With just hours left, ActOne Cinema which opened in October 2021 at the former Acton Library, hit its target last night (31 August 2022) of raising £154,289 through crowdfunding to enable a second screen to be installed at the community cinema later this year.
Organised by Acton Arts Project, the cinema used Spacehive to help it raise the £154,289 from 446 backers with £85,000 coming from Acton Business Improvement District (BID).
Current pledges stand at £155,270 and the final amount is being added up and will be confirmed soon.
In a tweet Acton Arts Project and ActOne Cinema director Mike Taylor said: “A massive thank you to everyone who helped us with @ActOne_Cinema ‘s second screen. You’ve made an independent cinema in Acton a reality for decades to come. Give yourself a big hug and start the day with a huge grin. You’ve earned it.”
Since launching, thousands of people including young and old have enjoyed a range of films from Hollywood blockbusters through to classics and independent cinema treats. By adding a second screen, ActOne can further grow and have more variety on offer to the community as well as further securing the future of the cinema.
Another director of Acton Arts Project, James Lewis, added to the voice of thanks. He said on twitter: “The other directors and I were completely blown away by the surge in donations yesterday – testament to a wonderful local community that has built this cinema and is invested in its (very bright) future. Onwards!
According to ActOne having the second screen, which was always part of its plans, will help secure its future. It said: “A second screen will broaden our community appeal while ensuring our financial viability, and will fulfil our original plan to build a cinema with two screens.”
It added: “We want to provide a best-in-class cinematic experience for our customers, with a wider range of films and events on offer – including but not limited to: exhibiting the work of local filmmakers, more independent films and festivals, and even comedy and music events.
