MOVIE buffs can celebrate the return of independent cinema to Reading, thanks to a new partnership.
Reading Film Theatre closed its doors at the University of Reading last autumn, as covid meant it was unable to screen films as it had done at the Palmer Building.
But last week it launched a new partnership with The Biscuit Factory in Broad Street Mall, meaning the projectionist is back on duty.
Under the new deal, the Biscuit Factory will show movies selected by the Film Theatre on a fortnightly basis.
The first was the French classic Amelie, voted by the Film Theatre’s audiences as their favourite in a poll held to celebrate its first 50 years.
Next week, it will screen The Eyes of Tamm Faye, Here Before will be screened on May 25, La Mif is up on June 8, and Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy on June 22.
Reading Biscuit Factory’s programme manager Federica Pugliese said that Reading Film Theatre had been supporting independent cinema for decades, and the new partnership was exciting.
“It will bring to Reading an excellent selection of arthouse titles and enrich our diverse film programme even further,” she said.
And the film theatre’s chair, Juliet Hanfling, added: “We were devastated when we had to close our doors at our old home at Reading University last year.
“The combination of the covid pandemic and projection equipment failures had made it no longer viable to operate independently.
“We were thrilled when RBF approached us to offer a new home and we look forward to continuing to show the best in independent, foreign film and classic cinema for the people of Reading.”
The partnership is intended to be for the long-hail, as the Biscuit Factory’s general manager, Matt Ferguson, explained: “We are delighted to welcome RFT to our bustling community hub.
“Our comfortable three-screen cinema plus bar and coffee shop provide a fantastic venue for RFT and its discerning audience.
“We look forward to working with RFT to continue the long tradition of cinema in Reading.”
The Reading Biscuit Factory opened last autumn, and already hosts special Keep It Cult screenings. Coming up in the week ahead is The Little Shop of Horrors, and a screening of Thelma And Louise.
It also features screenings of National Theatre productions, as well as the latest blockbusters.
For more details on Reading Film Theatre’s programme, log on to: https://readingfilmtheatre.co.uk/
