As the nights get longer, and the days chillier there’s nothing quite like cosying up in a cinema to watch a film with friends, family or lovers.
And where better to watch your favourite flick than independent cinemas? East Sussex’s fantastic award-winning venues have their own unique character, atmosphere and experience. So, put your phones on silent, grab some popcorn and let’s raise the curtain on East Sussex’s independent cinemas.
Why choose independent cinemas
Independent cinemas offer more relaxed spaces with a wider selection of films than multiplexes: from ‘buzzy’ independent films to art house, world cinema, classics and movies by local filmmakers. This broad spectrum of films is sure to delight, entertain and challenge audiences of all ages.
For us geekier film enthusiasts, there’s the opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers and actors behind the films at Q&As. There are also clubs, discussion groups, and a range of cinema courses depending on the venue.
In fact, they are more than just cinemas, they are ‘important centres for culture, employment and volunteering’, says Paul Nunney, general manager at Hailsham Pavilion
And often there’s local produce, including beers and wines, to enjoy with the film or movie-themed event.
Your independent cinemas
The Electric Palace’s unique interior. Image courtesy of Jeff Pitcher
Electric Palace, Hastings
Opened in 2003, this movie mecca offers an intimate and period feel that includes plush 1930s golden-velvet seating, deep-red walls and soft lighting.
It hosts Q&As and live introductions and provides a platform for filmmakers in Hastings to screen their work and gain audience feedback. The eclectic programming draws from suggestions from its volunteers and audience.
A licensed bar offers a range of refreshments, from local ales to Fairtrade coffee.
Screenings are staffed by a team of 30 dedicated volunteers.
Learn more about the Electric Palace Cinema
Depot, Lewes (pictured above)
The Depot is a modern, 3-screen cinema, conveniently located next to Lewes train station.
There’s an outdoor space to relax before your movie, or to discuss it afterwards. Its programme includes mainstream movies, arthouse and independent films, world cinema, documentaries and classic films.
The Depot offers reduced-price tickets for young people and those receiving benefits. They also have Parent & Baby screenings, and Everybody Friendly screenings for those with additional needs who may find cinema trips challenging.
Hailsham Pavilion
The theatre first opened in the town centre in 1921 before closing as a cinema in 1965. It reopened in its current format in February 2000.
Today its interior is a homage to the ‘Golden Age’ of cinema. It includes authentic lighting, lower volumes and original heritage seating.
Time Out magazine rated the cinema the 5th best in the UK and Ireland. Lewes depot was 26th on the list, the only other East Sussex cinema to make the top 50.
The Theatre screens a full range of contemporary and classic films. This includes ‘World Class’ Event Cinema Screenings from the National Theatre, The Royal Opera House and other iconic venues.
Learn more about Hailsham Pavilion
Picture House, Uckfield
Built in 1916 in a half-timbered Tudor style, the building was originally used as a Garrison Theatre for local troops. In 1920 it was renamed The Picture House and has been used as a cinema ever since.
Relax, put your feet up and order food and drink direct to your seat. This three-screen venue’s programme includes modern movies, classics and live streaming of musicals and concerts.
The Lounge, a smaller, VIP room opened in 2020, and includes 45 high quality cinema seats.
The Saturday Morning Movie/Kids Club/Relaxed caters for children under 2, while there’s weekly Baby Friendly Movies for under one year olds on a Wednesday morning (during term-time only). Weekly subtitled screenings denoted by ‘ST’ are also shown
It won Cinema of the Year (24 screens and under) at The Screen Awards 2018.
Learn more about the Picture House.
Kino-Teatr, St Leonard-on-Sea
The town’s first purpose-built cinema was opened on 5 November 1913. It was renamed Kinema in July 1921. During the Second World War it narrowly escaped destruction twice, when it was the target of German bombers in 1943.
In 1952, it was renamed the Curzon Cinema, before closing in 1977. It was reopened in the 1980s.
The cinema caters for the thriving artistic and musical communities, showing regular art and music documentaries and biopics. Its programme includes new releases, art-house cinema, British independent films and old classics.
It has its own restaurant and bar.
Eastbourne Towner Cinema
Established in 2017 with the support of Arts Council England and Eastbourne Arts Centre, the ‘Towner’s’ programme ranges from mainstream titles to independent gems and classics.
It has a cafe bar, and hosts ‘cinema plus’ activities such as introductions, Q&As and programme notes.
The programme is created alongside partners and community groups in Eastbourne to mark occasions like LGBTQ+ History Month and World AIDS Day.
There’s permanent space for two wheelchairs and complimentary tickets for carers. An integrated induction loop is available, and it presents captioned screenings where available.
Learn more about the Towner Eastbourne
Seaford Community Cinema
This not-for-profit community cinema is run by volunteers. Programmes consist of Friday evening screenings, Sunday matinees, special events and National Theatre LIVE and Encore screenings. To make the cinema as accessible as possible, at least two matinees are shown each season.
It shows the best of world cinema, art house and selected contemporary film releases.
Located at Barn Theatre, it has raked seating, a big stage and bar facilities.
Learn more about Seaford Community Cinema
Pine Grove Pictures, Crowborough
Pine Grove Pictures (PGP) was created in 2013 to bring cinema to the Crowborough Community Centre.
Its first screening was in January 2014. Regular screenings of classics, world cinema and documentaries have been shown since.
This modern, well-equipped venue can seat up to 200 people. Its raised stage and screen ensure everyone gets a good view.
In 2021 it launched its Golden Oldies afternoon, a free Tuesday screening of ‘films from the past’. These screenings are for everyone, but aim to reach those living alone, people with special needs and those living with dementia and their carers.
Films start at 8pm, but its bar opens an hour before so movie-goers can enjoy a glass of wine and chat with friends.
Learn more about Pine Grove Pictures
Kino, Rye
The venue occupies a former Victorian library and has three cinemas, a private function space, a large café-bar with a mezzanine lounge and a terrace
Kino is fully licensed meaning you can enjoy a glass of wine or a beer in the comfort of your cinema seat. It also hires its rooms for private functions.
Its programme starts on a Friday each week and is published on the Monday or Tuesday before.
Wheelchairs can be accommodated, but people are asked to call in advance to book the seats.
Grab a seat – to better wellbeing
So why not visit one on the amazing cinemas and take a minute to relax and – your mental health and wellbeing will be better for it. After all, connecting with people and paying attention to the present moment are key steps to good mental health.
