Film lovers across the Highlands will once again have the chance to experience some of cinema’s most iconic classics on the big screen after Eden Court announced it is extending its hugely popular Cinema Flashback season for the rest of its 50th anniversary year.
Following the success of the original programme in May, which attracted almost 3,000 cinema goers, the Inverness venue will now host a classic film screening every month until the end of the year, with every ticket priced at just 73p, exactly what audiences paid when Eden Court first opened its cinema in 1976.
The extended season will continue to be shaped by the people who use the venue, with films selected from audience nominations in keeping with the community spirit that made the original series such a success.
Among the first titles to return to the big screen are Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park in July, Anthony Minghella’s The Talented Mr Ripley in August and Highlander in September, giving audiences another opportunity to enjoy much loved favourites in the way they were meant to be seen.
Paul MacDonald Taylor, Eden Court’s Head of Film, said:
“We were thrilled by the response from our audiences during the Cinema Flashback season in May, with so many people returning multiple times to see classic films on the big screen where they belong.
“The enthusiasm has been infectious, so we’re delighted to continue the season with monthly screenings right through to the end of our 50th anniversary year.
“Cinema is the best place to experience film and this series is a celebration of the joy of watching great films together as a community.”
The original Cinema Flashback season celebrated five decades of film by screening classics spanning half a century and quickly became one of the highlights of Eden Court’s anniversary programme.
One of the most talked about moments came when Academy Award winner and regular Eden Court supporter Tilda Swinton selected a mystery film, keeping its identity secret until the lights went down.
Her choice was eventually revealed to be Hairspray, directed by John Waters, accompanied by her own tribute to the film.
Tilda Swinton said:
“I chose this film for Eden Court because I know John Waters would love to think of being here with us in the Highlands.
“And because it’s chock full of vim, vigour and the silliest of fun.”
The decision to extend the programme reflects the enduring appeal of watching classic films with an audience, something many cinema lovers believe cannot be replicated at home.
For Eden Court, the season is also a celebration of its own place in Highland cultural life, marking five decades of bringing film, theatre and live performance to audiences from across the region.
Tickets for Jurassic Park, The Talented Mr Ripley and Highlander go on sale on Friday 26 June, with every seat once again available for just 73p, offering cinema lovers one of the best value tickets in Scotland this summer.
