Cinema at Towner thriving a year after opening doors

Funded by the Arts Council, the cinema at Eastbourne’s art gallery shows a range of films from black and white classics, family favourites and new releases.

Kate Wood, who organises the programme for Towner’s cinema, said the cinema is still very much ‘the new kid on the block and, “The first year has been a really, really positive experience but a challenging one.

We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone and some people have thanked us for putting films on. It is exciting to have people engaging.”

Kate describes it as a ‘grown-up trip to the cinema’ as there are 84 comfortable seats, brilliant acoustics and a bar. Cinema-goers can have a drink before or after and take their drinks in with them to enjoy during the film.

Kate added, “I would describe it as cosy.”

The cinema, until recently, was only showing films in the day, but has now started an evening showing this autumn.

Kate said, “The Curzon is so loved by the people of Eastbourne and we are not trying to replicate what they are doing.

“We are offering something different in Eastbourne.”

The cinema is showing a number of art documentaries to link with the exhibitions which is popular with their regular visitors.

They are also screening some film classics and teaming up with the University of Sussex to include an introduction from an academic in the university’s film department before the movie starts.

They have also been working with Bourne Out and Eastbourne Rainbow to have an LGBT strand at the cinema.

Kate says the LGBT films have been really popular and they are developing that area further.

She said, “We really are trying to reach out to everyone.”

Joe Hill, the Towner’s new director, is keen to make the gallery more accessible and welcoming to all and the cinema is just one of the ways they are achieving this.

To find out more visit www.townereastbourne.org.uk/events/film.