Edinburgh Filmhouse sets date for reopening – Daily Business

A date has been set for the reopening of Edinburgh’s Filmhouse following a £2 million refurbishment.

The doors will open on 27 June as it welcomes the return of cinemagoers to a revamped facility that will have three screens. A fourth room has a capacity of 24 for private hire screenings.

Filmhouse, which has hosted big movie stars during the Film Festival, closed in October 2022 under a rising costs and falling attendances.

It prompted a campaign backed by actors such as Jack Lowden, Dougray Scott, Brian Cox and Emma Thompson.

The new company is chaired by Ginnie Atkinson, with Rod White as head of programming and team of professionals.

Designed by Unick Architects and built by Clark Contracts, the building has been used as a cinema since 1978. Funding has come from a variety of sources including Screen Scotland, a crowdfunder, government levelling up funds, the city council and donations.

Filmhouse will resume its partnership with many of Scotland’s film festivals, offering technical and marketing packages for Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival, Take One Action, Edinburgh Short Film Festival and Iberodocs Film Festival, among others.

Details of Filmhouse’s involvement with this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival are yet to be announced.

Andrew Simpson, executive director of Filmhouse, said: “The love for Filmhouse never went away, it was just waiting to be reignited.

“The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond.

“We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone.”

Jack Lowden said: “Films need to be watched, not just made. Now, after months of hard work, the incredible team at Filmhouse have managed to pull one of Scotland’s few truly independent cinemas back fae the brink.”