Top director focuses on new role as patron of historic city picture house
AN AWARD-WINNING Yorkshire born film director has been named as the first patron of a historic picture house which is more than 100 years old.
After he was unveiled as the patron of the Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds, the Bafta-nominated Francis Lee said it was an honour to take the role.
The announcement came as the Picture House, which opened in 1914 and remains the only gas-lit cinema in the UK, gave an update ahead of a forthcoming £3m-plus redevelopment that aims to secure its future for the next 100 years.
Mr Lee grew up in Calderdale and wrote and directed the 2017 film God’s Own Country which landed the top prize at the Best British Independent Film awards as well as a host of other prizes. He said: “I am delighted to be the patron of Hyde Park Picture House. It is a huge honour.
“The Picture House team have been very supportive of me from the beginning of my career as a film maker. Our association beginning in 2012 when they screened my very first short film.
“Hyde Park Picture House is a vital part of the cultural identity of not just Leeds, but the surrounding area, offering an incredible mix of cinema, community involvement and support to local film makers.
I am very excited to see how it continues to evolve and grow.
Bafta-nominated Francis Lee, first patron of the Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds.
I am very excited to see how the Picture House continues to evolve and grow.”
The Picture House will close at the end of next month to allow the works to commence. They include essential conservation work to the façade and the existing auditorium, creation of new facilities including a larger foyer and a second screen in the basement. The cinema will continue screening films throughout 2020, with the launch of its On the Road film programme which will visit various venues across Leeds.