Cranbrook’s Secret Cinema: Kent’s Best-Kept Film Secret

Kent’s Best Kept Secret: A Cinematic Experience Like No Other

Forget endless scrolling on streaming services. In the heart of Kent, a unique cinematic experience is unfolding, offering film lovers a chance to rediscover the magic of the silver screen with a twist of mystery. The Cranbrook Secret Cinema Club, a community-driven initiative, provides a refreshing alternative to the modern movie-watching landscape.

The Allure of the Unknown

The premise is simple yet captivating: attendees purchase a ticket without knowing which film will be screened. The title remains a closely guarded secret until the opening credits roll, adding an element of surprise and anticipation to the evening. This intriguing concept is the brainchild of Toby Davies, an award-winning screenwriter with a passion for film and a desire to revive the communal experience of cinema. Davies, whose credits include acclaimed shows like Horrible Histories and The Adventures of Paddington, believes that subscription services often detract from the intended cinematic experience. He champions the idea of stumbling upon a film, much like discovering a hidden gem on television.

A Community Affair

The Cranbrook Secret Cinema Club operates on the last Sunday of each month, transforming the Grade II-listed Church House on Stone Street into a cosy, makeshift cinema. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the charming, community-driven cinemas often depicted in films and television shows – think fairy lights, mismatched chairs, and a sense of shared excitement.

Beyond the Film: A Themed Delight

The experience extends beyond the film itself. Upon arrival, guests can indulge in themed cocktails with playfully suggestive names like “Mission: Pimm-possible,” “Gran & Tonic,” and “Passionfruit Scam-tini,” hinting at the movie’s genre or plot. Each ticket includes a bag of popcorn and a selection of sweets carefully chosen to complement the film’s theme. Stefanie Potts, owner of Mrs T Potts sweet shop, curates the confectionery selection, drawing inspiration from the chosen film. For instance, when “My Cousin Vinny” was screened, she provided chocolate coins and mints packaged in miniature bank money bags.

A Resounding Success

The Cranbrook Secret Cinema Club has become a local sensation, with attendees consistently praising the carefully curated film selections and the sense of community fostered by the event. People often remark that they wouldn’t have chosen to watch the film independently but thoroughly enjoyed the shared experience. The club offers a unique alternative to mainstream cinemas, providing a space where people can connect, react together, and rediscover the joy of watching films on the big screen.

Bringing Cinema Back to the Community

Davies envisions a future where every town and village has its own cinema, regardless of size or grandeur. He believes that cinema can thrive in unconventional spaces, such as church halls, as long as there’s a screen and a dedicated individual willing to bring it all together. The Cranbrook Secret Cinema Club serves as a testament to this vision, demonstrating the power of community-driven initiatives to revitalize the cinematic experience.

A Recent Screening: Thelma

A recent screening featured “Thelma” (2024), a film loosely based on a true story and directed by Josh Margolin. The movie follows a 93-year-old grandmother who embarks on a quest to reclaim $10,000 lost to a phone scammer. The film boasts a talented cast, including June Squibb, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, and Malcolm McDowell. Squibb, at 95 years old, takes on her first leading role and performs her own stunts. The film’s simple yet well-executed concept, combined with its nods to the Mission Impossible genre, resonated with the audience, generating laughter and creating a memorable shared experience.

How to Get Involved

Tickets for the Cranbrook Secret Cinema Club are priced at £7 and can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis via the club’s website. Those eager to participate can also sign up to receive email clues leading up to the event, adding to the anticipation and mystery. The films screened are generally PG or Cert 12 unless otherwise specified.

The Cranbrook Secret Cinema Club offers a unique and engaging cinematic experience, reminding us of the simple pleasures of watching a film with others and the joy of discovering something new. It’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring magic of the movies.