Anfield People’s Cinema

Last year our Neighbourhood as Incubator programme brought local Anfield and Everton residents together to talk about, explore and act on ideas that could make a real difference to the community. One of these ideas, seeded in a Cosy Homes Club session and brought to the programme by Josh and Anthony, seeks to tackle social isolation and provide accessible cultural events in our neighbourhood.

Josh and Anthony are establishing Anfield People’s Cinema. As a community-based cinema “programmed by the people”, their aim is to create quality things to do in Anfield, whilst also addressing social isolation through their communal and social events. Tickets are offered on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, and include a free hot meal at every screening.

As with other participants, they were drawn to the Neighbourhood as Incubator programme as it was based in Anfield, and aimed at specifically supporting projects in the local community. Being a part of NAI meant being part of a new local network: “The network’s really important as well as being able to share frustrations and share support. And they’re also an audience (for the cinema screenings)!”

Josh and Anthony felt that participants were given the space to develop at their own pace, and in their own direction. A key benefit for Josh was the mentor match. The duo were partnered with David McTague, Director at One Fell Swoop, who has over 20 years experience developing cultural events across the city. Josh explained how helpful it was: “... being able to be questioned about your project in a safe environment. He’s also someone who’s really well connected in the city. His connections, his networks. These have been really good.”

Connections, inspirations and networks gained through NAI are what Josh and Anthony will take forward from the programme. Their vision is that Anfield People’s Cinema becomes and established business that can offer local employment opportunities, but in the meantime, it is already providing a quality offer within Anfield that brings people together.

For more information and upcoming screenings, check out what Anfield People’s Cinema are up to on Instagram and Facebook.