Edinburgh’s beloved Filmhouse cinema is poised to reopen its doors on 27 June, nearly three years after a shock closure threatened its future and left Scotland’s film community reeling.
The much-anticipated comeback follows an ambitious £2 million refurbishment and a groundswell of public and industry support that has secured the venue’s place at the heart of the capital’s cultural life for decades to come.
First opened in 1978 in a converted church on Lothian Road, the Filmhouse has long been a cornerstone of independent, international, and arthouse cinema in Scotland. Its closure in October 2022, following the collapse of its parent charity, the Centre for the Moving Image, sparked a passionate campaign to save the venue.
Thanks to a combination of government grants, community fundraising, and celebrity backing, the cinema’s future is now assured with a new 25-year lease and a revitalised vision.
Major Renovations and Expanded Facilities
The extensive refurbishment has transformed both the interior and exterior of the building. Key improvements include:
- A reduction in overall seating from around 450 to 350, providing larger, more comfortable seats and increased legroom.
- Three fully refurbished screens ready for the June reopening, with a fourth, more intimate 24-seat screen for private events set to launch in July.
- Upgraded technical capabilities and a redesigned foyer to enhance the visitor experience.
- A revamped Filmhouse Bar, seating up to 100 and focusing on locally sourced, sustainable food and drink.
The overhaul also addressed essential repairs to the roof and stonework, ensuring the building’s longevity. Fundraising continues for further energy efficiency upgrades, with the “Open the Doors!” crowdfunding campaign already raising over £324,000.
The Filmhouse’s reopening is more than just a return to business; it’s a reaffirmation of its role as a cultural hub. The cinema will resume its tradition of showcasing films missed during its closure and promises a diverse slate of screenings, including live theatre and opera broadcasts.
It will also expand its educational outreach, partnering with local film schools and festivals such as the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Take One Action, and the Edinburgh Short Film Festival.
Widespread Support and Optimism
The campaign to save the Filmhouse attracted high-profile support from actors and filmmakers including Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson.
Their advocacy, combined with significant public and government backing – including £1.5 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund – was instrumental in securing the cinema’s future.
Andrew Simpson, the Filmhouse’s executive director, summed up the mood: “The love for Filmhouse never went away; it was just waiting to be reignited. The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond.
“We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone.”
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, added: “This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people to enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city.”
Looking Ahead
With its doors set to reopen on 27 June, the Filmhouse is ready to reclaim its place as the beating heart of Edinburgh’s film culture – restored, reimagined, and more welcoming than ever
