Local Cinema Network

Local Cinema is a network of community cinemas across Edinburgh, led by WHALE Arts. We support film screenings co-curated with and for local communities across a range of community spaces in the city, including WHALE Arts; North Edinburgh Arts, Duncan Place Community Hub, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Space @ Broomhouse Hub, Craigmillar Now and The Crannie Community Hub. The Local Cinema shared community cinema programme runs from August 2025 – March 2026, more details below. Tickets available directly at venues or via this link: https://linktr.ee/localcinemaedin.  The Local Cinema 25/26 programme is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Film Guild.

Local Cinema is delighted to announce the Local Resistance touring programme of archive and contemporary films that tours Wester Hailes, Pilton/Muirhouse, Leith and Craigmillar from September – December 2025. Hosted by WHALE Arts, North Edinburgh Arts, Duncan Place Community Hub and Craigmillar Now, expect a varied programme of stories celebrating a range of community self-organising and solidarity this autumn.

The Local Resistance touring programme is supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery.

For more background on Local Cinema and the Local Resistance touring programme, see this Film Hubs Scotland interview: https://www.filmhubscotland.com/news/the-local-cinema-network-building-solidarity-through-screenings/

For any further queries or questions, please email Local Cinema Coordinator Morvern at morverncunningham@gmail.com 

 

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New documentary Bill Douglas: My Best Friend had its Edinburgh premiere at Craigmillar Now as part of the Local Cinema programme on 27th September 2024. The post-film Q&A was conducted by artist and Craigmillar Now trustee Andrew Crummy, with archivist Kenny Munro and actor Alex Norton. 

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Tish was screened at Craigmillar Now on 18th December 2023, as part of the Local Cinema programme. Tish is a portrait of the visionary photographer Tish Murtha, who was committed to documenting the struggle and inequality of the working-class communities that framed her upbringing. Watch the trailer from the event and the full Q&A with the film’s director Paul Sng below.