For all the advances in entertainment , the introduction of streaming services and watching of movies on our phones, the silver screen experience retains its lustre. A night at the movies remains an occasion, one that fosters a sense of collective emotion, of togetherness; and a magic that is often lacking in our daily lives. Indeed, as Scotland trudges toward a bleak winter of austerity, it could be the very antidote the country needs.
A bit dramatic perhaps but, after all, that's the genre. Just as dramatic are the severe challenges faced by Scotland’s independent theatres, a number of which have been forced to close in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic threw the industry into turmoil, as cinema-goers stayed home amidst infection concerns.
Even once the public health warnings ended, independent cinemas struggled to fill seats. Read More: The last picture houses: Will your town survive Scotland's sad cinema tsunami? Eastern European film festival announces 2024 programme at three Scots venues David Lynch won’t step foot on a film set again – time to give him his flowers A series of closures in October 2022 shone a national spotlight on the problem; as the Edinburgh Filmhouse and Belmont Cinema in Aberdeen shut their doors after their parent charity went bust. Nearly two years later, community groups continue to push for the cinemas to reopen.
The group behind the Edinburgh Filmhouse revitalisation hopes to reopen their theatre this year, after receiving £1.5 million.