Writer Rachel Westwood / Photography supplied by Mockingbird Cinema
Birmingham has long been home to some great cinema venues in the U.K., hosting a roster of iconic independent venues like The Electric, MAC, and Mockingbird Cinema. A hidden gem of sorts, Mockingbird sits tucked away in The Custard Factory, Digbeth’s creative and digital workplace complex.
The Mockingbird Cinema has showcased everything from regional and national premieres to even dog-friendly screenings. Over recent months, the owner of Mockingbird – Lee Knabbs, set out to renovate and expand the establishment by developing a second screen to complement the 98-seat-cinema.
The Mockingbird team has been able to build upon the pre-existing programme, and offer more films to support and nourish the expansive filmmaker and movie fan community in Birmingham and beyond.
To allow the team to fulfill plans for a second screen model, Lee, in February 2022, began a crowdfunding event that was kindly supported by the loyal fans of the cinema. It managed to successfully garner £4,160 within 50 days.
Such generous support from the Birmingham community is what led Mockingbird Cinema to re-opening its doors on 29th April, whereby Lee and the team were able to ensure that local independent cinema continues to thrive.
Digbeth’s indie starlet is back with a completely new interior and vibe: the cinema now has a much more luxurious feel, but thankfully retains its Brummie roots.
I, for one, am very much looking forward to what’s in store for the future of a cinema with as much charm as it has eager filmgoers.
To see what films are currently showing at Mockingbird Cinema visit: www.mockingbirdcinema.com