On the morning of Thursday 20 August, devastating news emerged from Romford: Lumiere Cinema, home of the Romford Film Festival and Romford Horror International Film Festival, announced that it was being forced to close amid an escalating dispute over its energy costs.
The reaction was immediate. Supporters, filmmakers and horror fans expressed their anger and dismay across social media, while members of the local community began appealing to journalists and political representatives for assistance.
Spencer Hawken, chair of the Romford Film Trust, which operates Lumiere, delivered an emotional video message explaining the crisis facing the cinema. Since opening in the former Premiere Cinema premises, Lumiere has created employment and volunteering opportunities, provided a platform for artists and filmmakers, and established itself as an important cultural venue for Romford.
Central to that mission are the Romford Film Festival and the enormously popular Romford Horror Film Festival. Amicus Productions, Hex Studios, British Horror Studio and The B-Team have all been proud to participate in these events. Recent films premiered at Lumiere include In the Grip of Terror, Mr Whispers, Black Chariot and Spoiling You.
As the news spread, members of the British Horror Studio team met to discuss what they could do to support Lumiere and help preserve its mission. The situation appeared increasingly urgent, with Hawken reporting that technicians were already on site in preparation for the electricity supply being disconnected.
Then, only hours later, came an extraordinary second announcement: the immediate crisis had been averted.
According to Hawken’s update, rapid offers of financial, political and legal assistance had given the cinema a reprieve. Local journalists, politicians and supporters had rallied around Lumiere, demonstrating the depth of affection for the venue and the importance attached to its survival.
The precise details of the agreement have not yet been made public, so it would be premature to suggest that every financial challenge facing Lumiere has disappeared. What is clear, however, is that the immediate threat of closure has been lifted and the cinema will continue operating.
For supporters of independent cinema, the day brought an extraordinary emotional reversal: from the apparent loss of a vital cultural institution to the joyful news that its doors would remain open.
Amicus Horror could not be happier to see Lumiere survive this immediate crisis. We extend our warmest wishes to Spencer Hawken, Natalie Bays and the entire Lumiere team, as well as our gratitude to everyone whose swift intervention helped secure this reprieve.
Long live Lumiere!
About Lawrie Brewster
Lawrie Brewster is a veteran horror film producer with over 15 years of experience. He leads Hex Studios, serves as president of Amicus Productions and runs the British Horror Studio project in collaboration with filmmakers from around the world.
As a filmmaker, writer and journalist, Lawrie covers Gothic horror, independent cinema and genre filmmaking, while overseeing interviews, editorials and features published through Amicus Horror.
