Borehamwood's cinema has received more government funding to help protect jobs and allow the cinema to survive.
The Reel Cinema in Shenley Road has been awarded £115,385 by the British Film Institute (BFI), which has been allocated from the first round of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
Independently-owned Reel Borehamwood is among 33 cinemas across England benefitting from a total of £5m awarded by the BFI.
Culture Secretary and local MP Oliver Dowden said he was "delighted" Borehamwood's cinema would be receiving more funding.
Reel Cinema, Borehamwood
Mr Dowden was joined by the leader of Hertsmere Borough Council in October for a visit to the cinema after it was announced the cinema would receive a share of the government's £650,000 Covid-19 support fund for the independent cinema sector.
Following the most recent funding announcement for the entertainment venue in the town, Mr Dowden added: "This funding for independent cinemas is a lifeline of support, helping them as they transition back to a sustainable way of operating in the months ahead. Last year I visited with the leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Morris Bright, and very much look forward to when we can visit again."
Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden and Hertsmere Borough Council leader Cllr Morris Bright pictured at Reel Cinema in Borehamwood in October
KC Suri, head of Reel Cinemas, added: "It has been very important to us to pursue all opportunities to protect the jobs of every staff member at Reel Cinemas, and to enable the cinemas to reopen, when permitted, to continue to serve our communities.
"This is why we want to thank the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the BFI who have awarded us this grant from the Culture Recovery Fund. This vital funding will enable us to protect job security and to manage our business sustainability at this challenging time.”
Reel Cinema Borehamwood
Muhammad Faisal, head of operations for Reel Cinemas, said: "It’s been very tough on the business yet again, in this current lockdown. So, it’s with grateful hearts we receive this grant to continue on for our team and our communities."
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