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Rhyl Journal
4 days 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
4 days 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
4 days 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
4 days 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.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Progress continues at Edinburgh Filmhouse as reopening date announced
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. READ MORE: Two Edinburgh schools to be renamed to 'reduce stigma towards pupils' READ MORE: Edinburgh fire crews race to Fort Kinnaird blaze as shops forced to close 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." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 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." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 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."
