Rowley Regis Community Cinema
In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Country Touring partnered with Age UK Sandwell to launch weekly telephone film clubs. Olivia, Black Country Touring’s Community Cinema Coordinator, and Emma, Age UK’s Community Support Manager selected films for service users to watch remotely, with a phone conference call to discuss the film. This fostered crucial connections during a time of intense isolation for many older people.
Transitioning to in-person events in 2021, Age UK identified Agewell’s Rowley Regis Local Forum as an ideal venue for a community cinema. With financial support from Film Hub Midlands for the project, the inaugural screening of "The Last Bus" drew 28 attendees. A year later, Age UK handed over operations to Agewell, signifying the project's success.
Black Country Touring guided Agewell's cinema, establishing a monthly schedule and advising on funding and programming. Agewell secured their own funding in April 2023, covering technician fees, licenses, marketing, and a cinema screen installation.
Clive Atkins, Chair of Agewell Rowley Forum and Cinema Manager, expressed the cinema's community impact:
“The fact that we've now got this cinema happening on a regular basis is great, it's getting people back into the community and putting a smile on their faces, it's all that we ask for. Please come along, it's a light hearted and enjoyable afternoon, all are welcome! Thank you to BCT for all your assistance, without your help we wouldn't have been able to achieve this, and thank you to Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations for awarding the funding.”
Today, the cinema operates semi-independently, with Black Country Touring providing ongoing support. Effective partnership and community engagement have driven the Rowley Regis Community Cinema's success, informing guidance for similar initiatives. We look forward to witnessing Agewell’s continued impact on the local community.
