The cult cinema is back

An ambitious repertoire, an intimate atmosphere, screenings without popcorn – in a few weeks, the Pioneer Cinema will recommence its operation within the “Krzemień” Community Centre. The premiere screenings are due to take place on 1 October this year.

“We received hundreds of messages and questions a day from residents inquiring about the Pioneer Cinema”, said Marcin Biskupski, Deputy Mayor of Szczecin. “This is why we have decided not to wait any longer. We want to give this cinema back to the people of Szczecin and to everyone who loves films”.

Preparations for recommencing the cinema’s operation began several weeks ago in the building at 2 Wojska Polskiego Avenue. Maintenance work and a thorough clean-up are underway. The toilets for audiences and staff have already been refurbished. The storage and administrative rooms have been cleaned, and the seats, carpets and curtains will soon be washed and cleaned. Discussions with film distributors will begin very soon.

“This is a huge challenge and it will take us years to complete the reconstruction of the cinema”, said Krzysztof Spór, a film critic. “We will make every effort to let Szczecin residents be proud of this place”.

The Szczecin Commune became the owner of the Pioneer Cinema at the end of the previous year. Under the documents signed, GMS formally began operating the cinema in May this year. Since then, analyses on its further operation have been conducted, including discussions with representatives of the Association of Studio Cinemas. However, as no agreement satisfactory to both parties had been reached in the course of negotiations, it was decided that the best solution would be for the cinema to be run by a city-based cultural institution.

“The great team, experience and the passion we have – all these make me believe that this project will succeed”, said Michal Giełzak, Director of the “Krzemień” Community Centre.

Screenings at Szczecin’s Pioneer Cinema are to take place every day, starting on 1 October this year.