The idea
The Rio is aiming to raise £150,000. With this we want to create a second screen with around 30 seats in our basement, to give our audiences more choice, enable more film festivals and community events and generate revenue from private hires. The outside of the building currently looks shabby and tired. We want to undertake some much needed renovation work, to restore this important architectural landmark in Hackney.
What we'll deliver
- Build a second screen in the Rio's basement with state of the art technology and comfortable seats
- Renovate, repair and restore the Grade 2 listed exterior
Why it's a great idea
The Rio is one of the oldest cinemas in London and a Hackney institution. By making these improvements we can protect the building for future generations, offer a more diverse programme and make the business more sustainable. We will transform our underused basement into a space that the whole community can enjoy. This will allow the Rio to invest more into community projects, better maintain the building and pay its staff better.
Steps to get it done
- Order the screen, sound and projection equipment (August 2017)
- Build and install screen two in our basement (September 2017 )
- Soft launch of screen two in time for Blade Runner 2049 (October 2017)
- Scaffold, paint and replace damaged plaster work on the exterior (October 2017)
- New signage, poster boxes and metalwork (November 2017)
The Rio is one of the only truly independent, community focused cinemas in London. By donating towards RIOgeneration you will be helping to protect this important community asset that has been entertaining audiences, young and old for over 100 years.
For every donation of £25 or more we will give you two free tickets and popcorn for a future screening.
