Fife cinema to open doors again ‘very soon’ after receiving funding package

The South Street cinema is among 30 independent cinemas and two touring operators serving communities across Scotland to receive £3.55million from the Scottish Government’s Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilience Fund and The National Lottery, through Screen Scotland.

The fund, which aims to bridge the immediate financial gap faced by independently owned cinemas as a result of Covid-19, will now support these cinemas who can operate in the short-term, within Scottish Government guidelines, and help others towards reopening, when it is safe to do so.

David Morris from the New Picture House said: “This means so much to the cinema and staff and all involved. We were reaching a crossroads in the situation where it was difficult to see any way we could viably reopen the business in the foreseeable future. Following the great news of the funding we are already planning to open our doors again very soon.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture said: “We understand the severe impact this pandemic has had on businesses across Scotland, including our independent cinemas which play such an important role in communities across the country.

“We have had to make some really difficult decisions recently that will impact on cinemas which have worked so hard to re-open safely, but we have to put health considerations above everything else and I hope this funding will help independent cinemas cope with all the challenges they face.”

Sambrooke Scott, head of Audience Development at Screen Scotland said: “Independent cinemas have always played a vital role in communities across Scotland, bringing people together to immerse themselves in great film experiences from filmmakers around the world, and around the corner. “

Sambrooke added: “It’s been the most challenging of times for these hard-working venues but, with the help of this Scottish Government and National Lottery support, they will continue to open and operate safely as local restrictions allow.

“By putting stringent measures in place to protect staff and audiences alike they will open where able and bring the magic and escapism of cinema back, which is something we need now more than ever.”