London is blessed with an array of cinemas, with some particularly pretty independent varieties scattered around the city to make a lovely occasion in catching the latest thriller or comedy. The latest new cinema opening is a pretty special one, given the fact it will be London’s ‘first dedicated LGBTQ+ cinema’, and it’s due to arrive in the city by the end of the year.
Coming to Bermondsey, The Arzner – which is named after the pioneering lesbian filmmaker Dorothy Arzner who made early examples of films analyzing the role of women in society through the 1930s and 40s – is opening in the place of the Kino cinema, which was forced to close in January 2023.
The Arzner will be opened by Simon Burke and Piers Greenlees, who recently opened the area’s first LGBTQ+ pub The Rising SE1.
Piers Greenlees, Co-Founder of The Arzner said: “The UK film industry is globally respected and responsible for producing some of the most notable LGBTQ+ films. We are excited to provide a new cultural home for queer cinema in the capital.
“The Arzner, named after a forgotten legend and vital queer filmmaker Dorthy Arzner, will be a new cultural space for the community. We look forward to welcoming all to The Arzner.”
It’ll hold room for around 50 people in the cinema, and a further 150 in the cocktail bar, which will open alongside it. It’ll be a fully accessible space, too, meaning everyone will be able to enjoy the cinema and events at the venue.
Credit: @risingse1, via IG
Speaking at a Southwark Council licensing meeting this week, Simon Burke said: “We are currently the only LGBTQ+ pub in SE1 and this to our knowledge will be the only LGBTQ+ cinema in all of London. This licence will allow us to operate a safe space for all in one of the most LGBTQ+ densely populated areas of the country.”
There’s no exact date or an opening programme of films just yet, but The Arzner is due to open in Bermondsey in late-2024. You’ll find it at 10 Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN (nearest station is Bermondsey).
