**Edinburgh’s Filmhouse Cinema Set to Reopen Following Three-Year Battle Led by Film Lovers and Stars**
Film enthusiasts in Edinburgh are preparing to celebrate the return of a cultural landmark, as the much-loved Filmhouse cinema on Lothian Road is set to reopen its doors on 27 June. The news brings an end to nearly three years of uncertainty, after the art-house venue was forced to close in October 2022 following the collapse of its parent charity, Centre for the Moving Image.
Founded in 1978 in a converted church, the Filmhouse has become synonymous with independent cinema in Scotland. Its closure shocked both local audiences and the wider film community, prompting an outpouring of support and a global campaign backed by a number of high-profile actors. Over the past three years, this determined effort has seen the cinema, as many described, brought “back from the brink”.
A pivotal moment in the rescue mission arrived when the building’s owners, Caledonian Heritable, agreed to a new 25-year lease, ensuring the venue would remain a cinema for at least a generation. The signing of the lease in July 2024 was followed by a comprehensive £2 million refurbishment, which included a full internal overhaul, significant roof and stonework repairs, and a redesign of customer areas. As part of ongoing developments, a fourth screen will be launched later in July, increasing overall capacity to 350 seats.
The successful revival of the Filmhouse would not have been possible without a diverse funding package. Key contributions included £324,000 raised through the grassroots “Open the Doors!” crowdfunding initiative, £1.5 million from the UK Government, and additional private and community donations. Fundraising efforts continue as a few aspects of the project remain in progress.
Patrons such as Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Brian Cox and Emma Thompson have been vocal in their support. Actor Jack Lowden, renowned for roles in ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘The Outrun’, highlighted the importance of independent spaces for creativity. “Filmhouse is utterly dedicated to showcasing independent cinema. After hard work and resilient campaigning, it will once again become a space for Scotland’s filmmakers and storytellers to shine—a vital boost for our creative industries,” Lowden commented.
Andrew Simpson, executive director at Filmhouse, pointed to the extraordinary public response as indicative of the cinema’s deep resonance. “The passion for Filmhouse never disappeared—it was waiting for this revival. Our goal now is to renew our commitment to delivering exceptional film experiences to a broad audience,” he explained. Simpson also outlined the venue’s focus on comfort for visitors, with enhanced legroom, upgraded seating, a revamped foyer, and a completely modernised bar and restaurant area.
The Filmhouse’s reopening is being championed as more than just the return of a physical space. Margaret Graham, the City of Edinburgh Council’s convener for culture and communities, described the development as “wonderful news” and underlined its impact as both a cultural asset and community resource. She remarked, “The Filmhouse has always been a cherished institution for film lovers across Edinburgh. This renovation means more people can experience the joy of global cinema at the city’s heart.”
The bar and dining area also reflect a commitment to local and sustainable food, now accommodating up to 100 diners with a menu featuring Scottish and English produce. The reimagined space seeks to encourage both cinema-goers and the wider neighbourhood to reconnect with the venue in new ways.
As anticipation builds ahead of the grand reopening, the programming will initially focus on films missed during the past few years of closure, giving audiences a second chance to catch up on recent independent and world cinema highlights.
The remarkable revival of the Filmhouse stands as a testament to the power of collective action within the arts, showing what can be achieved when audiences, actors, funders and a city unite around a shared passion for cinema. With its doors soon to reopen, the Filmhouse looks set to reclaim its position at the beating heart of Edinburgh’s cultural life.