Crosby Plaza community cinema wins BAFTA For the Love of Film 2020 competition

Now in its second year, For the Love of Film is a nationwide search for people whose passion for film makes them legendary in their communities. 

Crosby Plaza Cinema has been recognised by BAFTA as an initiative which uses the restorative magic of film to unite the local community.

Alongside low-cost admission to showings of all the latest film releases, classic movie nights and special screenings throughout the year, Crosby Plaza Cinema offers autism, dementia and disability-friendly screenings which provide an invaluable and affordable resource to local audiences.

The cinema also acts as an educational resource for young people aged 13-19, with a series of programmes open to schools and volunteer groups, leading to further training in film production.

The stunning Art Deco cinema first opened its doors in September 1939, only to close that same day, due to the outbreak of WW2. 

In 1995, after news of redevelopment reached the local community, Janet Dunn led a petition of 10,000 signatures to ensure the building remained intact, and continued to entertain movie-goes of all ages with most members of staff working on a voluntarily basis.

The cinema is now community-owned as an affordable and inclusive hub for local residents and film lovers, and operated by Janet and Martin Fol who were recognised by BAFTA and will attend the BAFTA awards ceremony in London next month. 

See what’s on at Crosby Plaza here.