Latest news with #Filmhouse
Scotsman
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Filmhouse announces new opening date following
The Edinburgh Filmhouse is set to reopen this month following a £2 million refurbishment. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The independent cinema at 88 Lothian Road first opened in 1979 and operated for over 40 years before closing in October 2022 following the collapse of umbrella company Centre for the Moving Image (CMI). But following a major refurbishment, it is now set to reopen on June 27, with a fourth screen being added to the historic venue in July. The cinema's sudden closure prompted a grassroots campaign to save the beloved venue and established the new charity, Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd, set up by a group of former staff. The group's Open The Doors campaign launched in September 2023 and saw huge public support, generating more than £325,000 to refurbish the venue, with the charity also securing £1.4million from the UK Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund and £60,000 from the Edinburgh City Council. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Edinburgh Filmhouse will reopen its doors on June 27 | NW Work on the building started earlier this year, with scaffolding taken down from the front of the venue last week. The project includes reducing the total seating capacity to 350 to make it more comfortable for visitors, 'a completely reworked foyer space' and a newly improved Filmhouse bar with 100 covers. Newly appointed executive director Andrew Simpson 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.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The cinema was been brought back to life by several key individuals including 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. In July 2024, the team agreed a 25-year lease with the cinema's new owners, Caledonian Heritable Ltd and soon after appointed Clark Contracts to transform the iconic cinema. Screen 1 of the newly refurbished Edinburgh Filmhouse | Rod White 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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.'
Rhyl Journal
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
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. 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.' 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 including £977,925 from Screen Scotland, and £1,243,312 from Creative Scotland over the next three years. 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.' 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.'
Wales Online
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Arthouse cinema reopening after campaign pulls it ‘back fae the brink'
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 A cinema An Edinburgh arthouse cinema is set to reopen its doors later this month after a three-year campaign involving A-list stars saw it pulled "back fae the brink" of closure. 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. 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. Article continues below 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." 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." 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. Article continues below "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."
STV News
19 hours ago
- Business
- STV News
Edinburgh Filmhouse to reopen following £2m refurbishment
Edinburgh's independent cinema Filmhouse is reopening after a major refurbishment and a fundraising campaign to save the venue. The historic cinema, which closed in October 2022, has undergone a £2m transformation that includes expanded facilities, updated technical capabilities, and improved visitor comfort. The venue will reopen on June 27 with three refurbished screens and public areas, with a fourth smaller screen scheduled to open in July. Originally a three-screen venue, the revamped Filmhouse will now offer four screens in total, including a new intimate space with 24 seats designed for private screenings and hires. The total seating capacity will be around 350. 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.' Filmhouse has long been a cultural hub for Edinburgh and Scotland's film community, showcasing independent, international, and arthouse cinema alongside local film festivals. The reopening programme will feature many films missed during its closure and promises a diverse range of screenings, including live theatre and opera broadcasts. The refurbishment was funded through a combination of public grants, community fundraising, and private donations. The 'Open the Doors!' crowdfunding campaign alone raised over £324,000, supported by thousands of film lovers locally and globally. Supporters of the cinema include notable Scottish actors and filmmakers such as Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson, all of whom backed the campaign to save the venue. The UK Government's Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund contributed £1.5m, alongside funding from Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council. A long-term lease was secured with the building's owners, Caledonian Heritable, ensuring Filmhouse's presence on Lothian Road for at least 25 years. The building itself, a repurposed church dating back to 1978, has been carefully restored, including roof and stonework repairs. Inside, new seating offers extra legroom and comfort, and the foyer has been redesigned. The Filmhouse Bar, a popular social spot, has been refurbished to seat 100 people and will continue to serve locally sourced food and drinks, with an emphasis on sustainability. The cinema also plans to expand its educational outreach with a dedicated learning and engagement officer and partnerships with film schools. New leadership has been appointed to guide Filmhouse into its next chapter, including executive director Andrew Simpson and a growing team. Mr Simpson 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.' Filmhouse is expected to play a key role in this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, with details to be announced soon. 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 £1.54m 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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
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. 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.' 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.'
