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.

Film Theatre Update - May 2021

We would like to assure our patrons that the Film Theatre will be reopening, and that we are looking forward to drawing back the curtains of Stoke-on-Trent’s independent cinema once again.

Unfortunately, we do not have a timescale for this and uncertainty clouds when our silver screen will return to life.

Our relaunch date will be announced once Covid related obligations are removed and we are able to offer a good selection of films. Then we will be able to present safe and unrestricted screenings at the Film Theatre with equanimity.

As soon as we have news, advance notice and our new screening programme will be posted here and on our social media.

Film Theatre Update - October

Sadly the Film Theatre remains closed due to the ongoing Covid situation. Whilst we had hoped to be able to re-open in the Autumn, the current situation means that we have been unable to do so. We realise that this will be as much of a disappointment to our audience as it is to our volunteers.

The Film Theatre was founded in 1974 and has operated uninterrupted since then thanks to its dedicated volunteers and its loyal and enthusiastic audience. We are confident that when circumstances allow, we will be able to return to screening films.

We are keeping the situation under review and will provide an update when we have further information.

Celebrating 20 Years of the Film Theatre Website

The original 2000 design

It was early in 2000 when the Film Theatre decided to take its first steps onto the world wide web.

The original version of website was set up by Warren Tomson, one of our volunteer projectionists. It was put together with the help of a library book on html and the Notepad programme on a PC running Windows 3.1. Updates were uploaded to a Freeserve domain using a dial up internet connection. It goes to show not only how much the technology has moved on but how much we have come to rely on the internet in the last 20 years.

Version 2

Sadly Warren passed away suddenly in July 2000, not long after the website first went live.

Since that time Robert has been involved in keeping the website going; developing the original design, moving the website to a proper domain and launching the blog to handle the weekly email updates. Noel later became involved in the design aspects of the site and implemented the more modern content management system. We also partnered with Tor Systems who handle the online booking and payment system for us. Between them they continue to keep the website, blog and mailing list running today.

Today

Film Theatre Update - July

Please find below an update on how the current situation continues to affect the Film Theatre.

The Covid-19 virus situation continues to prevent us from screening films, and we have now entered the summer period when we would have traditionally shutdown. Being closed at this time feels like the only Film Theatre convention that we will be observing during these strange days.
We are following guidance and developments as they emerge and we hope to resume showing films in the autumn. Further information will follow here and on our social media when circumstances allow well-founded plans to be made. 

Film Theatre Director