The Gardner Arts Centre was first opened in 1969

The 45-minute documentary will follow staff and performers at the Gardner Arts Centre on the University of Sussex campus on the outskirts of Brighton.

The Spring 2007 season will be the centre's last after the closure decision was made on 7 December.

Michele D'Acosta's film will have its premiere at the 2007 Brighton Festival.

The closure of the 480-seat venue follows the withdrawal of funding from Brighton and Hove City Council and increasing competition from other facilities in the city.

Interviews and testimonials

Managers said they could not afford improvements needed to the Grade II-listed building, designed by Sir Basil Spence, which would cost at least �6m.

Ms D'Acosta's film will include interviews and testimonials from people who have memories of the venue going back to its opening in 1969.

"We are looking for people willing to share their memories and experiences of the Gardner and what it has meant to them," said a spokeswoman.

"We are particularly interested in photographs, plans, playbills and other factual documents."

Ms D'Acosta has worked on documentaries including Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam and Kurt and Courtney.

She won the Columbine Award for Best Screenplay for the feature-length animated documentary The Prince of Hip-Hop.