'Community cinemas bring people together'

Community cinemas across Northern Ireland are "bringing people together," according to those who attend them.

On 25 October, 1925, a new group named The Film Society met for the first time in Regent Street, London, the aim of which was to screen films that were less likely to be found in mainstream cinemas.

Founding members of what is now recognised as the UK's first ever community cinema included HG Wells and George Bernard Shaw.

One hundred years later, community cinemas across the UK are thriving, including in Northern Ireland.

Giles Conlon runs the Banbridge Community Cinema.

He said he has "always had a major passion for cinema".

In 2024, he set up the non-profit community cinema in his hometown, with the help of Film Hub NI and Newcastle Community Cinema.

Since then, he said, it has become "more and more popular".

"We do more than just a movie on a lot of the events," he said, adding that sometimes fizz and canapes are included.

And they've proved popular, with two special Christmas-themed evenings in a local restaurant, both selling out.

The events included screenings of It's a Wonderful Life.

Community cinema events are accessible - in part due to the locations of screenings, which are often in restaurants or community centres.

The community cinemas have a "social benefit" too, Mr Conlon said.

The community cinema in Banbridge is the first one Lydia Mcaleenan, 57, has visited.

She said it is about "bringing the community together".

Ms McAleenan added that she was especially keen to attend as she watches It's a Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve, with the film's theme of mental health being important to her and her family.

"My granddaughter knows that an angel gets their wings every time a bell rings," she said.

Ms McAleenan said that the event in Banbridge had a "cosy atmosphere".

"The ambience, the decorations - there's mulled wine and it's delicious. It really feels like Christmas."

Avril Campbell, 56, who lives in Banbridge, said she first visited in October.

She said she had a "great wee night", but gave the "scary Halloween" screening a miss.

Ms Campbell said she was excited about watching It's a Wonderful Life, though her younger colleagues were confused at the idea of her going to see a film that is almost 80 years old.

She added that she loves that the community cinema shows "iconic" films from the past.

"There are lovely mince pies and mulled wine and Christmas cake, so it's a very special occasion," she said.

Meanwhile in Belfast Corey McKinney, co-chair of the Ormeau Community Cinema, said community cinemas offer a "relaxed atmosphere" and allow for screenings at "unique locations".

He said "the collaboration with other community groups bolsters the community element".

"We're based mostly up and down the Ormeau Road and we use a lot of different venues," Mr McKinney said.

"One of the biggest advantages is being able to screen in a bar, so people have a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere."

He added that the cinema is accessible for those in the local area, in part due to the "sliding ticket scale" the group introduced.

Mr McKinney said they cater for all ages and show a variety of genres, though their most successful event is their annual horror festival.

"The aim for Ormeau would be to have our own brick and mortar building," he said.

Mr McKinney added that he would also like to see the idea grow.

"It would be great to see more community cinemas pop up in Northern Ireland."