How to help London's independent cinemas, from donating and volunteering to hiring venues

Harry Fletcher

16 July 2020 at 5:47 am·6-min read

The world is settling down, and film is following suit.

Cinemas have been opening across the UK this month with socially distanced screenings and measures in place to keep guests protected, and while the big chains have managed to open their doors, it’s still a very difficult time for independents – in fact, we could only find one independent cinema open in London at the start of the month.

There is hope – the £1.57 billion support package for the arts sector has meant many indie spots are eligible for emergency grants and loans. But while these will likely help, most cinemas are still counting on their customers.

Plenty of places are calling for the public’s support as they look to open later in the year – our full guide to reopening dates is here – and there are a few easy ways to help.

Donate or become a member

The easiest way to help your favourite indie cinema is simply to make a donation, or become a member.

Though most places aren’t putting on screenings just yet, signing up and becoming a member is reassuring move for places, showing continued commitment that’ll help cinemas to reopen their doors. It offers many a tangible financial benefit, but gives you something back, too. A list of places taking donations and offering memberships is below.

Regent Street Cinema

Become a member of the historic cinema and get access to films from home via MUBI before the venue reopens. Start with three months of free membership, which entitles guests to two free tickets on normal film screenings, as well as discounts on tickets and drinks at the bar. Guests can also name a seat for £750.

307 Regent St, Marylebone, W1B 2HW, regentstreetcinema.com

Catford Mews

Become a member at this cinema for £40, get three free cinema tickets, discounted passes throughout the year and help out one of the best cinemas in south east London.

32 Winslade Way, Catford, SE6 4JU, kickstarter.com

Riverside Studios

As a charity which receives no public subsidy, and doesn't take a penny from the local authorities or the arts council, the Riverside Studios are in need of what help they can get. Make a donation of any amount or name a seat in the cinema for £1,000, or give a minimum of £5,000 and become a founder member.

101 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, W6 9BN, riversidestudios.co.uk

Arthouse, Crouch End

The classic membership scheme is £45 and including four free tickets, while the premier membership is £300 and entitles guests to free tickets to every film.

159A Tottenham Ln, N8 9BT, arthousecrouchend.co.uk

Prince Charles Cinema

Gift vouchers of £10, £20 and £60 can be bought now to help this place, one of the most charming and idiosyncratic cinemas in central London. Membership costs as little as £10, with discounts and regular £1 members screenings up for grabs.

7 Leicester Pl, West End, WC2H 7BY, princecharlescinema.com

Genesis

It was the first independent cinema to open in London, and the membership schemes are well worth checking out. Silver members costs £20 per month and allows unlimited access to all films in the cinema's first three screens. The Gold membership is £30 and allows unlimited access to all films in the cinema's first three screens, as well as 50 per cent off screenings in screens four and five.

93-95 Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, E1 4UJ, genesiscinema.co.uk

Deptford Cinema

With all screenings postponed until further notice, guests can make donations of any size to the community cinema now.

39 Deptford Broadway, SE84PQ, deptfordcinema.org

Rich Mix

Memberships are available from £35, including three free cinema tickets and discounts at local shops and restaurants. Fans can also make one off donations to support the cinema.

35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, E1 6LA, richmix.org.uk

Rio Cinema, Dalston

Fans can purchase a Rio Donor Membership for £50, which lasts 18 months from when the cinema reopens, and supports staff during lockdown. They can also book gift cards to support the cinema and make one-off donations.

52 High Rd, East Finchley, N2 9PJ, phoenixcinema.co.uk

Volunteer

There are plenty of community cinemas which rely on teams of volunteers to survive. Whether it be now or in future when they reopen, these places always on the lookout for new people to help out. Lack of experience isn’t necessarily an issue, with commitment and passion seeming to be most important qualities.

The Castle Cinema

The team at the Hackney cinema is searching for "brilliant, sparkly people" to join their team. They state that there are full and part time roles available, with the cinema looking to open up at the end of August.

66 Brooksby's Walk, Homerton, E9 6DA, thecastlecinema.com

The David Lean Cinema

Found inside the Croydon Clocktower, this cinema is one of the most enticing spots for cinephiles in south London. Running with a team of volunteers, the cinema is looking for people to manage its box office, as well as a treasurer, secretary and volunteer coordinator.

Katharine St, Croydon CR9 1ET, davidleancinema.org.uk

The Lexi

The community cinema is looking for volunteers to commit to a minimum of one three hour shift per fortnight, offering two free tickets in return.

194b Chamberlayne Rd, Kensal Green, NW10 3JU, thelexicinema.co.uk

If you are an independent cinema looking for volunteers, get in touch at Harry.Fletcher@Standard.co.uk

Private hire

While the majority of the cinemas below aren't hosting screenings at the moment, they're all now available for private hire. Make sure to double check with the venue when making bookings for socially distanced events.

Genesis

There are five screening rooms at the Genesis each available for corporate events and private screenings, ranging in size from 40 seats to 566 seats.

93-95 Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, E1 4UJ, genesiscinema.co.uk

Rio Cinema, Dalston

Rio can be booked for private events, with the 400 seat capacity cinema available from £275 per hour plus VAT.

107 Kingsland High St, Dalston, E8 2PB, riocinema.org.uk