As a proudly independent cinema and venue serving the brilliant film and wider creative community in our city, we’re super grateful to have had support from the army of loyal and committed movie fans out there in Birmingham and the Midlands.
You’ve been amazing throughout the last two years, coming through for us in the most difficult of times.
We all know that the cinema industry has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past few years and the challenges we have had to meet have been immense to ensure the survival of one of the few truly independent cinemas in central Birmingham.
As we emerge from the Covid pandemic, we’re now looking to secure our future and we're thrilled to be sharing some very exciting plans which we want you to be a part of.
Since opening in 2015, The Mockingbird Cinema has hosted hundreds of independent and major blockbuster film showings, regional and national premieres including for BBC television productions, ‘in conversation with’ events and panel discussions, live editing workshops, movie marathons – including back to back Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings presentations, outdoor film offerings, and even dog-friendly screenings.
Our remit has always been to serve and embrace the needs of Birmingham film-makers, film lovers and provide a platform for films that are outside the mainstream promoting diversity.
We have a vision to develop a second screen offering to complement our 98-seat cinema, right here on-site at The Custard Factory in the heart of Digbeth, so we can grow our programming - and we want to ask you to back both The Mockingbird Cinema and the film community by getting behind our Crowdfunder campaign.
Moving forward with a second screen model allows us to fulfil this vision, meet the challenges of a rapidly changing industry, ensure that independent cinema continues to thrive in the city region, and welcome even more movie fans in what is set to be an incredible year for Digbeth and Birmingham.
In return for donations to the project, our amazing supporters will receive rewards such as private screenings for family and friends, on-screen thank you messages and adverts in front of thousands of filmgoers for months, alongside ‘wine and cinema ticket’ goody bags.
Screen industries professionals – working with both the next generation of filmmakers as well as the blockbuster productions that visit the city – have pledged their support for us.
We hope you can support us in realising this exciting next step in our journey too.
Thank you - from all of us at The Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham.
“Since setting up the school in Digbeth, Lee and the team have been incredibly supportive. We have hosted open days, lectures and attended film screenings and Q&As at The Mockingbird Cinema.
“I’m delighted the second screen is coming soon. Please join me in supporting them - just as they support the Digbeth community.”
- Hannah Stevenson, Principal at the newly established Screen and Film School Birmingham
“The Mockingbird Cinema is one the unsung heroes of Digbeth and Birmingham's cultural and entertainment landscape.
“The venue has played an integral part in our festival over the last few years, and audiences always love the laid back atmosphere and vibe there.
“We're massively grateful for their support, and a second screen would be nothing less than this city's indie film scene deserves. Please do contribute if you can.”
- Sam Groves, Head of Programme for Flatpack Festival
“It’s such great news The Mockingbird is planning a second screen.
"As an affordable option for film makers to share and premiere their films in the city it’s important that its future is secure through investment from fans.”
- Sindy Campbell, Head of Film Birmingham
