Cinema set to be a great asset for the community

How fantastic that Southsea now has its own community cinema and arts venue – the culmination of a ten year ambition by the city’s film society.

A disused former bank has been converted into a venue which is sure to become a popular community asset .

The film society, whose members include amateur film makers, students of the art form, and people who just love cinema, lost its regular home during lockdown, and the acquisition of the new venue required a huge leap of faith.

Its director, Aysegul Epengin, who has worked tirelessly to achieve the ambition, was delighted yesterday as the dream turned into reality.

She admitted: ‘It was a huge financial risk but we thought: either the society is going to die or we keep going and take the risk to make it happen. There is the need in Southsea for a cinema and arts centre. We took the initiative and we hope people will support us.’

Funding for the project came from an online campaign, and the cinema was also backed by Portsmouth City Council.

It will need bums on seats, for sure, but such a brave venture deserves to succeed.

Alongside the big cinema chains, the new venue aims to do all it can to attract many different kinds of audiences – and can target screenings at younger or older audiences. There are even plans for dementia-friendly screenings, which will be a boon to many people.

There may be the rare chance to see older films the way they were meant to be seen.

Hollywood blockbusters are not the be all and end all of cinema, and many families may be keener on a smaller, less impersonal venue for a cinematic treat.

There is also scope to nurture local film-making talent. Who knows? The next Spielberg or Tarantino could be in our midst...