The Filmhouse begins renovations, promising better screens, seating, accessibility to reopen in summer 2024.
The Filmhouse opened in the late 70s. It was in a converted church on Lothian Road. The cinema became known for arthouse films and then became home to a film festival.
The Centre for the Moving Image ran it. The Centre went into administration back in 2022 and the building was then put up for sale. “Open The Doors” campaign saved it with funding that came through by July 2024.
The Filmhouse will reopen soon and will operate as a stand alone entity. They signed a 25-year lease for the location and renovation work started in February. They are improving accessibility for everyone, and people will access screen two at ground level.
Heating and ventilation are getting upgrades. The cafe, bar, and toilets are also being fixed. The project should create 40 new jobs, and it is expected to open in the summer.
The Filmhouse first opened back in 1979 and grew from the Edinburgh Film Guild. It became a popular cinema over 40 years showing arthouse films.
It merged with the film festival in 2010. The Centre for the Moving Image took over and all closed in 2022 due to financial troubles. The building was sold afterwards.