‘Save the Cinema’ trailer: ‘Harlots’ star leads heartwarming Welsh movie

A first trailer has been released for Save the Cinema.

Set in a small town in Wales in 1993, the inspiring new movie is based in extraordinary real-life events.

Save the Cinema is described as a “feel-good story” based on the efforts of one woman bringing together a community to save the local cinema.

Samantha Morton (Harlots) leads the cast as hairdresser and linchpin in her local community, Liz Evans, alongside Tom Felton (Harry Potter) and Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes).

They’re joined by Adeel Akhtar (Les Miserables), Erin Richards (Gotham), Owain Yeoman (Emergence), Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes), Colm Meaney (Gangs of London), Rhod Gilbert (Have I Got News For You), and Keith Allen (Kingsman: The Golden Circle).

The official synopsis reads: “The sleepy town of Carmarthen in Wales is not exactly the first place to spring to mind when thinking of Hollywood blockbusters. But this changed in 1993 when the town council made the unwelcome announcement that The Lyric Theatre – the town’s much-loved but financially stricken cinema – would be demolished so a shopping centre could be built in its place.

“It’s down to Liz Evans, hairdresser and linchpin to the local community, to stand up for the ailing cinema and stop the bulldozers. As she and her friends barricade themselves in the theatre, she reaches out to postman turned town councillor Richard (Tom Felton) for help – and they come up with a grand plan.

“To revitalise the cinema and stop the council taking the heart of the community away, a desperate Liz persuades Richard to write to Hollywood to ask for a helping hand. One late night phone call later and one of Hollywood’s most legendary filmmakers throws The Lyric a monster-sized lifeline and a premiere Carmarthen will never forget. But will this be enough to save The Lyric?”

Watch the trailer:

 

Save the Cinema will be out in UK cinemas on Friday 14th January 2022.

It’ll also be available to watch on Sky Cinema and streaming service NOW TV from the same day.

A release date in the US hasn’t yet been announced.

Sarah Wright, Director of Sky Cinema and Acquisitions at Sky UK & Ireland previously commented: “Filmed in Wales and featuring the best of British talent, at its core is an incredible true story – one woman’s seemingly impossible dream to galvanise her community to stand up for local arts and all it represents, I cannot wait to bring this Sky Original film to Sky Cinema…”

Directed by Sara Sugarman (Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen), Save the Cinema has been written by Piers Ashworth (Fisherman’s Friends).

Fisherman’s Friends is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.