Independent cinemas get UKFC cash boost
The UK Film Council (UKFC) has disbursed £475,000 to 56 independent cinemas across the UK. The funds will help refurbish buildings, seating, lighting and pay for new projection, sound and digital equipment.
The grants range from £510 to £35,000 and will also aid the purchase of cinema access kits for people with disabilities.
UKFC Head of Distribution and Exhibition Peter Buckingham said, “Independent cinemas often represent the cultural core of local communities, and we hope these funds will make it possible for cinema-goers to enjoy film in a more comfortable environment.
“In many cases these grants will improve access for audiences who are deaf, hard of hearing, or visually impaired, allowing them more opportunities to enjoy the exciting choice of film on offer.”
In the past, through its Small Capital Fund, the UKFC has awarded more than £700,000 to independent cinemas for capital projects. It has also allocated £350,000 for subtitling and audio-description equipment through its pioneering Cinema Access Programme in 2003.
To date, there are more than 280 “accessible” cinemas across the UK, many of which are equipped with subtitle/caption and audio description equipment.
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