In a captivating tale of community spirit and determination, the reopening of a beloved cinema in Oswestry is shrouded in mystery and anticipation. With over £26,000 already raised, the Maona Art charity is on a mission to breathe life back into the Kinokulture cinema, which sadly shuttered its doors last year. The ambitious goal of raising over £54,000 is well underway, with hopes high that the venue could once again light up the silver screen by the summer months.
Director Tatenda Jamera of Maona Art is spearheading the effort, meticulously crafting a program that promises to captivate audiences once more. The buzz among the public is palpable, with Jamera noting, “The interest from the public has been very, very, very positive.” The yearning for a local cinema is evident, as residents eagerly await the return of this cultural hotspot to their town.
Individual donations exceeding £2,000 underscore the fervor and dedication of supporters, with one generous donor likening the cinema’s revival to a “lifeline” for the community. Jamera exudes confidence in reaching the fundraising target within the coming months, fueled by the unwavering belief that cinema is an enduring art form that weaves itself into the fabric of society.
Dispelling notions of cinema’s demise, Jamera asserts, “Some people are saying cinema is dead. Cinema is never going to die.” Emphasizing that cinema is not merely about watching a film but a vital component of social life, he envisions Kinokulture as a vibrant communal space where stories come alive on the big screen.
The charming Kinokulture, nestled in the heart of Oswestry within the historic Kingswell Chapel on Arthur Street, faced closure following the retirement of its previous owners. However, the enterprising Maona Art organization from Birmingham has stepped in, igniting a fundraising campaign to revive the cinema and transform it into a dynamic community hub.
As the anticipation mounts and the fundraising momentum builds, the prospect of Kinokulture’s grand reopening looms ever closer on the horizon. Stay tuned for further updates and be part of this heartening narrative of resilience, community support, and the enduring magic of cinema.
For more updates on this captivating story, follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Stay connected to the pulse of your community and join in the excitement as Oswestry prepares to welcome back its cherished cinematic gem.
