users

This is a space dedicated primarily to young people aged between 18-30, who have an interest in film, or are looking for somewhere new to go with friends.

The space will be welcoming to people of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, disabilities, ages and religions. The cinema will provide a safe space for people to meet up in groups and socialise, before and after seeing a film.

The space is primarily aimed towards people who enjoy watching and discussing film - perhaps a group of friends who like to watch films together for fun, or someone who is interested in developing a career in the film industry.

why will people visit?

People will choose to visit this space not only to see a film, but to immerse themselves in a different environment, and spend time doing something new with friends or family.

Some people may choose to visit regularly:

- People who are part of the Rotunda Film Club will meet every few weeks, to socialise, watch and learn about films, and share ideas. They will need space to meet and socialise, and may hire out the cinema or film booths for showing films.

- People who visit the space for regular themed film nights held in the Rotundas, including Queer Film Night and POC in Film Night. These film nights highlight lesser-known films focusing on aspects relevant to minority communities, and provide a safe space for people to come together in the cafe-bar before and after watching a film in the main screening space.

- People who are interested in working in film may visit the space every month or so to watch and learn about films. They also may hire the film booths to test screen their films.

Others may visit less often:

- People who want to see a specific film, or are looking for somewhere new to go with friends, may visit the space every month or two. They will need space to meet and socialise with friends, and will watch films in the cinema or film booths.

- Families and friends looking for a fun day out may visit the film museum to learn more about filmmaking and try it out themselves.

- People celebrating a birthday or special occasion may visit on occasion with friends and family, meeting up in the cafe-bar before hiring the cinema or film booths for a private screening.

What might inspire someone to visit a hidden cinema?

Escapism

- They are visiting to take their mind off of stress and anxieties in their own life.

- They are visiting to immerse themself in a completely different world.

Discovery

- The film is newly released and cannot be watched elsewhere.

- The film is rare or not widely known, and cannot be accessed through streaming services.

- They do not use streaming platforms.

- They do not own a TV or DVD player.

Celebration

- They are looking to hire a screening space for a birthday or special occasion.

- They do not have space to host an event at home.

- They want to make use of a bigger screen and better quality equipment for an event.

Socialisation

- They enjoy discussing films with friends and film allows them to connect with others.

- They are looking for somewhere new to go with friends, rather than going out only for food or drinks.

Connection

- They would like to meet new people with similar backgrounds or interests.

- They are looking for a place to regularly meet people to talk about film.

Exploration

- They are looking to work in film and want to find out more about the industry and film history.

- They want to discover new films and learn more about how they were made.

- They want to form new connections within the film industry.