Historic Edinburgh Filmhouse to reopen following £2m refurbishment

Edinburgh’s independent cinema Filmhouse is reopening after a major refurbishment and a fundraising campaign to save the venue.

The historic cinema, which closed in October 2022, has undergone a £2m transformation that includes expanded facilities, updated technical capabilities, and improved visitor comfort.

The venue will reopen on June 27 with three refurbished screens and public areas, with a fourth smaller screen scheduled to open in July.

Originally a three-screen venue, the revamped Filmhouse will now offer four screens in total, including a new intimate space with 24 seats designed for private screenings and hires. The total seating capacity will be around 350.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “It is wonderful that the Filmhouse will be opening its doors once again. I am sure that many people across Edinburgh and beyond will be looking forward to this event.

“This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city. I look forward to seeing the programme of events that will be on offer once the Filmhouse opens for business.”

Filmhouse has long been a cultural hub for Edinburgh and Scotland’s film community, showcasing independent, international, and arthouse cinema alongside local film festivals.

The reopening programme will feature many films missed during its closure and promises a diverse range of screenings, including live theatre and opera broadcasts.

The refurbishment was funded through a combination of public grants, community fundraising, and private donations. The ‘Open the Doors!’ crowdfunding campaign alone raised over £324,000, supported by thousands of film lovers locally and globally.

Supporters of the cinema include notable Scottish actors and filmmakers such as Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson, all of whom backed the campaign to save the venue.

The UK Government’s Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund contributed £1.5m, alongside funding from Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council.

A long-term lease was secured with the building’s owners, Caledonian Heritable, ensuring Filmhouse’s presence on Lothian Road for at least 25 years.

The building itself, a repurposed church dating back to 1978, has been carefully restored, including roof and stonework repairs.

Inside, new seating offers extra legroom and comfort, and the foyer has been redesigned.

The Filmhouse Bar, a popular social spot, has been refurbished to seat 100 people and will continue to serve locally sourced food and drinks, with an emphasis on sustainability.

The cinema also plans to expand its educational outreach with a dedicated learning and engagement officer and partnerships with film schools.

New leadership has been appointed to guide Filmhouse into its next chapter, including executive director Andrew Simpson and a growing team.

Mr Simpson said: “The love for Filmhouse never went away, it was just waiting to be reignited. The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond. We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone. Filmhouse belongs to its community, and we’re excited to welcome people back.”

Filmhouse is expected to play a key role in this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, with details to be announced soon.

Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “It’s blockbuster news that the much cherished Filmhouse in Edinburgh is re-opening its doors after three years.

“Thanks to £1.54m UK Government funding and much hard work from the Filmhouse team and partners, cinema-goers are set for a thrilling experience in a fully refurbished venue that meets modern audience expectations. I can’t wait to take in a movie there.”