THE Rex Cinema in Wilmslow is looking forward to a bright future after being awarded £138,141 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

The Rex is among more than 200 independent cinemas across England being supported this Christmas with £16 million in grants from the £1.57 billion Fund.

A total of 202 cinemas have received funding so far from a £30 million pot allocated by the British Film Institute (BFI), on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as part of the biggest ever single investment in this country’s cultural sectors.

More grant applications from independent cinemas are also currently being assessed.

The Rex reopened on December 11 following the end of the second nationwide lockdown imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tony Mundin from The Rex said thanks to the Culture Recovery Fund and the BFI the cinema had been awarded vital funding to help ensure it had a bright future.

“We are looking forward to 2021, which promises to be a fantastic year for cinema,” he said.

Knutsford Guardian:

“The film industry, like businesses the world over, is going through a difficult time but cinema has always provided relief in times of crisis and this is no different.

“Films are somewhere to immerse yourself, engage with the world and share an experience with the rest of the audience in a safe environment.

“We are look forward to bringing the big screen to Wilmslow for many years to come.”

Cinemas will be able to apply for another £14 million in grants in the new year as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund. The new round of funding is in addition to the £30 million already being allocated by the BFI.

The BFI has been accepting applications and awarding grants to independent cinemas throughout the autumn.

Eligible cinemas were able to apply for safety grants, to help venues meet the immediate costs of implementing Covid-secure measures to protect staff and audiences, and larger business sustainability grants to help stabilise sites financially.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The magic of film is such an important part of the festive period and this investment will help protect our independent cinemas so they're around for many Christmases to come.”