FAQs

Why have you launched a campaign?

The Ultimate Picture Palace is at risk because our landlord will not commit to its future as a community owned cinema in the building which was built for it in 1911. 


What’s the story of the cinema?

We are one of the oldest independent cinemas in the country, and the only one which is community-owned, with over 1,200 shareholders. The UPP has a rich history, an important role in the story of cinema and current day audiences which are bucking national trends for ticket sales.

Though we’re a single screen cinema, our programme is incredibly diverse, from blockbusters to foreign language, independent and kids’ films. It is the only cinema in Oxford with a 35mm projector - keeping heritage skills alive. It also has a broader social mission involving a wide range of partner organisations, including a local refugee charity, a young women’s music project, arts centres and schools.

The cinema is run by a small but passionate team of staff and volunteers.

What is the aim of the campaign?

The aim of the campaign is to save the cinema by convincing our landlord – Oriel College (one of the Oxford University colleges) - to give us a long-term lease so we can stay where we belong.

When does your lease expire?

Our lease expires in 2037. One of the reasons Oriel say they won’t extend the lease is because it still has 11 years to run. But we’ve explained that we need the lease extension in order to get funding to do some essential upgrades, like making it more accessible and energy efficient. To make it worth their investment, funders have told us they require us to have a long lease.

Why won’t Oriel give you a long-term lease?

Oriel have plans to redevelop parts of this area of East Oxford in order to provide more student accommodation. The cinema building is within the footprint of those plans.

Are Oriel planning to knock the cinema down?

No. The building is Grade II listed and has additional protection from having been recently designated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by the Council. Oriel could redevelop and re-purpose the interior of the building if they chose to.

At one point they suggested we could take the façade with us to a new building, but this hasn’t been mentioned for quite some time, and in any case the Grade II listing means it would not be permissible, even if it was practically do-able.

Oriel made a number of public objections to our successful bid for ACV status, which made it clear that Oriel is considering redeveloping the UPP part of the land and buildings they own in that area.

What have you done so far to try and persuade them to extend your lease?

We have been negotiating with Oriel for over 18 months. At times it’s felt like we’re making progress, but Oriel believes we leaked a negative story in the press about them last year, and since then things have gone cold. We did not leak the story.  They have told us they will not extend our lease, but that this is ‘…a decision for now.’ So we’re hopeful the door is still open.

What are the key things to know about the campaign?

The campaign will be passionate and determined, but it will also be respectful. However upset and angry we are about the situation we’re in, we have absolutely nothing to gain from being aggressive.

The goal is to build a huge coalition of support for the UPP. Not just those who come regularly, but also those who’ve never been but love cinema or heritage buildings, and those who feel strongly about the importance of community and connection. We will embrace people and organisations across Oxford, but also way beyond, including all the way to Hollywood, where there are actors and directors with a connection to the UPP.

The campaign will continue as long as it’s needed.

How can I get involved?

Everything you need is here on the Get Involved page.

Please sign the petition on change.org!

(Some people have reported problems signing the petition. This is a useful page and should help you add your name: Troubleshooting signing errors.)

You can print posters at home, pick them up from the box office or from one of our lovely supportive local businesses. Please put them up at home, in community centres, at work…anywhere you’re allowed to!

We’re building a Campaign Action Group, which will meet regularly to review progress and plan actions. If you’d like to be part of it, please email campaign@uppcinema.com.

If you have questions or ideas, please use the email above to get in touch.