On a quiet backstreet of an English city, “The Little Cinema in Gloucester” chronicles two transformative days in the summer of 2023 when audiences flocked to the Sherborne Cinema for the releases of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This cherished single-screen community venue embodies the struggles facing independent cinemas across the UK, grappling with changing audience habits due to online streaming and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Owner Mark, a dedicated projectionist, reflects on his love for cinema and its vital role in uniting the community during these challenging times. Front-of-house staff member Sammy shares her perspective, capturing the vibrant atmosphere reignited by these screenings and emphasizing the urgent need to protect cinemas like the Sherborne.

As the Sherborne Cinema prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025, this short documentary stands as a heartfelt tribute to resilience, the joy of film, and the enduring bonds formed in the shared experience of cinema. It serves as a reminder that if we don’t cherish and support our local theatres, we may lose them forever.

CREDITS

Director, Cinematographer, Producer
Samuel Pope

Composer, Producer
Tom Crawford

Editor
Katherine Glynne-Jones