There had been no cinema in Oundle since 1963, so it was with some excitement that Oundle Community Cinema was established by a small group of enthusiasts in February 2005. Now, seven years and some 500 screenings later, the venture has come a long way, both in terms of technical development, aided by grants from the Lottery and local bodies, and of the number of volunteers who have become involved.

Films at the Stahl Theatre, Oundle The central programme, of some 20+ films per year, is screened at the 250-seat Stahl Theatre in West Street, Oundle, which the Cinema hires from Oundle School for the purpose.

“Showing films worth seeing” is the Cinema’s aspiration, and the committee seeks to structure this central programme for a spread of tastes, with a balance of better-known, English language titles alongside a proportion of foreign language films from around the world, plus a few titles of more specialist appeal.

The Stahl foyer always has a social and friendly atmosphere on film nights - everyone can be assured of a warm welcome, whether coming on their own or with family or friends.  There is a bar, which opens at 7.15pm, 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets (£5 for adults, £3 for under-18s) can be bought in advance online through the Cinema website www.oundlecinema.org.uk or by telephoning or visiting the Oundle Festival office at 4 New Street, Oundle, 01832 274734. An outing to the cinema can be a spontaneous decision too and there are usually plenty of tickets available on the door. People having to make a car journey can always check ticket availability from 6.45pm on a film night, by ringing 07840 732112.

Links with local Festivals

Oundle Cinema enjoys collaborating with other local groups whenever possible, often screening films in conjunction with Oundle’s International and Literature Festivals. In December 2011, its team of volunteers had huge fun, actually producing a ‘film-into-reality’ entertainment as part of Oundle’s Christmas Cracker event.

The Outreach Programme

Soon after the cinema was established, demand emerged from villages wanting to screen films in their village halls. Oundle Cinema responded by investing in mobile equipment and, over the past six years, has shown films in 39 different villages. While there is not always sufficient demand to enable regular screenings to become a feature of all these villages, cinema has become wellestablished in around ten of them, with four-six films per village being shown every year for the past few years. This has offered opportunities for regular use of village halls in a way that can be a really cohesive influence on village life. Some communities feature afternoon screenings aimed at younger audiences, whilst others may combine the screening with a meal or a ‘themed’ evening, to reflect the selected film. What village audiences seem to appreciate most is being able to walk out of their front doors to see a good film only minutes away, in a friendly atmosphere. Audience numbers vary between villages and films, ranging from 20 to 75 or - on occasion - in excess of 100.

The ingredients of success for these village programmes include an enthusiastic organiser or organising committee, with an understanding of their audience’s taste.

More recently, villages have been encouraged to consider installing some or all of their own equipment, which makes setting up on film nights far easier and quicker. Oundle Cinema has been pleased to advise on the equipment specification and has on occasions assisted with the actual installation. It has also encouraged and assisted the training of projectionists from the various villages, bringing the whole activity further under the control of the community.

Volunteers

Volunteers are crucial to the running of the central programme in Oundle, staffing the

various functions of ushering, box office, bar and projection. New volunteers are always welcome - just mention your interest to the box office staff on any film night or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OUNDLE CINEMA TODAY

OUNDLE CINEMA TODAY