Live cinema is any kind of film screening with additional performance or live interactivity inspired by the content of the film*
At Live Cinema UK our ethos is that ‘the film is only half the story’.
This means we want audiences to have an experience, not just watch a screening.
Traditionally, live cinema was the norm – a silent film screening with a live piano accompaniment made film screenings unmissable in-person social occasions.
Live Cinema UK works to build on this traditional form of film exhibition, incorporating new and experiential forms of live cinema: be it dance, archive film, music, theatre or interactive technology.
Live cinema is the result of artistic and curatorial collaboration, producing a screening experience made up of both live interventions and film exhibition. Live cinema is rooted in multi-platform partnership, bringing together exhibitors, artists and audiences for a bespoke cinematic experience.
For further reading about Live Cinema we recommend Live Cinema Cultures, Economies, Aesthetics by Sarah Atkinson and Helen W. Kennedy, based on our 2016 Report.
*As defined in our ‘Live Cinema in the UK 2016’ report.