Hackney's Hidden Film Gems: From Art Deco to Modern Cinemas

Hackney’s cultural landscape is deeply intertwined with its cinematic history, ranging from its early-20th-century roots to a thriving network of independent and community-focused venues. Today, residents and visitors can engage with a variety of film experiences that span from traditional art deco settings to contemporary, pop-up community initiatives.

The Legacy of Hackney Cinema

The borough’s connection to filmmaking is rooted in its industrial past. Between 1920 and 1949, the area near Regent’s Canal was home to Gainsborough Studios. Situated on the site of a former power station, the studios were responsible for producing over 170 films. This location is also notable for serving as the starting point for Alfred Hitchcock’s career before the site was eventually redeveloped into a block of flats.

Independent and Community Venues

Today, the cinematic tradition continues through several distinct venues across the borough. The Rio Cinema in Dalston operates as an independent art deco venue, recognizable by its 1930s façade. Following a refurbishment, it reopened in 1999 and maintains a diverse programming schedule that hosts film festivals including Kurdish, Turkish, Spanish, and Gay and Lesbian festivals.

In Hackney Central, the Hackney Picturehouse serves the community from 270 Mare Street. Opened in 2011 within a converted former Hackney Central Library, the venue features five screens, including what is noted as East London’s largest screen. Beyond standard film screenings, the facility also operates a top-floor venue known as the Hackney Attic, which is used for various live events.

For those interested in community-led initiatives, the Castle Cinema Hackney at 64-66 Brooksby’s Walk offers a unique model. Originally opened as a cinema in 1913, the venue was relaunched in 2017 as a crowd-funded community space. It operates with two screens, with capacities of 80 and 27 seats respectively. Additionally, for those seeking alternative viewing experiences, the pop-up project Das Kino hosts film clubs at The Old Baths community centre in Hackney Wick. This initiative focuses on showcasing diverse and affordable film practices that are not typically available in mainstream London cinemas.

Those planning a visit to these venues are advised to check official websites for current scheduling, as programming at independent and community cinemas often changes frequently to accommodate local festivals and specialized club screenings.