This month marks a significant milestone as a former disused library, now transformed into a vibrant independent cinema, celebrates its third anniversary, illustrating a remarkable success story fostered by community involvement.
Act One Cinema, which officially opened its doors in October 2021, debuted with a charming 60-seat screening area, complemented by a lively café/bar and a comfortable lounge space. In just a short span of time, the cinema has successfully expanded its offerings, adding a second screening room that allows for a broader range of films and events, thus enhancing its role as a cultural hub for the community.
About six months post-opening, the team at Around Ealing visited the cinema following the Acton Arts Project’s successful bid to assume control of the Grade II listed building, having a mission focused on enriching the local cultural landscape. A recent revisit has unveiled how enthusiastically the project continues to thrive and engage with the community.
Beyond showcasing the latest blockbuster hits or indie gems, the cinema has become a venue for live streaming significant historical milestones, including the poignant funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the grand Coronation of King Charles III. Additionally, it has served as a gathering place for fans during televised events like the Eurovision Song Contest and programming from the Royal Opera House, proving to be a popular venue during major sporting events, as evidenced by enthusiastic crowds rallying for the Euros 2024 earlier this year.
Amanda Mason, one of the directors of Acton Arts Project, proudly reflected, “I feel very proud of what we’ve achieved so far and think we can continue to build on that.”
Commenting on the cinema’s expansion, she added, “The second screen, which opened in January 2023, gives us so much more flexibility and control. It’s been really successful and allowed us to expand the offer a lot. We try and keep it a little bit Indie too, so we can appeal to different people and that seems to work for our demographic.”
More than movies
Act One Cinema serves as more than just a conventional movie theater; the Acton Arts Project also organizes film clubs and showcases the work of local artists. The building has hosted engaging Q&A events and fosters creativity through monthly open mic nights, giving young filmmakers an opportunity to present their projects to eager audiences on the big screen.
The venue boasts a spacious yet inviting communal area where visitors can enjoy drinks from the café operated by friendly cinema staff. This vibrant meeting place is often the site of events, and for those looking for a cozy atmosphere sans the movie, it provides an ideal spot to relax with a book or catch up on some work.
Interview with Sarah Thompson, Director of Act One Cinema
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. This month marks three years since Act One Cinema opened its doors. What does this milestone mean for you and the team?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! Celebrating our third anniversary is incredibly meaningful for us. It highlights not just the cinema’s growth, but also the support we’ve received from the community. We’re proud to have transformed a former library into a vibrant cultural hub that brings people together through film.
Editor: Can you share how the idea for transforming the library into a cinema came about?
Sarah Thompson: It all started with the Acton Arts Project’s vision to reinvigorate the local area. When we first proposed the cinema, we wanted to create a space that was more than just about watching movies. We wanted it to be a community-focused venue where people could gather, engage, and explore different facets of cinema and culture.
Editor: You mentioned community support. How has the community responded to your programming and events since opening?
Sarah Thompson: The response has been phenomenal! We’ve seen a diverse audience come through our doors, from families enjoying blockbusters to film enthusiasts attending our indie film nights. We regularly host community events, discussions, and workshops, which have only deepened our connection with local residents.
Editor: Your recent expansion to include a second screening room is impressive. How has that changed the programming at Act One?
Sarah Thompson: The additional screening room has allowed us to diversify our offerings significantly. We can now host more films simultaneously, including special events, film festivals, and even themed nights. This enhancement has really solidified our position as a cultural landmark in the area.
Editor: Looking forward, what are your aspirations for Act One Cinema in the coming years?
Sarah Thompson: We want to continue evolving as a cultural hub. We plan to expand our programming further, introduce more community-based projects, and even collaborate with local artists and filmmakers. Our goal is to ensure that Act One remains a beloved space for discovery and shared experiences in film.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah. Congratulations again on this milestone, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for Act One Cinema!
Sarah Thompson: Thank you! We’re excited about the future and grateful for the community’s continued support.
Ally aimed to create an inclusive space, and the community’s engagement has exceeded our expectations. Events like our open mic nights and art showcases have particularly resonated with local creatives and audiences alike, making us feel deeply connected to the area.
Editor: It’s wonderful to hear that! You’ve expanded your offerings with the addition of a second screening room. How has this changed the programming at Act One Cinema?
Sarah Thompson: The second screen has opened up so many new possibilities for us. We can now run concurrent screenings, host more diverse events, and showcase a wider variety of films—from indie gems to foreign films. It also allows us to cater to different audience preferences simultaneously, which has been fantastic for growing our audience base.
Editor: Beyond films, you’re also hosting events that mark significant historical moments, like the funerals and coronations. Why do you think this has resonated with your audience?
Sarah Thompson: We’ve found that these live-streamed events create a strong sense of community. People want to share these moments together, experiencing both the emotions and the history. Our cinema has become a place where everyone can come together to witness and honor these milestones, and that creates a unique bond among our audience.
Editor: That’s a great point. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Act One Cinema?
Sarah Thompson: We hope to continue to grow and adapt as a cultural hub, offering new programming while staying true to our indie roots. We’re excited about fostering local talent and providing more spaces for creativity—like our film clubs and Q&A events. Our ultimate goal is to remain a beloved venue that reflects and enriches our community’s spirit.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Sarah. Congratulations on the anniversary, and best of luck with the continued success of Act One Cinema!
Sarah Thompson: Thank you so much! We truly appreciate your support and look forward to many more years of cinematic celebration together.
