Independent cinema in Plymouth needs your support

The Plymouth Arts Centre screen was the only independent cinema in the biggest city in the South West. It closed at the start of December. But dry your eyes, there’s still work to be done! To help its phoenix-like rebirth at Plymouth College of Art they’ve set up a crowdfunder. And they need your help…

Promoting equality

The Plymouth Arts Centre cinema was 40 years at its Looe Street home in the city. And its most recent exciting developments have seen it step to the national fore and be an early adopter of The F-Rating and Birds Eye View’s Reclaim the Frame.

Innovative enticing

They’ve also aimed to entice a younger audience to independent cinema by introdcying the £4 ticket price for audience members aged 25 and under. That just £4 for a film.

Knowledge, passion, experience

A cinema is, after all just a place, and its the knowledge, passion, experience and desire to see film thrive that will be back for all to see with the new opening in January 2019.

Big plans

Add to that the new venue will have twice as many seats – a 118-seat auditorium – and an expanded programme while maintaining that warm welcome and a friendly, cosy, space where cinema-goers can have a drink before a film and meet friends to talk about what they have seen in the cinema.

The outside of Plymouth Arts Centre - an old building with a whilte wall and a purple diagonal line — The old home of independent cinema in Plymouth

Despite the help Plymouth Arts Centre cinema has had from Plymouth City Council and Plymouth College of Art, the cinema has set up a crowdfunder to ensure a smooth transition to the new home.

And so far they’ve smashed it, but need more help for film lovers in and out of the city. When the total reaches £5,000 they are eligible for match-funding. They’re still reaching for the stars though, and have set their sights on an ambitious £20,000 target.

Touched by support

Anna Navas, film programmer at Plymouth Arts Centre cinema, told D&CFilm: ‘We have been incredibly touched by the amount of people who have donated to our crowdfunder so far – it shows how much love and support there is for independent cinema in Plymouth.

‘This money will make all the difference to our future and help us make the new Plymouth Arts Centre cinema the best place to see brilliant films. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.’

Cinematographer Roger Deakins is sat next to a woman talking to people at Plymouth College of Art — Roger Deakins at the Rebel Film Festival at Plymouth Arts Centre

Making cinema unique

Donations will help towards installing brand new seating and add the finishing touches that make this local cinema unique.

See your name in lights

Rewards for donors include everything from limited edition tote bags, a personalised seat plaque, to a private screening in the cinema for you and your friends or business colleagues.