Hull Screen Threatened With Closure - 16.10.04 By Pablo Luis Gonzalez

Hull Screen, the only independent cinema in Hull is being threatened with closure by Hull City Council. For many years Hull Screen has had a diverse programming of films from several countries (including the UK), mostly non-Hollywood, but which are ignored by the multiplexes.

Hull City says that on the grounds of falling attendance it may have to close. Unbelievably, Hull Screen has, and never had, a marketing budget. Printed programmes are financed by the stationery budget. How can it be expected to attract an audience when few people know about its existence? There is no indication of it whatsoever even throughout the rest of the Central Library.

Some have a strong suspicion that the cinema has been systematically run down to the ground on purpose to justify its closure to allow for Phase 2 of the re-development of the Central Library. Worthy as it may be, the expansion of the library, ought not to be achieved by sacrificing Hull Screen, and depriving the city of its only independent cinema.

A major and culturally diverse city cannot claim to be so without an independent art house cinema offering a varied and non-Hollywood programming. If the City Council decides to close Hull Screen, there is the danger the only accolade Hull will merit will be as one of the top 10 most philistine cities in the UK. In addition there are at least 90 languages spoken in Hull (information gathered from translators and interpreters databases). The recent expansion of the EU has meant that there are also people from Eastern Europe living in the city, ie, there is every room for expansion of an audience.

The fact that there are falling audiences should not even enter the equation, this is a trend that can be reversed by targeted marketing (and programming). Do we want to live in a society dominated by multinationals, supermarkets, MacDonalds, big American petrol guzzling 4 wheel drive monsters and Hollywood blockbusters, all pushing aside, and eliminating if and when possible, the small producers of food, manufactured goods, retail units and a cultural output, all in the name of the market? I know I do not. Link: www.spin.karoo.net

I enclose a list of people to write to if you wish to do so. pabloluisgonzalez.tripod.com Write to:- Councillor David Gemmell Portfolio Holder for Quality of Life Southcoates East ward 45 Strathmore Avenue Beverley Road Hull HU6 7HL Tel 01482 804354 Email Councillor.Gemmell@hullcc.gov.uk Brian Hayton Head of Cultural Services c/o Ferens Art Gallery Queen Victoria Square Hull HU1 3RA Tel 01482 613902 Fax 01482 613710 Email museums@hullcc.gov.uk Paul Holloway City Arts Officer Kingston-upon-Hull City Council Central Library Albion Street Hull HU1 3TF Tel 01482 616875 Email paul.holloway@hullcc.gov.uk

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