June 2025
You might be surprised to hear that we have a host of established cinemas in Wales, 80 in fact. Now these come in different shapes and sizes. Some are mixed arts centres offering multi-disciplinary programmes, others are full time independent or commercial cinemas that specialise in film and some have occasional programmes.
We’ve not even got to the community screens yet; there are many more of these to mention (and we’ll come back to that in our next blog) but today we’re expressly talking theatrical.
So, where to begin. Let’s start by explaining that it’s our job at Film Hub Wales to support Welsh cinemas to bring the best UK independent and international films to Welsh communities year-round. We fund, train and advise film exhibitors, offering support where needed. We know a film won’t be seen just because it’s good enough and that’s where cinemas come in. Their job is to think about the audience. Who would enjoy this film, how can they be reached and what impact could the film have on local people.
Welsh cinemas are known for being at the heart of their communities, their eclectic buildings and rich histories. They generally offer much more than movies alone.
Take the Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn, Mid-West Wales, for instance. Having first screened a silent news reel in 1900 as the town’s Assembly Room, the building has evolved into a much-loved, unique, full-time cinema with house band, secret garden, and cocktail bar. Not only that – they also lead events in the rural community such as opening on Christmas day for local people living alone and create employment opportunities for young people in the town (we’re told their team love it so much, they often don’t want to leave!).
On to the North West of Wales, if you find yourself in Blaenau Ffestiniog, you have to pay a visit to CellB. Based in a converted police station, with two screens and a stunning backdrop of slate mountains, this place is bursting with charisma. Led by Gwallgofiaid, a not-for-profit social enterprise that provides creative training for young people, the site has a hostel, regular gigs and a wood fired pizza oven..
Over in the North East of Wales, we have to mention the impressive renovations at Theatr Clwyd, known as the largest touring theatre provider in Wales. You’ll want to hang out and take in the panoramic views of the town from their new glass-front building, visit their restaurant run by acclaimed chef Bryn Williams and of course, watch a film in their purpose-built cinema opening from July 2025.
We could keep going with this all day… If you’re in South Wales a cinema you can’t miss is The Savoy Theatre in Monmouth.
The oldest working theatre site in Wales, this beautiful grade 2 listed building looks like the cinema that dreams are made of.. Or if you find yourself in Cardiff, there’s Chapter Arts Centre, which has a huge year-round programme of indie film as well as experimental performances, exhibitions and café bar.
Over in West of Wales, there’s Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard. It’s an independent community theatre, supported by a passionate team of volunteers, with cinema, bar and café with a vast selection of events, with the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast just a stone’s throw away.
You could basically map out a journey around Wales, with a cinema on each stop. Sound good? To help with this we’ve put together a full list and a map to help you see where each cinema is. We’ll be highlighting them on our socials, as well as where you can find your nearest festival, film club or community screen.
If you run a cinema and you’re not listed below, this may be because you’re listed as a community screen but if would like to be added (or you would like to be removed from this list), please get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you. Welsh cinemas can also become a member of Film Hub Wales for free and apply for audience development funding as well as accessing training, networking and advice.
