Camouflage Rooftop Cinema will screen films on the Moorings Sociable Club’s roof terrace. Residents will be able to enjoy a range of different movies in the fresh air – although the programme starts on Friday 30 January with a one-off indoor screening since the air is currently slightly too fresh!
Films will be shown on a big screen, with cinemagoers listening to the audio through headphones to keep the noise levels down for neighbours.
The rooftop cinema is being organised by the team behind Camouflage Cafe. Just like the cafe, the cinema will be run by young adults with learning disabilities.
“Going to the cinema is expensive for families,” said Kemi Madumere, co-founder of the cafe and its offshoot cinema. “When you look at the costs for a family of four, for many families it’s impossible.
“We’ll be showing affordable, blockbuster films for families to enjoy. More importantly, our young adults will get work experience because they will be running the cinema.
“All the setting up, the ticket team, serving food and clearing up will be done by young adults with learning disabilities. Creating those opportunities is behind everything we do.”
The cinema is launching after securing funding from Black Culture Collective's Connected Communities Commission. The commission, which is sponsored by Peabody, supports the delivery of African and Caribbean cultural projects, workshops and community events in the town.
The rooftop cinema was awarded a grant in a round of funding to mark Black History Month in October.