It should go without saying that we at LWLies love cinema. Not just the artform itself but the physical, bricks-and-mortar movie houses where so many of our formative filmgoing memories were made, and which continue to deepen our affinity for the medium.

Back at the beginning of this year, it would have seemed unfathomable that these sacred spaces would suddenly be taken away from us. But due to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, many cinemas in the UK and around the world are now under serious threat, with many still unable to open their doors. But all is not lost yet.

On Saturday 12 September, the organisers of International Cinema Day are encouraging film lovers everywhere to come together and help save independent cinemas on behalf of the countless people who rely on them for work and artistic development. They have outlined their mission and listed the various ways in which you can get involved, which includes screenings, events, table reads and a raffle for an original David Lynch litho print!

Ahead of launch, we spoke to Tim Stevens from London’s Rio cinema about how the initiative came about:

“The driving force of setting up ICD is to link together as many important and historic independent cinemas and organisations, around the world. We’re making a day when the cinemas and those who love them can share in the communal experience, the same one you feel when you watch a film in a room full of strangers. Many of the cinemas involved, especially in the US, are still closed, and those in Europe are only just starting to open again after months of uncertainty.

“We are bringing together these glorious picture palaces into one space, in an attempt to raise money, sell tickets and shine a light on these small business, so once again we can all open our doors. Through the website and the kind and generous support of filmmakers such as Mark Jenkin (director of Bait), Wakaliwood Studios, Edgar Wright, to name but a few, cinema lovers can find many ways in which to support these venues.

“Each cinema has a page full of links to buy memberships, merchandise and most importantly or all, tickets! We’re nothing with out the people. Those cinemas who are fortunate enough to screen films will be celebrating on 12 September, so if one is close to you please support, and see a film.”

To commemorate ICD, visual artist and renowned film poster designer Akiko Stehrenberger has kindly created a poster which we’re thrilled to be able to reveal exclusively below. This will be available to purchase via the ICD website as a poster and t-shirt print, with all proceeds going to cinemas taking part.

International Cinema Day can be celebrated at home or at your local cinema. To show your support, post your most memorable cinematic experience on social media using the tags #internationalcinemaday2020 ​@day_cinema​, and challenge three friends to join in on the celebration.

Find out more at internationalcinemaday.com

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