Famous faces have been lamenting the closure of two independent Scots cinemas and the possible end of the world's oldest continuously running film festival after the charity behind them called in the administrators.
The Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) runs the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) as well as the Edinburgh Filmhouse and the Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen. It has entered administration after facing what it called a "perfect storm of sharply rising costs, in particular energy costs."
Bosses say they have seen trade at cinemas fall following the Covid pandemic and as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Both cinemas were closed with immediate effect on Thursday because CMI said it could not support annual energy bills in excess of £200,000 and a 57% drop in audiences.
The closure of the cinemas and the potential end of the festival was met with dismay by stars both local and further afield, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment at the decision.
Rebus author Ian Rankin said: "Really grim news about The Filmhouse. Been going there since I was in my teens. First film: Eraserhead." Taggart and River City actor Colin McCredie branded the sudden closures "unbelievable."
Greg McHugh, known best among Scots as the titular star of Gary: Tank Commander, said: "When I was 19, volunteering at the EIFF blew my mind, the perk of volunteering was getting to see all the films for free. Met amazing people, helped me on my way… So sad to read about this iconic place @Filmhouse and the festival."
Edgar Wright, director of hit films such as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, tweeted: "The @edfilmfest was the first festival to ever show a film of mine and I have had so much support and great screenings with the amazing @Filmhouse cinemas since, so this is a terrible blow. My heart goes out to those who love film and have lost jobs. Hoping for a resolution soon."
Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson said he would be working with the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland to "explore potential solutions". North East MSP Tess White said of the Belmont: "This was the only independent picture house in Aberdeen and held a special place in the hearts of so many."
Nicola Sturgeon said her Government will do all it can to support the "important cultural organisations". Addressing the announcement from CMI during First Minister's Questions on Thursday, she said the closures are of "huge concern" and will leave many "profoundly upset".
The Edinburgh International Film Festival was established in 1947, making it the world's oldest continually running film festival. Over the years, stars including Clint Eastwood, Sir Sean Connery, John Huston, Gene Kelly, Jennifer Lawrence, Tilda Swinton, Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, David Cronenberg and Cate Blanchett have attended its events.
The festival has also screened a host of UK premieres, including movies such as Blade Runner, Alien, Back To The Future, Taxi Driver, Annie Hall, Withnail & I, The Usual Suspects, Amelie and The Hurt Locker.
In a statement, the CMI board said: "We have been proud to have led the CMI through incredibly challenging times, and in particular during the worst days of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the combination of sharply increasing energy and other costs, together with both the lasting impacts of the pandemic and the rapidly emerging cost-of-living crisis affecting cinema attendances, means that we have had no other option but to appoint administrators at this time.
"We would like to put on record our immense gratitude to the entire staff team whose passion for film as an artform and for the audiences and communities we work with and serve has remained undented by the challenges of recent years. We're fully aware that this will be an exceptionally stressful time for them."
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