The landscape of cinema is changing, we can all see it.
Walking into a dimly-lit theatre where posters and pop-up boards filled every wall and corner has instead largely been replaced in the last number of years by touch screen self-service monitors and digital advertising boards.
The many aproned counter staff who would tip shovels of popcorn into boxes or bags have been dwindled down to a mere handful. And if you’ve chosen to click and collect – you may have very little interaction with one at all before, in some cases, parting with up to £4 for a bottle of water – can’t even blame the sugar tax on that one!
The experience of cinema is very different today than it was many moons ago. And – like the moon – it just seems to lacking in atmosphere.
However, one movie buff and cinema aficionado from Banbridge has in the last year been working to bring the “experience” of film back to his community.
Instilling some life into the motion picture is former Iveagh Cinema Manager, Giles Conlon.
In July 2024, Giles – with a team of support – started Banbridge Community Cinema (BCC). The idea had spent years tucked away in his mind while he busily worked through his day-to-day as Manager of Banbridge’s, Iveagh Movie Studios for 15 years until the movie house was bought over by the IMC Group.
Giles then became involved with a “particularly big and popular” community cinema in Newcastle, where he works today as Co-ordinator.
And while it’s clear he loves his role in Newcastle, Giles knew there was room for expansion. He said: “I always just wanted to get back and get involved with cinema in my hometown of Banbridge again with the idea of playing less mainstream kind of stuff and the opportunity to put on documentaries and classic movies – the kind of thing you don’t see in the Omniplex.”
Working as a non-profit entity, Giles started a partnership with The Vault restaurant in Banbridge who allowed BCC to use their space for once a month film showings.
The premises had been their primary location up until recent renovations made the site no longer suitable for Giles’ growth plans for BCC. The relationship with The Vault, is still in place but they needed a new location for monthly meet ups that could accommodate the cinema’s increasing numbers.
Movie-goers enjoying drinks and nibbles in The Pot Belly beer garden
Earlier this mornth marked the first showing at Tullylish restaurant, The Pot Belly – where the evening was a “sell out” and an audience of approximately 70 people enjoyed a screening of The Blue Road documentary of Edna O’Brien’s life story.
Giles admits it was a “passion” of his to show more alternative content that wasn’t available locally – and so far it seems to be appealing to the masses.
Helping to oversee the operation of community cinema’s across the country is Film Hub NI who Giles works closely with and says also help to “come up with ideas, help with funding, sourcing and licensing for films”.
The concept is also mutually beneficial to the country’s hospitality industry, bringing welcome trade to the doors of restaurants and bars playing host to movie-goers.
Giles explains that people have the option of buying a movie ticket only or pre-booking a “grazing platter”.
Said Giles: “If The Pot Belly have a rough number they can provide the food and the bar is open before and after the movie. We encourage people to come early and stay after the showing to support the venue too.
“A few of the guests have said, “It’s only £5 for a ticket but I love the fact I can come here with a friend, we sit, we have cocktails, we watch the movie, have a few nibbles, get to catch up and then after the movie we could sit and discuss it together or with other people and have a few more drinks”.
“That’s what community cinema is all about!”
In the Newcastle Community Cinema, Giles says they have now also introduced live comedy nights, music and dancing and various in-person experiences.
And, while he says he continues to operate Banbridge Community Cinema “for fun” he has big plans to help it expand under the blue-print of Newcastle’s success.
Click here to find out more about Banbridge Community Cinema.
