LIFELINE FOR TINY CINEMA
GOVERNMENT CASH AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM STARS AIM TO SAVE OUR MUCH-LOVED VENUES
A VILLAGE cinema fighting to survive the pandemic has been given a vital cash boost.
The Red Carpet Cinema, at Barton Marina, in Barton under Needwood, is one of 42 cinemas to get a share of £650,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund for Independent Cinemas.
These will be first awards as part of the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which have been made available by the British Film Institute (BFI) to support England’s screen sector. The Barton cinema, which has two screens, a restaurant and bar, has been handed £9,973.
The money was allocated on behalf of Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support cinemas across England.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “We all enjoyed the escapism of a good film during lockdown, but nothing beats the experience of the big screen.
“This first wave of emergency funding will help dozens of independent cinemas around the country, preserving their unique character and history for future generations.
“Our Film and TV Restart Scheme will keep cameras rolling on Britishmade film and TV – protecting jobs, boosting this hugely important industry and giving us more great content to enjoy. But now we need the public to pay their part, too. So I urge everyone to get booking your seats and support your local cinema.”
This cash boost will help independent cinemas weather the storm of the coronavirus pandemic.
The support for independent cinemas has been welcomed by Luther co-stars Idris dris Elba and Ruth Wilson.
Elba, award-wininning actor, pro- ducer and director and BFI governor, said: “In a time with so much change and uncertainty around us, there is comfort in the e familiarity of a comfy pair of seats and some popcorn at your local cinema.
“It’s a simple and effective way of bonding with our cities and culture. We depend on the independent cinema and they depend on us to support them, now more than ever.”
And Wilson, an actor and producer, said: “What lockdown has made very clear is how vital local communities are.
“I am thrilled independent cinemas will be able to access the Culture Reco Recovery Fund. “They “They, alongside all local arts organisation tions are lifelines for th their communities a and for the people t that work in t them.
“It was in my lo local cinema in W Wa l t o n - o n - Th Thames where I saw films for the first time that m moved me, that made me understand the power of f storytelling, l the power of communal watching and made me want to be part of that world.” Cinemas are able to apply for Safety Grants to help independent venues meet the additional costs of creating a safe and covid-secure environment for staff and audiences, and Business Sustainability grants of up to £200,000 to help stabilise venues as they reopen.
Ben Roberts, BFI chief executive, said: “The Government’s support for independent cinemas through the Culture Recovery Fund is having a positive impact for venues and local communities in cities, towns and villages across the country as they reopen with new covid-safe measures and new releases.
“They include current hits Rocks, After We Collided, Tenet and Monsoon, re-releases of classics such as La Haine and Star Wars, and the forthcoming Saint Maud and Eternal Beauty, all from great talent.
“Thanks to the Culture Recovery Fund we look forward to more cinemas gearing up to reopen in the coming weeks.”
The £30 million fund will remain open for applications until October 30 and support for cinemas making an application is available from the BFI.
What lockdown has made very clear is how vital local communities are.
Ruth Wilson