Update - February 2024

It’s been some time since our last update. This isn’t because nothing has been happening  -  quite the opposite.

The Wade Centre, which is already a wonderful venue, is currently being updated to ensure it will be a suitable venue for the Film Theatre.

Installing our existing equipment there has been a priority for us and we have been extremely fortunate to have been helped by a very experienced engineer, who has given his time freely to the project. He made an assessment of our needs on an initial visit suggesting ways costs could be cut and second hand or repaired equipment could be used, and has been overseeing the project. Our damaged projector has now been repaired and is in place in the projection box, all up and running.

We have also hit some snags along the way. Our old server no longer works so we are hoping to raise enough funds for a new one (approximately £9,000), and because the new venue is larger we need a new screen to be built to fit. (approximately £17,000).

We have approached the BFI and ICO to help with funding, but they are unable to fund capital equipment. They remain extremely keen to see us re-open and we are hoping that they will be able to give us a strategic award for programming and audience development, which will be excellent for the Film Theatre.

Since we set up the JustGiving account, with Gift Aid a total of  £4,190 has been donated. We would like to thank those of you who have contributed to that. The funds raised so far have gone towards re-wiring the Wade Centre to connect to the projector, the speakers and the lights, which as you can imagine, has been a very big job. About 90% of that part of the installation has been completed so far.

Once we have the funding for a new screen, a server, the rest of the installation and the commissioning of the projector  -  we will be ready to go!!

We are all looking forward to welcoming the public to our special independent cinema.

Update - November 2023

Although we were aiming to re-open in January, and we’ve been working very hard to achieve this, there is still a lot to do before we can announce an opening date.

We have launched a JustGiving page so that supporters can contribute to the re-launch fund. 

North Staffordshire Regional Film Theatre -
Relaunch of the Film Theatre in Stoke

The Film Theatre has found a new home at The Wade Centre in Hartshill. 

Before we can reopen, we need to equip the venue to be able to provide the most enjoyable independent cinema experience, bringing back the magic of the big screen and the shared joy of cinema.

We are a charity, run by volunteers, and we're looking to the community for support. 

Join us as we work to recreate The Film Theatre for the people of Stoke-on-Trent.

Our Story

In March 2020, the Independent Film Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent shut down due to Covid. Now, we've found a new home at The Wade Centre in Hartshill, but there's work to be done.

To transform our new venue into a haven for film-goers, we need your support. The prolonged closure has left our existing projection equipment in need of tender care and new fittings including a screen, curtains and acoustic walls are needed. The equipment needs to be installed and cabling run to suit the new location – every detail requires funding.

Your contribution isn't just about bringing independent cinema back to Stoke-on-Trent; it's about reviving a cultural hub that means so much to so many. Our Film Theatre isn't just a place to watch films; it's a gathering space for the community, a source of shared experiences.

Join us in this effort to get The Film Theatre up and running again.
https://justgiving.com/campaign/stokefilmtheatre

Update - September 2023

We are delighted to tell you that the Film Theatre has a new home.  We are moving to the Wade Centre in Hartshill, a very suitable venue with a car park attached.

It will be some time before we are up and running because we will have to fit the new venue out as a public cinema and this will involve some fundraising and lots of hard work. We will be applying for funds and if these are forthcoming then our aim is to re-launch in early 2024, our fiftieth anniversary year.

Most of you will be aware of the history of the Film Theatre and will therefore know that we are a registered charity and without the generosity of volunteers we would not be able to function.

We hope there will be lots of people who will give their time voluntarily to re-launch and make the Film Theatre great again!

If you would like to be involved please drop a line to director@stokefilmtheatre.org.uk

Update - October 2022

We are planning to reopen the Film Theatre as soon as this is agreed with the University.

As you know, the Film Theatre was closed in 2020 due to coronavirus and it has been closed ever since due to circumstances outside our control.

While we had to make our part-time staff redundant in 2020, our core team of voluntary staff – director, programmer, treasurer, company secretary, technical engineer - have remained in place and the governors and trustees have met regularly throughout. 

We will continue to depend on the commitment of our projectionists, Front of House volunteers and our valued audiences, without whom we would not function, and will be relying on them to support the Film Theatre as they have so loyally in the past.  

The Film Theatre organisation continues to be viable and as soon as we have the go ahead from the University we will be installing new projection equipment.

We hope that we can continue to rely on your support and will inform you once the arrangements for reopening have been finalised.

Update - July 2022

Unfortunately, we are still not in a position to announce a confirmed reopening date for the Film Theatre. 

We have been working towards finalising a formal agreement with Staffordshire University and until this is in place we simply cannot reopen. We are frustrated that this is taking much longer than anticipated and are continuing to hope that the University will get this unsatisfactory situation resolved as soon as possible.

We have a plan for reopening and as soon as we have the agreement in place, we can put that plan in to action.

We really appreciate everyone’s patience and are looking forward to being able to commence screening films very soon.

Death of Gerald Mee, former chair of Film Theatre governors

We were very sorry to hear of the death of Gerald Mee on 16th March at the age of 96.

Gerald was a member of the Board of Governors of the Film Theatre from its inception in 1974 and Chair of the Governors from 1979-2015.

He remained a member of the Governors after this and contributed to Zoom meetings during lockdown.  He always maintained a cool head and sharp perception beneath a disarming and low key approach.  He joined the governors as a representative of Stoke Cine and Video Society and was also Vice President of the Film and Video Institute and former President of the International Association of Amateur Film Festivals. 

He was a caring man and his actions improved the lives of many people.

You can read more about Gerald's long and interesting life here.

Update - November 2021

Whilst we had hoped to be able to bring you more positive news, at this point in time we still have no definite time scale for the reopening of the Film Theatre.

Although there are currently fewer restrictions in place, we do not feel that we can currently operate the theatre in a manner that would be as safe for both patrons and volunteers as we would wish.

We are continuing to assess the situation and fully intend to return when circumstances allow.

When we have news, we will post it here.

Thank you for your support.