A cinema in Meirionnydd has received £8,000 from Film Hub Wales to help reunite Welsh communities through film.
Cellb in Blaenau Ffestiniog has been given £8,000 by FHW which has awarded a total of £52,700 in National Lottery funding to eight Welsh independent cinemas and film festivals as they reopen post pandemic.
For some this will be the first time the doors have opened since March 2020.
The money will be used to bring the best UK and international films back to the big screen.
Exhibitors will support wellbeing and reduce isolation created by the pandemic by offering audiences affordable, accessible events both online and in the cinema.
Cellb are bringing the world to their audiences’ doorsteps, through film via their youth led ‘Sinema’r Byd’ programme. Over 50 British and international films for all ages will explore culture and climate change, which audiences can enjoy on the cinema’s new screen.
Rhys Roberts, owner of Cellb said: “Our young hosts will welcome and greet, inform and advise, laugh and listen to our young and old audiences.
“We’ll create a Welsh welcome like no other as our audiences return to Cellb and experience the brand new Sgrin 2 set up as a place for all of our community to come together to watch films.”
With Covid restrictions constantly under review, sites across Wales are working hard to navigate safe and viable reopening.
Hana Lewis, strategic manager of Film Hub Wales said: “It’s a huge milestone to reopen to the public and cinemas and festivals have worked tirelessly to make this happen. There is a challenging road ahead as we rebuild and cinemas need the support of audiences now more than ever but this is a moment to look forward and recover from time spent apart.
“Highly anticipated films are releasing and exhibitors are set to entertain us but thanks to their community focus, we all have a chance to play an active part in the future of cinema.”
The BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund is made possible thanks to National Lottery funding from the British Film Institute, via its Film Audience Network.
The fund offers reopening support to exhibitors across the whole of the UK, to boost cultural programming and engage diverse audiences as restrictions ease. Funds in Wales are administered by FHW via Chapter as the Film Hub Lead Organisation.
The National Lottery raises £36 million each week for good causes across the UK.