The new owners of Aberdeen’s only independent cinema plan to establish a film festival in the city.
The newly-named Belmont Filmhouse reopens today with the Edinburgh-based Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) at the helm.
CMI chief executive Ken Hay promised yesterday that the Belmont would be “the natural home for film in the city”.
He also revealed the cinema would be screening films as an extension of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).
Mr Hay said: “We run the EIFF and what we’re looking at is bringing some of the films to Aberdeen as part of the festival.
“We are looking at how we can work with the local film-making community and local audiences in developing a festival that’s fit for Aberdeen as well.
“Rather than just transplanting a bit of activity from Edinburgh, it’s very much about what kind of festival would work in Aberdeen.”
Mr Hay said there was no shortage of film-makers or audiences in the north-east to make the event a success.
“It just needs something to bring folk together and say ‘what kind of festival makes sense for the city?’,” he added.
“I’m not saying it should be an international film festival, but there’s no reason at all why it can’t be a festival that actually suits Aberdeen.”
Marketing and events manager for the cinema Dallas King said he was excited about the prospect of screening EIFF films. He said: “I think that would be a fantastic idea, if we get a couple of titles that we can tie in. Not only is it great for our customers but it also shines a light on Aberdeen.” CMI also runs the Filmhouse cinema in Edinburgh.
The Belmont was closed for four days this week as the lease and operating contract were handed over from Picturehouse Cinemas to CMI on Monday.
Mr King said bosses had also taken the opportunity to have “a complete switch-over in equipment”.
He added: “Brand new projectors have been going in so we get the best possible picture and sound quality.
“The idea is to turn the Filmhouse into a cultural community hub for filmmaking and other cultural ventures.”