The photograph above is not a cinema museum.

It is the interior of the Penistone Paramount, a working picture house that has welcomed audiences continuously, for over a century. 

Across Britain, independent cinemas like this are facing increasing financial pressures. If we do not act now, our historic venues will be lost forever.

Independent cinemas face mounting pressures. Rising operating costs, shrinking theatrical release windows, and distribution models. All designed around large multiplex chains, making it increasingly harder for smaller / independent venues to survive.

Single-screen and heritage cinemas are often required to commit to lengthy screening runs for major releases, while receiving only a fraction of ticket revenue during the crucial opening weeks. At the same time, films are reaching streaming platforms faster than ever before, leaving independent cinemas carrying much of the financial risk.

Without action, more cinemas will close.

When an independent cinema disappears, communities lose far more than a screen. They lose a cultural asset, a social space, local jobs, educational opportunities and an important part of their heritage.

We call on the UK Government and cultural bodies to:

•Review the challenges facing independent cinemas and heritage picture houses.

•Explore fairer access to film releases for single-screen and community venues.

•Encourage greater flexibility in distribution agreements for independent cinemas.

•Recognise historic cinemas as important cultural assets worthy of protection and support.

•Develop policies that help independent cinemas remain sustainable for future generations.

Britain has a proud cinema heritage. From grand picture palaces to community-run theatres, these venues have entertained, educated and inspired audiences for more than a century.

If we do nothing, many of them may not survive another generation.

Please sign this petition and help protect Britain’s independent cinemas and heritage picture houses before more of them disappear forever.