Chorley cinema's £115,000 award will help protect jobs

The award of £115,385 allocated by the BFI on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), is to help non-profit and independent cinemas in cities, towns and rural communities weather the disruption as a result of closure and reduced opening as a result of the pandemic.

In total, 33 cinemas across England will benefit from £5 million awarded by the BFI as the final applications for independent cinemas are processed ahead of the second

round of the Culture Recovery Fund.

The total of grants awarded in the first round of funding for the sector is £21,080,662.

KC Suri, Head of Reel Cinemas, said: “It has been very important to us to pursue all opportunities to protect the jobs of every staff member at Reel Cinemas, and to enable the cinemas to reopen, when permitted, to continue to serve our communities.

"This is why we want to thank the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the BFI who have awarded us this grant from the Culture Recovery Fund.

"This vital funding will enable us to protect job security and to manage our business sustainability at this challenging time.”

Muhammad Faisal, Head of Operations for Reel Cinemas, said: “It’s been very tough on the business yet again, in this current lockdown. So, it’s with grateful hearts we receive this grant to continue on for our team and our communities.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “From restoring Georgian lidos and Roman baths to saving local screens and synagogues, our Culture Recovery Fund is helping to save the places people can’t wait to get back to, when it is safe to do so.

“All over the country, this funding is protecting the venues that have shaped our history and make us proud of our communities, whilst safeguarding the livelihoods of the people that work in them.”

Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI said: “Across the country, local independent cinemas are lifelines for communities and often the only form of culture and entertainment.

"As well as bringing people together to enjoy the magic of the big screen, local cinemas are hubs for educational and film activities and provide thousands of jobs.

"The pandemic has made clear just how important local communities are and the support of the Culture Recovery Fund means that many cinemas will be able to reopen and play a vital role in local economies and regeneration.”