New funding for north and north-east groups will help “strengthen cinema” across the country.
Screen Scotland’s Cinema Equipment Fund, made possible through the National Lottery, has allocated money to 24 projects in Scotland.
Atlas Arts, which organises film events and discussions across Skye and Lochalsh, has received £24,000 for its Plural Futures Film Project.
In Argyll and Bute, Colintraive Village Hall have been given £24,0000 for its community cinema project and Screen Argyll has been granted £12,000 to help buy new equipment.
In Oban, Phoenix Cinema has been allocated £22,000 and West Side Cinema in Orkney has been supported with a £9,000 grant.
And Eden Court Theatre will be able to upgrade cinema equipment as a result of a £42,000 boost.
When lockdown began, bosses at the Inverness venue said it was “the biggest challenge ever”.
Last night, Eden Court CEO James Mackenzie-Blackman said: “World-class films from world-class film-makers need world-class equipment and so we’re very grateful to Screen Scotland for this investment in our ability to deliver the best content on the best technology.”
Screen Scotland’s Jennifer Armitage added: “When we launched the cinema equipment fund last year, we had no idea what 2020 was going to bring.
“Investing in the resilience of Scotland’s film exhibition sector is now more important than ever.
In Moray, Universal Hall will be able to upgrade its surround sound equipment with a £7,000 award.
In Aberdeenshrie, the Aboyne Arts and Theatre Development Group has received £15,000 for its cinema project, while the Barn in Banchory will get £25,000 to spend on upgrades.
Meanwhile, the North East Artist Touring company has been given £22,000 to enhance its mobile screening equipment.
🥁 Community cinemas set to roll into action…
From the Orkney Isles to Galashiels, 24 projects are receiving support from our Cinema Equipment Fund towards new equipment that will help host accessible community #cinema across Scotland 👥
Details here: https://t.co/pLhSCKeNha pic.twitter.com/vR9UiJElgc
— Screen Scotland (@screenscots) June 30, 2020
In line with the Scottish Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance, all the projects can now begin plans to welcome audiences, as soon as they’re able, from July 15.
