IMPORTANT NOTICE - METRO/QUAD

The Metro Cinema re-opened at its temporary home, at the University of Derby's Heap Lecture Theatre on the 22nd January 2007. The cinema will close during March 2008. Prior to moving to Derby's new £10m visual arts and media centre, Quad, when it opens in late summer 2008. The new cinema re-opened at the Quad on the 28 September 2008.

ANNIVERSARY

QUALITY CINEMA

On the 15 January 2006, the Metro Cinema, formerly based in Green Lane Derby, celebrated its 25th anniversary. It opened for business in 1981, at the original site of the Derby Central School of Art, now part of the University of Derby, with a screening of the classic French comedy M. Hulot's Holiday, for an invited audience.

This was followed by the first public screening of Derek Jarman's version of The Tempest.  After six months the cinema was proving sufficiently popular to start a membership scheme, which is still running. Originally the cinema only opened on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, now demand is so great that it opens seven days a week.

Since then, thousands of films have been shown with over 200 different films being screened every year from over 20 different countries. From Hollywood classics to the cutting edge of independent films, the aim always being to bring Derby the widest possible range of quality cinema from across the world. For up to date reviews and full details of what films are showing, just click here.

In 2003, the Metro launched Derbyshire County Council’s “Derbyshire Film” tour - taking cinema out to venues across the county. It is now a strong scheme involving communities including Ripley, Wirksworth and Heanor.

CHOICE OF FILMS

INITIATIVES

The Metro seeks to provide a choice of films beyond the commercial mainstream, which enables it to bring to Derby a selection of quality titles which would otherwise never reach the city.

Once, the critical test "is it a good film?" has been passed, the three main areas are British films, foreign language films and American independent films. The planned move to new premises will extend the opportunities show more films.

In 2004, Metro held its first ever short film competition - Eat My Shorts - inviting anyone who has ever held a Derbyshire postcode to submit their work. It proved a success, and has been retained as it grows in popularity.

A progressive programme of formal education events and opportunities for lifelong learning has been established.  Metro works extensively with a range of communities in Derby, developing regional and city-wide initiatives, striving to forge active links and supporting local groups and organisations.

It is the cinema's core aim to make film more accessible to everyone. Metro is the only national cinema to have monthly British Sign Language Interpreted Screenings for the Deaf, and bi-monthly screenings for children with autism. This commitment to the community is rewarded by diverse audiences who see Metro as a unique, cultural cinema experience.

The Metro is a registered charity and is one of a network of national Independent Cinema's.