Feel-good film is shot in arm for struggling local cinemas
NEW film Save The Cinema, which is based on a true story to save a struggling Carmarthen theatre more than 30 years ago, has been released at crucial time for cinema-going in Wales.
That is the view of industry leaders as many cinemas across Wales are reporting a reduction of 50%-70% in audience numbers since the introduction of the Covid Pass in Wales – with some even considering temporary closure.
Since November, the Welsh Government has required people to show a Covid Pass to go to the cinema or theatre as the Covid19 pandemic continues.
Sky Original production Save The Cinema, directed by Rhylborn Sara Sugarman, is inspired by extraordinary real-life events sparked by tenacious hairdresser and leader of the Carmarthen and District Youth Opera Liz Evans – who saved Carmarthen’s Lyric Theatre from ruin in the mid1980s and later premiered Spielberg’s Jurassic Park in 1993 – the same night as its London premiere.
Sadly the Lyric Theatre in King Street no longer screens films regularly, but all the stops have been pulled out to enable Save The Cinema
Having this message about the value of cinema to our communities, wrapped up in a Welsh film at this moment in time feels like a gift
Hana Lewis, Film Hub Wales’ strategic manager
to be shown for two weeks at the theatre from January 14-30. However, seating is socially distanced and Covid Passes are needed for entry.
Film Hub Wales is promoting the film in partnership with Sky Cinema, as part of its Made in Wales strategy, which celebrates films with Welsh connections. Hana Lewis, Film Hub Wales’ strategic manager, said: “Having this message about the value of cinema to our communities, wrapped up in a Welsh film at this moment in time feels like a gift. “Cinemas have fought tirelessly to remain open for their audiences throughout Covid, offering crucial services that have tackled isolation during the pandemic.
“To avoid closures, cinemas need us to turn up for them now and show our support.
“With a feel-good film like Save The Cinema, that reflects our Welsh community spirit, it feels like a great opportunity to do just that.”
Save The Cinema director Sara
Sugarman said the film had been a labour of love and added: “I want to thank the people of Carmarthen, my heart in is Carmarthen and making the film there was a wonderful experience. Being able to film in the Lyric itself was so important and something we knew we had to do.
“Now that the film is being released, it gives people a chance to go to the cinema to enjoy it and with Covidsafe measures in place, we hope people can enjoy what I call an old-fashioned feel-good film about a community. I grew up on Ealing comedies and that’s the feel I think Save The Cinema has. Liz Evans was one of Wales’s powerhouses, she was so tenacious and knew what she wanted and how to rally people to her cause, which is exactly what she did to save the Lyric.”
While production of the film saw a limit on extras and numbers on set – Sara said she would have “loved to have filled the theatre with an audience of Carmarthen people, but we
could only have a certain number and the rest were dummies in seats” – there was a sense of community spirit during filming last year, and in particular how the Miners’ Welfare Hall in Resolven in the Neath Valley came to the aid of the film.
Over the past year Neath locals have been working together to bring the hall back from the brink of closure and refurbish the main hall. The venue was built in the 1920s with the pay packets of miners.
Sara explained how the two communities of Carmarthen and Resolven worked together to bring Save The Cinema to the screen: “The old seating that the Lyric had was taken out when it was refurbished and those seats were taken to the Miners’ Welfare Hall cinema in Resolven.
“So for Save The Cinema we were kindly given those seats back for the Lyric and we took all the current seats out and put the old ones back.
“At the end of filming they went back to Resolven.
“It was incredible to have that support from Resolven and I am very grateful to the community for that.” Turning to the film’s release at a time when the pandemic is still curbing some social activities, Sara said: “Everyone of course wants to be safe from Covid and by following the measures in place they can do that.
“The cinema is a shared experience and there’s nothing better that settling down with popcorn or snacks to watch a film at the cinema and that sense of community and that’s important for so many cinemas at this time to have that support.”
Pauline Burt, chief executive of Ffilm Cymru Wales, which invested into the production of Save The Cinema along with Creative Wales, said: “As proud funders of Sara Sugarman’s Save The Cinema, we’re excited to see people across Wales enjoy this
I want to thank the people of Carmarthen, my heart in is Carmarthen and making the film there was a wonderful experience
Save The Cinema director Sara Sugarman
heart-warming, homegrown story in the perfect place – their local cinemas.
“The cast and crew worked with the local community to bring some Hollywood wonder to Wales during these tough times.”
Cinemas showing Save The Cinema:
Carmarthen Lyric Theatre: Until January 30
Aberystwyth Arts Centre: Until January 21
Brynamman Public Hall: Until January 21
Neath Gwyn Hall: Until January 21 Port Talbot Reel Cinema: Until January 20
Milford Haven The Torch Theatre: January 28 to February 1.