The sequel: A new era for the Tyneside

Tell us more about Tyneside Cinema’s ‘new era’?

We are putting talent development at the heart of our work.

We’re committed to supporting the next generation of working-class talent in the region and creating pathways into industry through film exhibition and content creation.

We are also aiming to be a multi-generational community anchor – sharing global stories with local audiences and inspiring the next generation of creative talent in the North East. We want to build a vibrant creative ecosystem that nurtures and celebrates diverse voices through the power of film.

We aspire to be a national leader in re-imagining the business model of cinema on our high streets, attracting new audiences and generating profits that support our charitable objectives.

How will the recent investment from the National Lottery and BFI enhance Tyneside Cinema’s offerings and operations?

A mix of investment into our building to reduce our carbon footprint and be more efficient will help tackle rising utilities.

It doesn’t sound very sexy, but it will really help the financial viability and aid a heritage building like the Tyneside be more sustainable.

We are also about to appoint a new heritage and cultural producer, who will develop and deliver a 12-month programme of external events and lead on our new programme, ‘From our streets to our seas’.

This is a community curated programme across the region, celebrating local storytelling and family migration through film and food.

Are there any new educational programmes or partnerships planned that involve schools and young people in film and cinema activities?

Yes, we will work with local schools on the ‘From our streets to our seas’ programme.

We also have a couple of funding bids in development to create a content unit in the Tyneside. It will be a free-to-access resource for young people, helping fuel the next generation of working-class content makers.

You are the exclusive North East partners for The London Film Festival. Tell us more about what this entails?

We’ve linked up with Riley’s Fish Shack for a unique event to launch the 2024 London Film Festival screenings in the region. It will be at the Tyneside on October 9.

Attendees will be treated to a champagne reception provided by Lanchester, followed by canapes and oysters, before settling down for a screening of Blitz, the new film from 12 Years A Slave director Sir Steve McQueen.

This will be the first time that Blitz has been screened anywhere outside London!

Blitz will be one of 13 movies coming to the Tyneside direct from the BFI London Film Festival during October and ahead of their general release.

Other films due to be screened during the season include Papal thriller Conclave – starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci – and Barry Keoghan’s latest film Bird.

How do you see the Tyneside Cinema contributing to the cultural landscape of Newcastle and the broader North East?

We really want to play a long-term role in eradicating child poverty in the region.

We want to be able to contribute by providing pathway opportunities and good jobs, ensuring our programmes and recruitment are inclusive, open doors, and provide that step up for young people and families.

As streaming platforms rise in popularity, how important is it for film fans to support independent cinemas?

Absolutely crucial. We need to remind audiences that the cinema is social.

The Tyneside is a unique asset the people of the North East deserve and should have for another 80-plus years.

What are your long-term visions and goals for Tyneside Cinema?

Glorious memories, to be hailed as an exemplar cultural organisation, and continue to tell global stories to local audiences in and out of cinema.

www.tynesidecinema.co.uk