n 1925, a pioneering group of cultural visionaries – including filmmakers Ivor Montagu and Anthony Asquith, exhibitor Sidney Bernstein, film critic Iris Barry, artist Augustus John and economist John Maynard Keynes established the first film society in London, creating a space where avant-garde films, often overlooked by commercial cinemas, could be celebrated and shared with the public.
On 25 October 1925, “The Film Society” held its inaugural screening at London’s New Gallery Kinema showcasing Paul Leni’s German silent anthology film Waxworks, and Charlie Chaplin’s Champion Charlie. This historic moment laid the foundation for a vibrant, grassroots movement that continues to thrive today.
A century on, the UK is home to over 1,600 community screens – from major arts venues to pop-up cinemas in village halls and even garden sheds – putting the films and audiences together in every corner of the country. What began as a rarefied pursuit has grown into a diverse, inclusive, and creative movement that plays a vital role in the cultural life of communities of all kinds.
Cinema For All, the national support organisation for volunteer-led, community cinemas, is leading a nationwide celebration to celebrate the rich history and ongoing legacy of film societies in the UK. The organisation is calling on film lovers across the UK to visit their local community cinema in this special year as well as offering support for those who might want to set up their own – continuing the legacy for the next 100 years.
“For 100 years, community cinemas have brought together a love and a passion for film with the desire to build a community around the big screen,” said Jaq Chell, CEO Cinema For All. “They offer affordable, local, safe spaces for people to see films together, as an audience. With over 1600 community screens across the UK, they make an important impact on the film industry, on film education, on access to arts and culture and on people’s lives.”
Centenary celebrations include:
The 100 Years Gala – Millennium Gallery, Sheffield /20 September 2025
The headline event of the centenary celebrations will be a gala evening celebrating volunteer-led cinema, hosted by film critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon. Highlights include:
- The Film Society of the Year Awards
- The premiere of the short documentary “Rebels With Projectors”. Watch a previewHERE
- Plus more to be announced.
- Tickets available HERE
The Exhibition – Bloc Projects, Sheffield/16 September – 20th September
An exhibition featuring artefacts and illustrated stories of the past 100 years of community cinema.
Festival of Community Cinema – October – December 2025
A nationwide festival will run through the final months of 2025, highlighting the creativity and diversity of community cinema programming over the last century. A curated collection of 25 films – ranging from 1924 to 2025 – will be available for booking by film societies, spanning genres, eras and countries. Tickets to the general public will be capped at £3 for these screenings. Full details available HERE
Why is Community Cinema important?
- Community cinemas and film societies bring film to all areas of the country – 31% of community screens operate in rural areas, compared to only 3% of commercial venues.
- The support of home-grown film and talent – 25% of films shown by community groups are UK productions.
- A film society experience brings you together as a community to share the magic of cinema. Community cinemas bring back that habit of cinema-going, that was once thought lost.
- A community screening can be an inspiring and unique way to experience cinema. The passion and enthusiasm of the volunteer organisers comes through in many thoughtful and highly creative ways.
About Cinema For All
Cinema For All (formerly the British Federation of Film Societies) provides free guidance, tools and national advocacy to groups at every stage – from start-up advice to licensing and funding support. It champions inclusion, access, and innovation across the sector through:
- Coaching, training and bursaries
- Low-cost film hire
- Low-cost equipment hire (screen, projector, speakers) available from 18 nationwide locations
- Publications, toolkits, and educational resources
- Events, workshops and networking
