Belmont Cinema has been a part of Sarah Dingwall’s life as far back as she can remember.
It was where she introduced her son Robert to the magic of the movies about 20 years ago.
Sitting in that dark room in 2005, their eyes locked on Wallace and Gromit’s adventures with a “were-rabbit”, Sarah never imagined that decades later she would be tasked with saving the cinema.
In the months to come, the 54-year-old will be leading efforts to raise the £2 million needed to reboot the Belmont Street venue.
Her starring role as the newly appointed fundraising boss will be essential in plans to reopen it within a year.
‘The Belmont is too important to lose – I just had to get involved’
Perhaps naturally, the conversation starts with Sarah’s love for cinema and her fond memories of the Belmont – which “feels like home”.
Her cinephile credentials show right out the gate, discussing this year’s Oscar nominee Poor Things and her favourite film, the 2002 French documentary Etre et Avoir.
Like many others, the mum of two was “devastated” when the venue closed in 2022 – so she felt compelled to dive in and help rescue it.
“You don’t realise how important it is until you lose it,” Sarah sighs.
“Aberdeen deserves an independent cinema, and bringing back the Belmont will help us create a legacy for future generations.”
But what makes her the best person for the job?
Sarah and Dallas King, trustee for the Belmont Community Cinema group, admit that reaching their £2m target will be no small feat.
The cash is expected to cover a major revamp, as well as necessary upgrades to the equipment and running costs for its first six months.
But the magnitude of the project doesn’t scare Sarah.
With more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, she has one or two tricks up her sleeve to complete the “mission she believes in”.
And the greatest evidence of that sits at the heart of Aberdeen University’s campus.
Sarah played a fundamental part in raising £57m for the Sir Duncan Rice Library – a project she deeply cared about as an alumna.
The polished glass structure replaced the crumbling Queen Mother library, which was “small, old and no longer fit for purpose”.
“It was a huge philanthropic endeavour,” Sarah says.
“This is what drives me – having a cause or a mission that I believe in, and helping something that can do good for others.”
And this passion and devotion is exactly what will help her achieve the Belmont group’s goal.
What do you miss most about Belmont Cinema? Let us know in our comments section below.
What’s the next step for the Belmont?
The first stage of the campaign includes getting prominent organisations and individuals to pledge cash.
This will probably be their biggest challenge – but Sarah is confident people’s generosity will shine through.
Once they have reached half of the target, there will be opportunities for the public to get involved with crowdfunding, events and other initiatives.
‘It’s a collective effort and I’m convinced we will succeed’
There is a long road ahead, but Sarah is certain they will succeed.
Her secret weapon is her optimism, backed by a “diverse team of brilliant people”.
She adds: “Everyone is responsible for it – not only the board and people who are working at the Belmont, but everyone in Aberdeen who loves cinema.
“It’s a wonderful challenge, and I’m convinced we will succeed.”
Those interested in supporting the fundraising campaign can get in touch with Sarah and the Belmont Cinema team via email on info@belmontcinema.co.uk.
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