but admitted he had never been involved with this level of endurance swimming. New government regulations came into force on Friday which give water industry regulator Ofwat the power to retrospectively prevent bonuses paid in cash, shares or long-term incentive schemes to chief executives and chief financial officers for breaches of environmental, customer service or financial standards in a given financial year. Ms Adlington did not have a direct challenge for water companies in the UK but added that the Blue Marine Foundation was committed to coastal regeneration and improving UK waters. Ahead of the event, Norton said: 'My earliest memories of the sea are going on day trips to Scarborough. 'My whole village would cram into a coach and head to the beach for a day of fish and chips, rock and candy floss.' For every kilometre swum by participants at Joss Bay between 7am and 5pm on Friday, Talisker, who are supporting the event, will donate £150 to the foundation. The company has also pledged a further £112,608 to Blue Marine Foundation through sales of a limited edition whisky.
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside Beyonce's huge London Cowboy Carter show with flying car, bucking mechanical bull & racy outfits
Beyonce had eight outfit changes during her first night Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEYONCE'S Cowboy Carter tour gets off to a flying start at the Tottenham Stadium. The American singer rode a mechanical bull and flew around the stands in a red car as she performed 40 songs during a high tempo three hour set. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Beyonce's Cowboy Carter tour gets off to a flying start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Credit: PA 5 Showstopper cowgirl in her leotard and chaps Credit: Instagram 5 Beyonce's three-hour set was a hit Credit: Instagram Beyonce, 43, had eight outfit changes during her first night - including a new look where she wore a sparkly white leotard with tasselled chaps. She will play five more dates at the North London stadium, with the second taking place tonight. Her family have joined her in the capital for the shows, with Beyoncé's eldest daughter Blue Ivy, 13, taking a starring role in her dance troupe. Beyonce's other daughter, Rumi, seven, also made her debut on a British stage at the concert - appearing by her mum's side as she performed her song Protector. She will celebrate her eighth birthday, alongside her twin brother Sir Carter, during their stay in London and insiders said Beyoncé was planning a party for the pair. A source said: 'Beyonce's family are always with her when she's touring and the London dates coincide with the twins' birthdays. 'She is planning on throwing a party for them and they'll be seeing bits of London on her days off. 'Beyoncé absolutely loves her work but it's always family first - her children are her priority.' Beyonce will play 31 international dates on her Cowboy Carter tour - and is expected to make £240million from the concerts. The Sun first revealed Beyonce was planning her six night residency at the Tottenham Stadium last September. Her concerts kick off a huge summer of music in the UK, with Oasis, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Blackpink, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Billie Eilish all booked to play in London this year. 'In our cowboy era,' fashion fans race to Primark to get their hands on 'summer concert essential' that's loved by Beyonce 5 Beyoncé tours the stadium in a flying car Credit:
