First public screening at refurbished cinema | The University of Sunderland

Published on 17, January, 2025

Rows of seats infront of cinema screen — The newly refurbished cinema on the University of Sunderland's St Peter’s Campus

The University of Sunderland’s newly refurbished cinema is to screen its first film to the public this month.

Audiences will be able to watch Napoleonic war epic The Duellists (1977), directed by Ridley Scott and produced by the University’s former Chancellor Lord David Puttnam, on Monday 27 January, 7pm to 9pm.

The film, which kicks off Ridley Scott Season, is being shown as part of the Film Hub North screening programme.

The University has received funding from Film Hub North as part of their Spotlight Sunderland campaign. This will support a series of public screenings at the relaunched venue to celebrate independent cinema, north-east filmmakers, and the wider region.

Huttson Lo, Partnership Manager at Film Hub North, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the University of Sunderland to offer a new cinematic experience to the people of Sunderland, and to highlight the breadth and depth of north-east filmmaking, past, present and future.

“We look forward to helping the University to build audiences and to nurture future film talents through inspiring programming and innovative screen content.”

Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University of Sunderland, said: “Our new screening programme is an opportunity to demystify independent cinema and introduce audiences to brilliant films that may not be on their watchlist – as well as some more familiar titles.

“Sometimes people think of independent films as inaccessible and ‘not for them’, but with the help of Film Hub North, we have a brilliant line up of movies people will love.

“We hope people come along and discover our wonderful cinema and fantastic films.”

The venue on the University’s St Peter’s Campus was damaged beyond use due to Storm Arwen in 2021, but now a £1.3m investment means it is back in action once again.

The cinema, which has been completely refurbished and upgraded, boasts 120 seats, is fitted with a top of the range laser projector and a Dolby Atmos sound system.

Screenings are open to the public and are free, though cinemagoers are encouraged to make a donation to support future screenings.

Reserve your seat at the screening of The Duellists here.