A date has been set for the re-opening of Edinburgh’s Filmhouse after years of closure following a £2 million refurbishment.
The iconic cinema was shut in October 2022 but will open for the public on the 27 June. Returning with new leadership and backed with multi-year funding from Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland and the UK Government, the Edinburgh institute is returning with a newly refurbished interior.
The reopening marks the end of a three-year long campaign to save the historic cinema backed by film lovers in Scotland and around the world, alongside A-list actors, such as Charlotte Wells, Emma Thompson and Jack Lowden.
Opening their doors this summer after years of anticipation, the cinema has received incredible support throughout its closure and now re-opening stages with the Executive Director of the Filmhouse, Andrew Simpson, explaining: “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.”
The refurbishment will include a new 100-seat bar and cafe area, alongside a brand new 4th screen, creating state-of-the-art facilities within the historic building. Originally opening in 1978 from a re-furbished church with a capacity of only 90 seats, the return will see a total capacity of 350 seats due to an additional 4th screen that will open for the public in late July. The Filmhouse team prioritised ‘comfort’ across the new and improved cinema with extra legroom and comfortable seats being installed into the 4 screen rooms.
With funding allowing Filmhouse to be supported up until 2028, the institute embedded in Edinburgh’s film culture received £1.54 million funding from the UK Government.
Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, explained the re-opening as ‘blockbuster news’.
He said: “It’s blockbuster news that the much cherished Filmhouse in Edinburgh is re-opening its doors after three years. Thanks to £1.54 million UK Government funding and much hard work from the Filmhouse team and partners, cinema-goers are set for a thrilling experience in a fully refurbished venue that meets modern audience expectations. I can’t wait to take in a movie there.”
Alongside a brand new wide-range catalogue of films planned to be shown, including blockbuster hits, live National Theatre and live Metropolitan Operas, Filmhouse will run a programme of screenings showing popular films that were released during the 3 years of closure.
Being an iconic institute in Scotland’s film culture, Edinburgh’s Filmhouse has received strong support from Screen Scotland. Director of Screen Scotland, David Smith, expressed his support towards the cinema: “Reopening Filmhouse has been the mission for many people across the last three years. From the moment it closed the Screen Scotland team were working to get Filmhouse back. The revitalised, reimagined, reborn Filmhouse will bring back all that was lost and much more, and once again be the heart and home for cinema culture in Edinburgh.”
With the iconic Edinburgh cinema re-opening on 27 June this year, it has ended the three years of anticipation.
Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Margaret Graham, expressed her joy towards the re-opening.
“It is wonderful that the Filmhouse will be opening its doors once again.”
“This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people to enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city.”
