By Jem Barclay
In the 20th century, going to the cinema was much more than just entertainment, it was a cultural event. However, within the last decade and especially in a post-COVID world, cinemas have been facing serious challenges stemming from the plethora of streaming platforms available.
Streaming Platforms have exploded in recent years, with a projected 200+ platforms worldwide; many of them focus on specific interests like BET+ which focuses on black culture programmes. It’s easy to see why streaming is so popular as you have access to thousands of titles at your fingertips and the pricing is a big draw in.
Ted Saranos, the Co-CEO of Netflix recently came out and said “We’re saving Hollywood” in an interview. Whilst Saranos claims to love movie theatres, he said the decline doesn’t bother him. He said that movie theatres are “an outdated concept”, which earnt him a lot of criticism across social media.
Yet, cinemas aren’t going down without a fight, as the industry is experiencing a revival. Cinemas have slowly been reinventing themselves, making the movie-going experience more immersive, more diverse and more social than ever. They are bringing back that feeling that no TV, phone or tablet can fully replicate.
The rise of event cinema
Tom Cruise is still drawing audiences in after over 40 years of film. Credit: Jem Barclay
In recent years, there has been a steady rise of events at cinemas across the country, and not just with movies. In 2023, Taylor Swift announced that a recorded version of her ‘Eras Tour’ would be released in cinemas worldwide.
The release became the highest grossing concert film of all time, even surpassing Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’. The Eras Tour grossed $261.6 million globally. “Her spectacular performance delighted fans around the world and serves as another strong reminder about the magic of movie theatres,” Adam Aron, the CEO of AMC said, who Swift partnered with in the U.S to screen the film.
Event cinema brings back that feeling of community which has been lost in recent years. Sitting at home watching a movie can’t match the feeling of being in a packed cinema and being amongst people sharing in something memorable, something you can only get in that cinematic environment.
Curated content and local engagement
The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square, London, A staple for movie lovers. Credit: Jem Barclay
Outside of the big blockbusters and concert screenings, independent cinemas have slowly been curating niche programming with a community ordinated approach. These cinemas will often host Q&A sessions and plan seasons or events around a specific genre or filmmaker in order to get both cinephiles and newcomers through the doors.
A venue that fits this bill is the Prince Charles Cinema in London. Up until recently, this staple of the independent cinema community was at threat of being closed down due to the lease being near its end. Thankfully with the support of the community, the cinema will stand as it has been recognised as an asset of community value.
The Prince Charles Cinema has been around since the early 60’s and over the 60 years it has stood, it has been a beacon for cinema lovers. The cinema not only shows recent films, but also does anniversary showings, sing a longs to famous musicals and genre specific screenings i.e. action, horror and science fiction.
Cinemas like this are an important stepping stone in order to not lose the passion and community this industry requires, especially nowadays.
Are Audiences ready to return?
The Odeon on Shaftesbury Avenue that recently closed down, an unfortunate loss. Credit: Jem Barclay
If recent box office performances are considered, then absolutely. Most recently, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith was re-released to celebrate its 20th Anniversary and had one of the biggest opening weekends of a re-release.
Phil Clapp, the chief executive of the UK Film Association, recently said that box office takings from 2024 compared to the previous year which was a “pleasant surprise” in his words. He went on to say: “I think the prospects for the industry look very strong, withstanding some of the challenges we continue to face.”
The Ultimate Picture Palace’s executive editor, Micaela Tuckwell, in the same article said apps like Letterboxd has helped them find new audiences. “I’m particularly buoyed by the appetite for films by the younger generation who are really coming in droves to see classic films that we’re showing.”
It goes to show that the cinema experience isn’t dying, if anything it’s thriving but to say it’s fully recovered would be an understatement. That relies on spreading the word to create new communities to enjoy film.
Events and Experiences at Local Islington Cinema’s and London.
The BFI Southbank, a hub for movie lovers that always has events onlocated by the water front. Credit: Jem Barclay
Here are some upcoming events and experiences at local cinemas around Islington, and some within London, which are worth checking out.
The BFI IMAX is holding an exclusive screening of all the Mission: Impossible Movies which will culminate in the newest and final film in the franchise, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. If you want to see the master of action movies on the biggest screen possible, then book your seats now.
The World’s Biggest All Nighter IV
Once again, Picturehouse Central is opening its doors all night long for seven unmissable movie marathons from the Hunger Game Series, Studio Ghibli Movies and a spotlight on top-rated films on Letterboxd. The nights will be filled with special guests, big surprises and more.
Islington is the home to the only exclusive cinema trip like no other. They have six premium screens, every row has been designed with comfort in mind, you’ll be able to recline in luxury as well as enjoy their restaurant-quality food all whilst watching the latest blockbusters.
The Screen on the Green in Islington will be showing an exclusive preview of Wes Anderson’s newest movie ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ from the 23rd of May. So, if you’re a fan of Wes Anderson and his unique style of cinematography or want to brag to your friends that you’ve seen it before they have, then book your tickets now.
One of the few Odeon Cinemas in Leicester Square where red carpet events are sometimes held. Credit: Jem Barclay
Cinemas aren’t going anywhere just yet, but what does the future hold for streaming platforms especially as a lot of them are starting to charge for advert-less viewing?
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