Arc Cinema shining a light on arthouse and independent films
A Cork city cinema has announced the official launch of a newly refurbished auditorium to be named in honour of the building’s legacy.
The Arc Cinema on North Main Street officially unveiled its new boutique cinema style Gate Screen at a launch event last week.
The launch was attended by Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle and marked the world premiere of ‘Wishes of The Blue Girl’, directed by Ryan A Conaill.
The elegant auditorium features luxurious double sofa seats and tables, creating an intimate and sophisticated viewing experience.
It is dedicated to showcasing arthouse films, including independent and local productions, as well as foreign and Irish language titles. Film festival titles will also be screened in Gate Screen.
Also being shown in the new screen will be select mainstream movies for a discerning audience such as the highly anticipated adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s ‘It Ends With Us’ on 9 August, and Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut ‘Blink Twice’ on 23 August.
Commenting on the new screen, Arc Cinema General Manager, Robert Corr, said it is like having an independent arthouse cinema nestled within the modern mainstream complex.
“We're delighted to provide our patrons with a distinctive and sophisticated cinematic experience that caters to fans of arthouse and independent films,” he said.
Assistant Manager Aoibhin Gallagher added: “It’s the second of our auditoriums to get its own personality. For example, Screen 1 is our ‘HYPERSENSE’ screen with a gigantic curved screen, immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound, and luxury recliner seats. We really can cater to all tastes.”
Last week’s launch event, co-organised by Una Feely, co-founder of the IndieCork Film Festival, featured a panel discussion with director Ryan A Conaill following the world premiere of ‘Wishes of The Blue Girl’, which was shot in Cork city centre.
The event highlighted the cinema's commitment to supporting local filmmaking talent and offering a platform for unique cinematic voices.