Why it matters: The celebrations highlight King Street Cinema's rich heritage while drawing attention to the financial challenges facing independent cinemas nationwide since the pandemic.
Dan Champion, who shares his 50th year with both Jaws and King Street Cinema, is inviting film lovers to join the opening night festivities at 18:00 on Friday.
The details: Friday's screening will feature free popcorn for King Street Cinema members, Jaws-themed birthday cake for all audience members on a first-come-first-served basis, and limited-edition Shark Bite cocktails available at the newly opened Overlook Bar.
"It's not every day you get to celebrate turning 50 alongside your all-time favourite film, and the cinema you love," Dan said. "King Street has always been a home for bold storytelling, and Jaws is the perfect way to mark the occasion."
Saturday, 30 August, will feature a second anniversary screening, with both cinema screens available for hire for corporate and consumer events.
The bigger picture: The event forms part of King Street Cinema's '50 Years in the Making' initiative, honouring half a century of independent cinema in Ipswich whilst galvanising support for its future.
Despite the celebratory milestone, Dan revealed the cinema has faced steep rises in operational costs and declining audience numbers since the pandemic, challenges shared by independent cinemas nationwide.
"Keeping the cinema alive for the next 50 years rests on a renewed swell of community support," he continued. "We'd love to see as many faces as possible come through the doors at our special screenings."
For context: King Street Cinema was launched in 1975 by Ipswich Borough Council as part of the BFI's programme to establish local hubs for cultural cinema. The venue has spent five decades championing independent film, with diverse programming including foreign language, British and American cinema.
The bottom line: Tickets cost £10.50 (£9.50 for members, children, seniors and students) and are available at kingstreetcinema.co.uk, with volunteer opportunities also available for those wanting to support the cinema's future.
