Pine Grove Pictures announces their programme of films for 2016

In 2013, a small group of local people agreed Crowborough had been without a cinema for too long.  They decided to take matters into their own hands and start screening films at the new Crowborough Community Centre in the heart of town.

Next year Pine Grove Pictures enters its third year.  The programme of movies for 2016 includes ‘The Lady in the Van’, in which Maggie Smith reprises her acclaimed stage performance in Alan Bennett’s memoir.  Later in the year you’ll be able to see the latest installment in the blockbuster Mission Impossible franchise.

The Friday night films are shown once a month in the main hall with its big screen and surround sound.

One of the people behind Pine Grove Pictures Lin Lucas told CrowboroughLife:

Our audience want the most recent films.  About three months ago we asked for feedback, and we were told they wanted thrillers, action films and comedies.

However to ensure all interests are covered they have launched Pine Grove Extra.  On weeknights in a smaller venue in the Community Centre, they’ll be showing a selection of classics, world cinema, documentaries and art house movies.  In February you can watch the award-winning ‘Dark Horse’, the incredible true story of a group of friends in a depressed mining village who form a racehorse syndicate.

Another one of the volunteers who runs the community cinema is Rosemarie Simmons.  She explained:

Over the last couple of years we have introduced people to some films that they probably wouldn’t have gone to see.  One of our most popular films was a French film The Intouchables.  A lot of people said they wouldn’t have gone to the cinema but it was such a brilliant film.  Another example was ‘Pride’.  They really loved it.

As part of the Extra’s programme they’ll be showing ‘The Danish Girl’.  Star Eddie Redmayne is already being tipped to win another Best Actor Oscar.  On the night CrowboroughLife went along, Pine Grove Pictures was showing ‘The Theory of Everything’.  Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen Hawking won him his first Academy Award.  Pine Grove Pictures have left space in their programme in June to show one of the outstanding Oscar winners from 88th Academy Awards ceremony in February 2016.

Films start at 8pm, with the doors open an hour before the film so that people can enjoy a drink and chat with friends.

Lin Lucas explained why people go along rather than travelling to Uckfield or Tunbridge Wells:

It’s very much a social thing.  Many people come by along because there’s every chance they’ll meet someone they know. But it is also about the convenience of not having to travel far which is ideal for people who rely on public transport or are reluctant to go out at night.

Over the two years they have now been going, Pine Grove Pictures have been successful in getting grants to improve the equipment they use, including nearly £5,000 from the Community Interest Fund.  The not-for-profit group have just been awarded a further £800 from the British Film Institute.

You don’t need to be a member to see a film, but if you intend to go along regularly it makes sense to become a member as tickets are then only £5 (£4 concessions) and members have access to priority booking.  Members also have the opportunity to help choose the films that are shown.

Tickets for non-members are £8.  Tickets can be bought in advance at the Community Centre or at J&K Gallery in Croft Road.

Early in the New Year they’ll be launching a brand new website.  In the meantime you can see the full programme below (click on the link to watch the trailer).  Why not add the films you would like to see to your calendar.

Pine Grove Extra

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