Community cinemas take centre screen with support from Ffilm Cymru Wales

With National Lottery funding delegated by the Arts Council of Wales, Ffilm Cymru Wales provides support to independent film exhibitors to entertain and inspire people throughout the nation with a greater choice of films. As part of the organisation’s commitment to innovation, inclusion and sustainability, their Film Exhibitor Fund encourages cinemas and film festivals to develop their work in an evolving sector, connecting their local communities through cinema. 

Last year Ffilm Cymru Wales funded eight cinemas and film festivals, including Cellb’s celebration of Welsh film, music and language in memory of Emyr Glyn Williams, and Theatr Gwaun’s special cinema season to welcome a new community of film fans to Fishguard. In their second round for 2024/25, Ffilm Cymru Wales has now awarded Film Exhibitor Funding to:

Afan Valley Community Cinema for All

Following years of success at Gwynfi Miners Community Hall and Cymmer Library, the Afan Valley Community Cinema is now expanding to include Glyncorrwg Noddfa, bringing cinematic experiences to even more people with otherwise little to no provision. As well as continuing to provide free screenings to local families and schools, the community cinema will increase accessibility with subtitles and upgraded facilities for wheelchair users.   

Cardiff Community Cinema Club    

This new enterprise from a diverse collective of filmmakers, artists, musicians and event organisers will offer free screenings of bold, independent films at various venues across the city. Working in partnership with Future Arts Collective Cymru, Cardiff Community Cinema Club will make use of empty spaces and empower audiences to programme films addressing LGBTQ+ rights, global politics, anti-war activism, feminism and environmentalism. 

Chapter Arts Centre    

Maintaining its status as a hub for Cardiff’s creative community and Wales’ independent film industry, Chapter Arts Centre’s cinema will deliver a diverse programme of over 250 films, as well as hosting festivals, added-value events, accessible screenings and Welsh language films and discussions. 

Cynefin Caerffili: Sain + Golwg / Sound + Vision Popup Cinema

A visionary new cultural and social enterprise focused on transforming Caerphilly through collective creative activity, making the town a better place to live, work, play, and visit. Curated with local young people, the monthly pop-up cinema will be launched with a weekend of screenings, masterclasses and skills development sessions at underused venues such as The Workman’s Hall, Y Banc, The Twyn, and the Vanguard Centre. 

FOCUS Wales Film Festival

Taking place at Theatr Iâl in Wrexham city centre alongside the music festival and conference, FOCUS Wales Film Festival’s two-day programme includes feature and short films from around the world, industry panels, networking events and an awards ceremony. Expanding to two screens this year will also allow the festival to feature even more films showcasing Welsh talent.  

Llandovery Cinema

Before its closure at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Llandovery Cinema was a much-loved gathering place for local families, workers and older residents. Last year, the Hybu Llanymddyfri / Llandovery Initiative began the cinema's revival to bring the magic of cinema back to the community. With monthly screenings, Welsh-language nights, and outreach to low-income residents, the Llandovery Cinema will once again create a warm, inclusive space for culture and community connection.

Memo Arts Centre

The largest multi-arts space in the Vale of Glamorgan, Barry’s Memo Arts Centre will launch their new affordable and accessible Sinema Memo programme with a Welsh-language film on St David’s Day. Thanks to support from Ffilm Cymru Wales and the local council, the Memo will be able to offer daily screenings from their new second screen in Summer 2025. 

Sheba Soul Ensemble

The collective of film educators will host 12 FLY! Black Film Club screenings in non-traditional spaces across Aberystwyth, Bangor, Haverfordwest, Newport and Swansea. The programme will connect local communities with the work of Black filmmakers from around the world, and feature Q&As, creative writing, dance sessions and craft workshops.

Torch Theatre

Milford Haven’s multi-arts centre will run a Warm Spaces at the Cinema programme from February 2025, offering reduced price activity over the winter months. 10 weekly screenings of independent films curated by a community steering group will bring people together at the Torch’s cinema with free refreshments and post-film conversations.  

The Welfare / Y Neuadd Les

The 90-year-old community arts centre in Ystradgynlais will deliver their new Screen Social programme of events to provide shared cinema opportunities for people experiencing isolation, poverty and mental health issues. The venue will develop their relationships with local organisations such as MIND Ystradgynlais, Calan DVS and Learning Disability Wales to ensure the screenings are a safe and welcoming space for all. 

WOW Film Festival 2025

Wales’ longest-running film festival will bring world cinema to venues across Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardigan and Fishguard this March. While exploring themes of peace and trust through global cinema, the festival will include an Ecosinema programme of environmental films and discussions, and a selection of Welsh films. 

Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Chief Executive Lee Walters says “There’s no better way to share stories and experiences than with an audience at your local cinema, and we are proud to support these organisations making film the focus of their communities. In the coming year we will continue to adapt our funding to best meet the needs and ambitions of Wales’ exhibitors as they face new challenges in a rapidly evolving sector.”

In addition to funding, Ffilm Cymru Wales provides year-round support, guidance and opportunities for cinemas and film festivals. Their next online networking session for film exhibitors will discuss ideas for making Welsh cinemas more environmentally sustainable. Green Tea will take place on 20th February, and people can register to attend here.